Studio trainer Jen Peters leading a Pilates Instructor Training session

What Makes a Great Pilates Instructor Training Program?

Pilates has gained significant traction in recent years, becoming a sought-after discipline for everyone from fitness enthusiasts to wellness professionals. With its focus on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, Pilates complements various fitness regimens, adding an impactful movement system into your professional fitness repertoire. As the demand for qualified Pilates instructors rises, Pilates lovers, fitness professionals, personal trainers, and yoga instructors, looking to expand their skill set are signing up for Pilates Instructor Training Programs.

Selecting the right instructor training program is important to ensure that aspiring instructors can offer safe, effective, and engaging Pilates sessions and classes. With so many options available, finding a training program that aligns with individual goals is key for achieving success in this rewarding field.

What to Consider in a Pilates Training Program

Experienced Instructors

When choosing a Pilates training program, consider the expertise of the instructors offering the program. Learning from seasoned professionals with years of experience and diverse backgrounds in Pilates ensures that students receive a well-rounded education. Experienced instructors bring a wealth of practical knowledge and real-world insights, enriching the learning experience with varied techniques and approaches not found in textbooks.

Their guidance and mentorship can help students begin to learn about the nuances of effective cueing strategies and offer personalized, real-time feedback. By learning from experts, students will be equipped to handle a wide range of client scenarios.

MOVE Wellness in Ann Arbor has a team of experienced instructors ready to help you on your way to becoming a Pilates instructor. Our instructor training team has extensive training in Pilates, and have professional degrees in kinesiology, movement science, and dance plus training in other complementary movement modalities such as GYROTONIC® exercise, Barre, and wellness coaching.

Pilates Certification and Accreditation

At this time the only accredited national certification for Pilates teachers is through the National Pilates Certification Program. To be eligible for this certification, trainees must have received a certificate of completion in a comprehensive training program that provides at least 450 hours of coursework and covers all the concepts outlined by the NPCP including history and principles of Pilates, anatomy, training clients with injuries and teaching special populations.

There are other programs that provide certifications but the NPCP is the only accredited certification in the US. The NPCP provides the following information to clarify the term accreditation:

“Accreditation allows certification programs to demonstrate to the profession it represents and to the general public that the program has met stringent standards set by the credentialing profession. Accreditation further enhances a certification program’s credibility and legitimacy by providing impartial, third party oversight of a detailed conformity assessment system. It shows a commitment to quality assurance and continuous quality enhancement for a certification program.” (cite)

National accredited certification through the NPCP will demonstrate a commitment to maintaining high professional standards and continuing education, plus will assist trainers in finding a job as a Pilates instructor wherever they live and teach.

Comprehensive Curriculum

A comprehensive Pilates training program should encompass several areas to ensure a well-rounded education. This includes training on the Pilates Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.

Key areas of knowledge include:

Anatomy – which provides a fundamental understanding of the human body’s structure and function
Biomechanics – which explores the principles of movement for teaching safe and effective exercise
Teaching Techniques – which equips aspiring instructors with the skills needed to engage and cue students.

Furthermore, look for a curriculum that incorporates both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Theoretical knowledge provides the necessary foundation, while practical experience allows students to apply this knowledge in real-world teaching scenarios, honing their skills and building confidence in their instructional abilities. Remember, a comprehensive curriculum will give you a wide range of tools and equipment to use with clients.

Supportive Learning Environment

A positive and encouraging community creates an atmosphere where students feel motivated and comfortable to explore and refine their skills. Within such an environment, trainees can share experiences, learn collaboratively, and exchange valuable feedback, all of which contribute to personal and professional growth.

Opportunities for mentorship further enhance the training program experience. Seasoned instructors can provide guidance, share industry insights, and assist with personal career development. This can help open pathways to new opportunities but also ensures that students remain connected and growing throughout their training journey.

MOVE offers an apprenticeship program to trainees, allowing them to teach clients in private sessions and classes at MOVE, all while receiving mentorship from a senior trainer.

