Best Pilates Certification Programs
Choosing The Best Pilates Certification Program
If you've decided to become a Certified Pilates Teacher, you're probably spinning your head over how many studios are out there that offer a "Pilates Certification Program. The truth is that since Pilates is not a regulated industry, Pilates Teacher Programs that offer a Certification are very different. Also, remember that your Pilates Certification, (the certificate you receive after completing the Program), is only as good as the education you receive.But before you decide on a Program, here are the things you really need do and know when considering a Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program.
What kind of Pilates Teacher do you want to be?
The more highly educated studios for Pilates Teacher Training like Gramercy Pilates NYC offer many hours of specialized lecture sections on Anatomy, Biomechanics and Clients with Medical Conditions as well as supervised teaching hours where their Teacher Trainers will personally supervise students practice teaching. You'll also learn the Classical Pilates work as well as Contemporary modifications.Graduating from this type of Program can elevate you to an Expert Pilates Teacher status.
Some Pilates studios like Core Pilates and Power Pilates offer Classical Pilates teacher training with a primary focus on teaching exercises. They do not offer specialized lectures on Anatomy nor do they offer supervised teaching.
Programs that come from gyms like Equinox also offer teacher training but too much of the focus in the program is on how to sell their club members on doing Pilates.
The Cost to Become a Fully Certified Pilates Teacher
To become a fully certified teacher you'll need to complete a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program that includes both Mat and full Apparatus Training.
On average, the total tuition for a good Comprehensive Program will range between $5,000 to $8,000. The Equipment Comprehensive will be the much greater portion of the tuition, (between $4,000 and $6,000) and Mat less expensive.
With regard to Mat Programs, they can range from as little as $500 to $2,000.
The best Mat Programs are those that teach their Anatomy and Biomechanics in the Mat Program before they teach the exercises so you can fully understand how and why Pilates really works. While they will be more expensive, it will be well worth it because it offers a great foundation before learning the exercises which also will help you in the Apparatus Program
Also, be careful of hidden costs such as having to purchase private sessions or classes as a prerequisite to taking the Program.
Meet the Pilates Teacher Training Program Director
Meeting the Program Director will go a long way in you feeling good about what you're about to commit to. Also, review the Program Directors bio which should be listed on the studios website.
Review the Curriculum in the Program Manual
When you meet with the Program Director, make sure that you review the entire Program curriculum so you know exactly what you will be learning. Every Program is different so this is very important!
Review the Program's Policy Catalog.(Transparency is critical!)
Every studio that has a Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program should have a catalog that lists all of its policies.Tuition costs, cancellation policies, use of studio, testing, assessments and how long you may have to finish the Program should also be clearly indicated.
Following these steps will insure that you pick the Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program that’s right for you!
