“You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”
-Benjamin Mee, We Bought A Zoo
Cue the dramatics.
Not to be self-indulgent (who am I kidding, this is a blog about my life), but I made a decision the other day. A big one. A decision that I’m extremely excited for.
I decided to go for my Pilates Teaching Certification.
It was a big decision to make (and I know it will take up a lot of time, but ultimately health, nutrition and fitness are my passions, and I wanted to take the first step into making it happen.
Pilates truly changed everything for me – even more so than running. It transformed my body, my mind, and it makes me feel strong every time I take a class. I’d never actually incorporated any type of strength training or toning into my workouts (aside from a 6-month yoga binge in which I convinced myself 90 minutes of yoga was equivalent to running for 90 minutes- the pants fit great that summer, believe me) and once I did, I’ve never felt better.
I look forward to the 3 classes I take per week, and when it’s time to stretch, I always find myself wishing the class were longer. I’m obsessed with having perfect form, and using the correct muscle groups in each exercise, and finding out how everything is connected to everything else in there. So… enter teaching training.
How It Works
The class itself includes lectures twice a week (6 hours total per week), and meets for 15 weeks. We then have 6 months to complete the hours of practical apprenticeship, practice teaching, self integration, etc.
Luckily the classes are on week nights and weekend mornings, so it doesn’t interfere with my job, and the instructor has assured me that people with full-time jobs can certainly balance both.
This all-inclusive 450+ hour course includes:
- Pilates Mat Repertoire
- Universal Reformer
- Cadillac/Trapeze Table
- Wunda/Combo Chair
- Fundamental Pilates philosophy
- Client assessment and alignment protocol
- Anatomy, terminology and biomechanics taught in an interactive environment
- Small apparatus skills: jump board, magic circle, rotating discs, balance/wobble board, foam rollers, thera bands/balls
- Creative training and programming skills for any level of proficiency
- Verbal and tactile cueing skills
- Attitude, confidence and composure of a professional instructor
- Studio etiquette and equipment safety
- Ethics and scope of practice
- Understanding specific injuries/dysfunctions and special circumstances
What It Is
An extremely comprehensive program, and extremely in-depth – and I wouldn’t have it any other way. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to do this right, and come out of it the best teacher I can possibly be.
Assessment Based Certificate/Diploma issued upon completing all course requirements including, but not limited to:
• 120 hours of Classroom Experience with a Master Trainer – Provided
• 75 hours of Observation/Apprenticeship of qualified instructor
• 100 hours of Practice Teaching/Charting with classmates/family/friends etc. (who wants in?)
• 40 hours of Self Integration (additional Pilates private/semi private or mat class experience with qualified instructor) I’m credited this due to the last 6 mos of 3-4x weekly classes.
• 45 hours Client Assessment and Programming Project – assignment
• 25 hours of an Anatomy Thesis Project – assignment
• 15 hours Pilates Professional Video/DVD Observation
• Passing scores on tests, practical exams and projects
The End Result?
Start teaching evening/weekend Pilates classes once I’m fully “graduated” and certified!
I’ve given this a lot of thought, researched programs, consulted a 30-year Pilates vet on her opinion (her answer: this was the best program she’s seen), and talked in great detail and length with boyfriend and my family. I want to teach Pilates, and I want to help people change and understand their bodies, their frame of mind, and their lives, and be the healthiest, and the fittest they can be.
And I can’t wait to get started!
