Pilates is a form of fitness training that delivers a world full of opportunities. It’s a global movement that encourages people to become stronger while pursuing their overall health goals.
It would be accurate to call Pilates a fitness discipline. That’s why instructors must complete a certification program before teaching others how to create more strength.
You’ll find several certificates are available if you’re interested in teaching Pilates today. Here are the best options to choose so that you can start this new career path.
List of the Best Pilates Certificates to Obtain
1. Mat Certifications
This certification offers a solid foundation for the classical mat work that Pilates offers. It prepares students on how to safely instruct students with their individual movements while successfully providing individual or group classes. Each school provides a different structure for this process, although one of the most popular formats is to use a three-tier system for beginners, intermediate learning, and advanced.
2. Comprehensive Certifications
When you pursue Pilates teacher training to obtain this certification, you’ll learn how to teach individual or group classes using the equipment while also gaining knowledge about classical mat work. It’s a well-rounded education that can let you operate your own studio when you file to start a business. Most programs require at least 500 hours of instruction and practice before you can test out of the program.
3. Bridge Certifications
Bridge courses in Pilates provide a condensed curriculum that allows a current instructor with certification through another nationally recognized organization or association to jump into a studio’s career pathway. Instead of learning everything from the beginning another time, you can get started with a quick review before getting onto the fast track to finish your Pilates teacher training online or at your preferred studio.
4. Specialty Certifications
When you become a certified Pilates instructor, you’ll find that some people have specific needs that require attention. For example, if someone is pregnant, the approach to take for their fitness is different than for someone who is not. You can also find specialty courses that deal with issues that range from obesity to osteoporosis. Since the goal is to help others become stronger and more flexible, you’ll learn how to adapt what you know to meet individualized needs.
5. Reformer Certifications
If you’re not quite ready to pursue a full Pilates equipment certification, this option provides more classes than becoming a mat teacher. You’ll learn more about biomechanics and anatomy while understanding how different movements work to increase strength. This option is often available online, although some studios provide something similar. It doesn’t usually take 500 hours or more to complete this curriculum, although you can expect a good studio or school to require at least 200 hours of training.
If you want to pursue a specialty certification, you’ll need to complete a comprehensive course first. That’s why Pilates teacher training online is a convenient option that helps you accomplish your goals if a studio isn’t nearby your home.