Program Description

The goal of the program is to train teachers who understand the history and philosophy of Joseph Pilates, the full spectrum of exercises in the Pilates system, and who are able to interpret and apply the work for individual clients and group classes at all levels of ability.

The work is presented as it was designed: as a full system -- a complete body of work consisting of highly interrelated components. There is no separate mat, apparatus piece or single level training in this program.

The program is grounded in the principles and exercises developed by Joseph Pilates and covers mat work as well as all apparatus pieces, including the Universal Reformer, Cadillac, High and Low Chairs, Barrels, Spine Corrector, Ped-o-Pul, Foot Corrector, Magic Circles and Bean Bag. The concepts of layering (based on work at The Pilates Center of Boulder) as well as non-Pilates accessory exercises and non-traditional accessory pieces are also presented. Modifications, variations, modern interpretations and safety precautions are presented throughout the entire program. Eye-training, verbal skills, flow and pacing are addressed, as is appropriate design of an individual lesson and a complete program. Basic anatomy, pathology and an extensive overview of special situations are included in the course material, with corresponding manuals for each.

The emphasis throughout the entire program is on learning the thought process that will enable a teacher to make educated decisions about program and lesson design. It is also geared toward each teacher becoming an educator, able to assist clients in how to think about movement and function, not only in Pilates sessions but in daily life.

The program consists of 650 hours including lecture, observation, practice teaching, personal practice and weekly seminars (See Requirements Section for details). Observation and practice teaching are crucial components to the success of the program. Only by experiencing hands-on work with clients in a supervised situation can a trainee become sufficiently practiced to assume future responsibility for their own clients. Students are required to provide their own trial clients to begin practice teaching. In-studio supervision is provided and logs of hours are kept and turned in regularly.

Length of the program is one year, with extensions available at an additional fee per cycle if needed. This is an intensive, self-propelled program, requiring on-going commitment and dedication to the process of learning to teach Pilates. Regular lessons and classes are a necessity throughout the entire program.

The standards are high and acceptance into the program does not guarantee successful completion. In order to achieve successful completion of the program each trainee must have a completed and validated log of the required hours (see Requirements Section) and must pass all required exams with a score of 80% or more. The exams include: 1) a two-part written exam on application of Pilates theory and anatomy, 2) practical tests of teaching ability, including teaching a mat class, a private high-end lesson and a new start lesson and 3) a personal performance test. The cost of the exams is included in the program tuition.

You will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the program as opposed to a “Certification”. A Certificate of Completion backed by the enviable reputation of Balance Within is more than sufficient for most teaching situations. For graduates interested in national certification, The Pilates Method Alliance (pilatesmethodalliance.org) offers an exam for a nationally recognized certification, based on completion of a comprehensive training program such as that offered by Balance Within.