How do I become a Pilates Trainer Professional

One question that is very often by people interested in Pilates is ‘How do I become a Pilates Trainer Professional?’

Let us look at the processes that are required for a person who is interested in becoming a Pilates Trainer Professional

One of the greatest fitness regime, the past 50 years has seen the popularity of Pilates growing in leaps and bounds. Looking at the usefulness and resilience of Pilates, it would be wrong to deem it a style. Pilates is more likely here to stay. This is great news for those people who have chosen to make it their career and those who are thinking of trying their hand in it.Money, commitment and time are involved in becoming a Pilates Trainer Professional and there can be no doubts to this fact. Many people often make the error of linking Pilates with general ‘group fitness’. Group fitness trainers can get their certification done in just a weekend whereas an online Pilates Certification requires considerable time.

Six Steps to Become a Professional Pilates Trainer

Attend Class

Involve yourself in the Pilates classes so as to study the fitness thoroughly, learn more about your physical condition and to observe the teachers carefully. Take as many classes as you can and keep practising consistently. Learn from a number of teachers in order to determine which style attracts you more and the nature of the path you wish to follow. Ask any number of questions so as to have no doubts on any part of the training and inquire in detail about the training and certification that your favourite teacher has received.

Analyze the following Questions

Is teaching others something I would enjoy? (You would be instructing others and not doing Pilates yourself)

Am I interested in anatomy, body mechanics and exercise science?

Am I a person who is comfortable talking in front of big audience? (It would essentially be like being on stage!)

Am I a self-motivating person?

Will I be comfortable trading job-stability with job-flexibility? (You would have to provide for your own medical care, benefits, etc)

Choose between online Comprehensive Pilates certification or online mat certification

An online Pilates trainer professional Diploma would help prepare you to take mat classes for groups, which is what one will find in most gyms. Whereas having a comprehensive certification helps prepare you to instruct and teach students using the conventional Pilates equipments like reformer, chair, Cadillac, trap table etc. in addition to the mat training. If you are a person hoping to be involved in teaching ‘full-time’ or give training to private clients, then a Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma is what you should aim for. Making a living with a mat certification alone would be very difficult.

Research and choose a Professional Pilates Trainer course

As there exist a lot of good programs, it is recommended that you to talk to your favourite teachers about what path they chose for themselves and what they would recommend for you to follow. You may need to decide for yourself whether you chose to follow the classical style or the modern-day style of training.

A mat Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma may cost anywhere between £199 - £300 and you can expect a Pilates certification to cost at the least £3,000, if not more.

A Reputed Certification Program should include:

300+ hours of practice and training, for an Online Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma

Recognition obtained from the PMA

Lessons that extend over few months and not just a week or two.

There are a variety of online programs that are recognized mostly everywhere and can be found across the web.

Online Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma learning Process

A mat Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma can be completed in a few months, where as a comprehensive Pilates professional certification would require 12 months. Most programs are designed so as to be flexible enough to fit in with your schedule and the goals set by you. Any program selected would require tests to be given as well as a chance to ‘test out’ at the conclusion which would in all probability include a written test as well as a direct practical teaching assessment.

In ideal cases, you would be able to find someone who could help mentor you while working through the certification as well as when you begin teaching students.

Most often, the people undergoing the certification process also work at full time jobs and in spite of the busy schedule end up getting the certification.

Purchase a public liability insurance

Most studios would require that you avail the liability insurance on your own. These can be found readily available online or through various other outlets.Once the insurance is secured, you are ready to pursue your Pilates trainer profession  and start work with clients.

PMA Certification along with Continuing Education

The world’s largest professional association for the teachers of Pilates is the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) which is also the governing body of the Pilates industry. Being an industry that is unregulated, it is not compulsory that your certification is acquired through the PMA, but a PMA certification is greatly suggested. Once you have begun your Pilates trainer profession and gained some experience in the field, it is recommended that you start your studies and preparation to give the PMA examination.

Once you have got the PMA accreditation, it is advised that you try to keep up by continuing your education by taking as many courses as you can.

The truth is that one can keep on growing and learning as a professional Pilates Instructor. The conclusion of your Pilates Trainer Professional Diploma is actually just the starting of your learning in this field.

Constantly strive to study more about the health movement , the body,  and Pilates program on a regular basis as there is plenty to learn out there.