Pilates is a physical fitness system develop by Joseph Pilates in 20th century. Pilates is popular in Germany, UK, USA and other nations around the world. Pilates aims to equip advocates and practitioners with a strong core, high levels of flexibility and muscle strength in the legs, abdominal region, hips, arms and back. Pilates teacher and Pilates instructor training courses allow students and graduates to learn and understand the key principles of Pilates, including concentration, control, centering, efficiency of movement, precision and breathing.
Who is a Pilates Instructor course aimed at?
Typically students need to have some experience of participating in Pilates classes and workouts and fitness industry experience as a gym instructor, fitness instructor or group exercise instructor (REPs Level 2 or above). However even then potential students should research the history of Pilates, its origins and its philosophy to see whether becoming a Pilates instructor is indeed for them because any shift in career can be time consuming, expensive and life changing.
Pilates Instructor course content
The Pilates Technique or Pilates Method comes in two very distinct forms, Pilates matwork and the Pilates Equipment element - the use of Pilates Barrels, Pilates Chair and the Pilates Reformer, equipment that further develops, strength flexibility, core strength and posture. in the UK at the moment the national standard in Pilates applies to matwork only.
In Pilates there are a number of recognised and highly regarded training companies, Body Control Association, SCOTT Pilates and APPI (Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute). Other training providers including YMCA Fit and Hanson Pilates also offer a wide variety of Pilates Instructor courses. Which ever Pilates training course you choose to study, the components of each should be similar and include:
- The key principles of Pilates
- Delivering Pilates
- Programming Pilates
- Pilates matwork
- Anatomy and physiology
- Principles of fitness and exercise
- Health and safety within Pilates classes
- Supporting clients who take part in Pilates
Graduating the Pilates Instructor course
After graduating a recognised Pilates Instructor or Pilates Teacher training course participants will be able to teach Pilates within health clubs, fitness centres, leisure centres and specialised Pilates facilities in the UK and all over the world. Graduates will also be recognised by the UK Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) as a Level 3 fitness professional.
Once accredited by REPs Pilates instructors and teachers will be expected to show a level of continual personal development (CPD) by undertaking further Pilates instructor workshops and fitness courses every 2 years in order to stay up to date with the latest teaching techniques anf knowledge within Pilates and exercise.
For more training courses and to find out more details about becoming a qualified Pilates instructor with the UK's leading Pilates course providers.
