Looking
for a Pilates Teacher?
If you cannot find a teacher in your area at www.pmapilatescertified.com, you may find the following information useful in your
search for a qualified Pilates instructor. Please keep checking back
on our web site for regular updates and new information.
Pilates
is a full-body system of specific sequenced exercises performed
on the mat and specially designed equipment. The method is centered
around the concepts of awareness, balance, breath, centering, concentration,
control, flowing movement, and precision. The principle of Pilates
is to uniformly develop the body and mind. For best results,
Pilates should be practiced 2-3 times weekly in approximately one-hour-long
sessions. Pilates may be practiced in a group or private setting,
based on the individual's needs financially and physically. Price
ranges vary approximately $10-$15 for a group mat session, to upwards
of $64-$75 for one hour of private instruction. Pilates could be
performed at home, but proper instruction and quality equipment
are essential to its success.
The
Pilates method is an exercise/movement technique which trains practitioners
to integrate the use of mind and body during the performance of
its exercises. Through this integration, Pilates creates positive
overall physical benefits. Thorough training of Pilates teachers/instructors
is necessary to maintain the quality and safety of Pilates method
practitioners.
The
PMA® recommends that anyone wishing to teach the Pilates method:
- Participate
in a Pilates exercise program prior to attending a teacher training
program.
- Attend
a comprehensive training program, and maintain a commitment to
education.
The following are general guidelines, questions, and information
you can use to help search for a qualified Pilates teacher:
- Are the instructors trained through a comprehensive training
program?
- Did that training program require a written and practical test,
lecture, observation, practice and apprentice hours?
- How many total hours were spent in the training program? (The
Pilates Method is a knowledge based method of exercise and training.
Time spent in certification training produces qualified teachers.)
- Does the instructor have any other movement related teaching
experience.
- How long have the instructors been teaching Pilates?
- What is the instructor's/ studio's philosophy and specialty?
Are they able to handle special needs, injuries and rehabilitation?
- Does the instructor or studio teach the full repertoire of Pilates
on all pieces of apparatus?
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