The Pilates exercise system was created by German-born Joseph H. Pilates in the 1920s. His desire to strengthen his body and improve his physical fitness stemmed from a sickly childhood. Pilates used his background in yoga, Zen meditation and martial arts, along with his experience in diving, boxing and gymnastics to create a series of movements that works the mind as well as the muscles. Instructor certification programs are now available around the world based on his methods.
The Method Pilates Certification
The Physical Mind Institute offers various certifications under The Method Pilates Certification Program. The first is called Evolution 101 and is a two day workshop that costs $400. In this course you are taught 27 fundamental mat, standing and circular pilates moves. After this introductory course you may take Evolution 201 and Evolution 301 for more advanced matwork. You can continue with the Concentration courses to learn different apparatus and equipment. These courses are spread over a 10 week period and cost $2,760.
Stott Pilates
Stott Pilates offers a variety of certifications based on your education and experience within the health and fitness industry. Their Intensive programs are designed for those that have experience in the fitness industry while their Comprehensive program is for those with a less formal fitness background. You can do mat, Reformer or other apparatus training. In Toronto, where the main base of operations is located, the cost starts at $1,050 for Intensive Mat and goes up to $3,650 for all three Intensive Programs. At a host facility the starting cost is approximately $6,300. Training is approximately 95 hours for Mat alone over three weekends or two full-time weeks.
Power Pilates
Power Pilates teaches courses around the world and prepares their candidates to take certification through the Pilates Method Alliance, which is a not-for-profit, professional and certifying agency. The Beginner Mat Course for Power Pilates is approximately 16 hours of training spread over three days and the cost starts at $500. Their Comprehensive program teaches the different apparatus used in Pilates and is spread over four weekends, one each month for four consecutive months. The cost for this program is $4,995.
Considerations
Before committing to any program speak with a certified Pilates professional. Ask them their opinion on different certifications and why they chose a specific organization. Also consider your education in general health and fitness as well as Pilates background and see if it meets the requirements of different organizations. Lastly take into account the cost and time commitment necessary to become Pilates certified.
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