Is Pilates Certification Right for You?
Are you considering a career as a Pilates Instructor? Here are somethings you might want to consider when selecting a program that is right for you.
Do you Have a Background with Pilates?
Over the years I have seen many clients of Pilates make the transition from client to instructor. Most people fall in love with how the movement feels and what it has done for them personally. Others have come to Pilates while recovering from a serious injury or illness or while improving their health and physical well being. Whatever the reason, having some Pilates experience before beginning an Instructor program is important, but you don’t need to have experience in the dance, health, or physical fitness field. I have seen drug reps, accountants, school teachers, and full time parents make the career transition at many different points in their lives. You might just have to work a little harder on learning the anatomy.
Do you prefer Classical vs. Contemporary Pilates?
If you have been taking Pilates classes you probably have experience in one or both approaches to the technique. Before you pick a program it is a good idea to determine which methodology is best for you. If you don’t have as much experience with Pilates you might try taking classes in both methods before you decide. This will then help you narrow down which programs you would like to investigate. Not only do you need to consider which method feels the best to you but ultimately how you would like to teach.
How Long is the Certification Course?
Becoming a Pilates Instructor takes time. There is a lot to learn and there are numerous pieces of equipment on which to be trained. If your goal is to work in a studio setting then it is worth the time to go through a full training. Pilates is a complete system and the equipment are pieces to a puzzle that makes the work whole. In addition to class time there will be observation hours, practice hours, and practice teaching hours that you will be required to log, which will entail over 500 hours of work. If you are already a fitness instructor that wants to add a little variety to your repertoire, then a shorter course in the mat work might fit your needs.
Where is Certification Held and What Does it Cost?
Often there might not be a Pilates training program near your home. In addition to course fees, you should also consider how far you will need to travel and how often. Most programs have additional fees for exams and course material, so ask up front for a cost sheet that includes all required materials and fees in addition to course fees.
Do you Have Accessibility to Trainers?
Lastly, try to get a feel for how approachable and accessible the instructors are that teach the courses. See if you can get in touch with students that went through the course for their feedback. You will have questions even after the courses are over and it is invaluable to have instructors that become mentors to help answer those questions.
If you do decide on starting this journey it has a rewarding end. A career as a Pilates Instructor doesn’t just mean you get to work barefoot and in comfy clothes. You are often part of the reason why people feel better, move better and can live their lives more fully.