Flexibility and Accessibility

Pilates training programs should offer flexibility and accessibility to meet the needs of aspiring instructors. Additionally, flexible scheduling accommodates different learning paces and lifestyles, allowing students to balance their training with other personal or professional commitments.

By offering a well-paced training schedule, programs can effectively support a wide array of needs of trainees, promoting an inclusive and accessible learning environment.

Why MOVE Wellness in Ann Arbor is the Right Choice

Expert Instructors

MOVE Wellness boasts a team of expert instructors with extensive experience and expertise in Pilates. Each trainer brings a unique blend of skills and a deep understanding of Pilates principles, ensuring that students receive top-quality instruction.

The training team at MOVE Wellness comprises seasoned professionals who have dedicated years to perfecting their craft, steeped in both practical and theoretical Pilates knowledge. This exceptional level of expertise not only enriches the learning experience for students but also provides them with invaluable mentorship and insights that empower them to become skilled and confident Pilates instructors.

Quality Instructor Training and Reputation

The MOVE program prepares trainees to sit for the NPCP exam, which provides the accredited national certification that will assist them in obtaining a role at a studio or fitness facility and will demonstrate to employers a high degree of knowledge in Pilates. The MOVE comprehensive Instructor Training Program includes practical and written exams in the complete repertoire, history and principles of Pilates, anatomy, injuries and special populations. Upon completion of the MOVE Instructor Training Program, trainees will receive a certificate of completion from MOVE and be prepared to sit for the national exam with the NPCP.

Overall, MOVE program material has been specifically developed and designed to provide the necessary information needed to pass the NPCP exam, plus provide additional experiential and evidence-based training of human movement and anatomy. Practice teaching, observation and personal practice along with mentorship by MOVE Instructor Trainers ensure that trainees are confident and competent in their teaching upon completion of the program.

The MOVE Instructor Trainer Team is dedicated to supporting trainees in their journey to becoming successful Pilates teachers. MOVE Instructor Trainers are NPCP-certified and seasoned professionals with advanced training in Pilates and other movement modalities.

Comprehensive Program Offerings

MOVE Wellness offers a comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training Program (3 modules total) tailored to meet the educational needs of all aspiring instructors. Students can take the courses a la carte if needed, although it is suggested to do the comprehensive program.

The MOVE Program includes foundational modules that cover essential Pilates principles, as well as advanced workshops into specialized topics such as injury rehabilitation and athletic performance.

Plus, MOVE provides opportunities for continuing education, enabling instructors to refine their skills and broaden their expertise. These varied offerings ensure that students can pursue their individual interests and career goals, receiving a well-rounded and in-depth education that equips them with the tools needed to excel in the dynamic field of Pilates.

Community and Support

Aspiring instructors at MOVE have the chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement. This supportive environment helps build lasting relationships that extend beyond the training period.

Participation in community events, workshops, and group activities further strengthens these bonds, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of innovative ideas. As a result, students find themselves part of a vibrant network that not only enhances their educational experience but also supports their journey in the Pilates profession.

Flexible Learning Options

MOVE Wellness acknowledges the importance of providing flexible learning options to accommodate the varied needs of their students. MOVE schedules the pacing to allow students to assimilate the material properly, and places the programs on weekends to accommodate those with standard 9-5 working hours.

What to Look For in a Pilates Training Program – Final Thoughts

When selecting a Pilates training program, consider several key factors such as accreditation, instructor expertise, comprehensive program offerings, and community support.

MOVE is an exceptional choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in Pilates. Students will receive high-quality education, guided by expert instructors who bring a wealth of experience and knowledge.

With a full comprehensive training program available, students can tailor their learning path to align with their personal and professional goals. The vibrant community at MOVE Wellness provides a supportive network and invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration.

Looking to get started with a Pilates training program? Click here to see program dates, learn important details, and to download our free program guide. Hope to see you on the mat!

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