As private studios, health clubs, community centers and corporate centers add Pilates mat classes to their group exercise schedules, the demand for qualified instructors increases. Qualified, to most group exercise directors, usually means certified. While full Pilates instructor certification programs are expensive and require a significant time commitment, mat Pilates certification is less expensive and less time-consuming.
Choosing Mat Certifications
Some fitness facilities only hire mat instructors with certifications from specific organizations. If you are targeting a specific facility for employment, ask the group exercise director which certification she accepts. Personal preference also plays a key role. Some programs teach a traditional Pilates program, with little room for modification. Others take a more liberal approach by adding special warm-up exercises and small apparatus such as stability balls and foam rollers. Online and single-day programs may be inexpensive, but they only present a superficial overview of the Pilates method.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites differ according to the organization, but most training instructors suggest taking at least 16 hours of Pilates mat classes as a student. A basic knowledge of anatomy and kinesiology, which is the study of muscles and movement, helps you master the written exam. Some programs even offer a short, anatomy and kinesiology course.
Learning the Basics
Most Pilates mat certification programs begin with a brief history of Joseph Pilates, and an overview of the basic principles. These include concentration, control, precision, breathing, centering, fluid movement and conscious core or powerhouse activation. Some schools vary the principles, but stay within the theme. Instructors in training learn how to incorporate these principles with each of the basic exercises. The neutral pelvis and the Pilates breathing method are the most challenging aspects of this part of the certification process. Modern Pilates instructors teach students to maintain the small, natural curve at the base of the spine while lying in the supine position. The Pilates breathing method, which keeps the abdominal muscles contracted during inhalation, is also challenging, especially for instructors coming from a yoga background.
Assessment
The subtlety of the Pilates method requires instructors to display keen observation skills. Most certification programs therefore devote an entire session to postural assessment. Teachers begin by observing each others static posture from the front, back and side, and note any misalignment and muscular imbalances. Then, they observe how these issue manifest during the actual mat exercises, and learn visual and tactile cues, as well as special exercise modifications to correct common postural problems. This type of training may seem more suitable for private Pilates trainers, but certain postural problems often occur amongst people of similar professions. If you work in a corporate setting, for example, many of your students may have back or neck misalignment associated with sitting at a desk.
Passing the Exam
Most Pilates mat certification programs have a written and a practical exam. Some of the written exams are all multiple choice, while others include fill-ins and essays. Passing grades vary according to the organization, but 80 percent is typical. For the practical, trainers look for an understanding of the Pilates principles, meticulous form and clear cuing. Pilates involves fluid, continuous movement, so avoid holding exercises as a stretch, or calling them poses or postures. Some practical exams require you to teach another instructor, who is usually going for an advanced certification. The head trainer may tell him to purposefully perform the exercises incorrectly, or present you with injuries requiring modification. Be prepared.
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