In the UK, there are no formal guidelines for Pilates instructor training past a level 3 mat qualification which will vary dramatically from online courses to hands-on courses taught in comprehensive studios. For more comprehensive training in the entire method, including the use of other apparatus such as the reformer, Cadillac (tower unit), barrels, chairs, and more, the structure and content of the training will vary depending on the provider. including training on all other apparatus, (reformer, the cadillac (tower unit) , barrels, and chairs, etc)  training is completely based on the training provider. 

In other words, to teach pilates type exercise, very little training is needed and there are no regulations controlling what can be to what is taught and called Pilates.  As a result, weekend certifications are popping up onto the market daily.  Larger companies are creating their own definitions of what Pilates and establishing their own definitions for teacher training.  Pilates has literally become the wild west in terms of what you’ll will find in something labeled as both a Pilates class and a Pilates teacher training programme.

To teach the comprehensive method of Pilates in a comprehensive studio and to attain the results attributed to The Pilates Method over the past century, teachers need to have:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the full system of movements on all the apparatus. 

• Understanding of how to progress a client from pre-pilates through to advanced. 

• Awareness of the anatomy of the body and of the exercises.

• Practice in cuing clients both verbally and tactically.

• Discipline in teaching safely on the apparatus and for each client.

• Experience in observing how the system of Pilates is unique to each client.

• Concrete grasp of the system within their own body.  To teach you must be able to do.

Pilates Teacher Training providers should have:

• Transparency in their own training background, including the background of their training provider.

• Experience working with clients in a studio environment, not just providing training.

• Fully comprehensive training qualification in the entire system of Pilates, not just part of the system.

• Multiple teachers and locations to provide depth and accountability to their material.

• Opportunity for continuing education for teachers throughout their teaching career. 

Bottom line, a Pilates training course program is worth not just its weight, but also its cost.  Intro courses, modularised systems,  weekend intensives,  all with lower costs are designed to ultimately cost more without providing teachers a complete foundation and preparation to teach real clients.  While comprehensive training programs require more time and often cost more upfront, they provide teachers the depth, experience, and discipline to teach the full Method to anybody.

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