Teacher Training

Week 1

This weekend course covers the history of Joseph Pilates and how it came to be what it is today. You will learn about the 6 principles on which the exercises were founded and how they still apply today to what we coin “Pilates”. The majority of the academic work will be centred on Anatomy Essentials. You will learn about the motions of the major joints in the body, the muscles involved in these motions, their origin and insertion sites on the body and the direction in which their fibres run. This will help you understand movement mechanics in a logical way which will in turn help you guide others in movement more efficiently.

Week 2

This weekend course will introduce you to the 34 Classical Exercises known as Contrology. These were the original Joseph Pilates exercises before the industry transformation into what we call Pilates today. You will understand the concepts, muscles used, who the exercises are good for and who should avoid them. You will also learn about the way these were originally taught, the sequence, order and how they align with the principles. This will help you appreciate the method on a deeper level and give you the essential foundation of the method.

Week 3

This weekend course will dive deeper into anatomy and conditions where Pilates could be beneficial. This will cover Clinical Pilates exercises that can be used in research and can be measurable. You will understand how goniometry works, how quality of life can be gained through Clinical Pilates and the questionnaires used to assess this. You will learn what the basic Clinical Pilates exercises are and why they can be used to supplement research publications as a standardized method for measurable outcomes.

Week 4

This weekend course will teach you how to class design and plan group classes with success and purpose. This is what sets you apart as an instructor as you will learn how to build a class plan for success, how to convey the information you have learned in a coherent, logical manner, how to incorporate exercises that build on one another and how to help others understand the newfound knowledge you have gained in a way that is interesting and captivating. You will also learn about modifications for special populations.

Week 5

This weekend course will teach you about core systems. You will learn about basics in fascia and how core systems can be integrated into movement for ease and power. When we think of core systems, we like to visualize that the body can move with fluidity from top to bottom like a well oiled machine. Our core systems integrate our muscles and our kinetic chain to allow us to move with grace and agility without isolating any specific parts. You will learn about the anterior oblique system, the posterior oblique system, the deep longitudinal system and the lateral system and how integrating these systems into your movement patterns will elevate your teaching and knowledge of the human body in motion.

Week 1

This weekend course will take you through the Foundation reformer repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment, a full overview of all the Foundation exercises, appropriate spring loads, modifications for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.

Week 2

This weekend course will take you through the Integration (Intermediate level) reformer repertoire. This will include a full overview of what you learned in week 1, how to progress into the exercises learned in week 2 and fundamentals on how to start class planning.  It will also cover all appropriate spring loads and modifications for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will continue to link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.

Week 3

This weekend course will take you through the Signature (Advanced level) reformer repertoire. This will include weeks 1 & 2 and how to progress into advanced exercises. This will also dive deeper into modified versions of each of the exercises and how to be able to transition easily from a modified version to the real version for different individuals. We will also discuss spring loads and why most of the advanced repertoire may not be suitable for special populations. For each of the exercises, you will continue to link the knowledge learned in Tier 1 and connect the core systems for a broader understanding of the exercise and its benefits for the person executing it.

Week 4

This weekend course will explore different postures and how to address each while teaching Pilates. We will delve into group settings and/or one-on-one sessions and how to cater to each individual whether they're in a class or a private. This stage is necessary to allow you to become comfortable with different bodies, needs and conditions; the goal is to get you to think on your feet and be quick to respond to different scenarios. You will start to amalgamate everything you've learned so far and deepen the connection into its relevance with working with human bodies.

Week 5

This week-end course will help you fine-tune your teaching skills. It will consist of teaching labs, a review of what you’ve learned so far and help you prepare for the written and practical exams. We will further review all exercises, address concerns, provide feedback and set you up for success for the next level of your practicum which includes your 120 hours of practice teaching.

Week 1

This weekend course will take you through the Foundation Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of the beginner exercises. You will learn about the spring loads, modifications for special populations and what each exercise is designed for in addition to how to cue it for each different body. You will also be taught how to link previous knowledge to the newly learned repertoire and how to make it accessible for all clients.

Week 2

This weekend course will take you through the Integration Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This will include a full overview of the intermediate exercises. At this point you will start to make the connection between adding springs to lighten the load or removing springs to make exercises harder, you’ll learn how to watch bodies in motion and how to fine-tune cues for success with all moving parts.

Week 3

This weekend course will take you through the Signature Cadillac & Chair repertoire. This week connects the 2 previous weeks and takes a deep dive into anatomy and how to make hard exercises easy by preparing the body for flawless execution. You will learn about the spring loads, how to modify for different bodies and how to cue for control, precision and mastery.

Week 4

This weekend course will take you through the Ladder Barrel repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of all level exercises. You will learn to perfect the spacing, the cues for different body types and lengths, who would benefit from the ladder barrel and how to create movement your clients will fall in love with.

Week 5

This weekend course will take you through the Arc repertoire. This will include your intro to the equipment and a full overview of ways to use the arc and how you can spice up your knowledge by learning how to compliment your sessions with this equipment.

This final week also includes a full review of all 5 weeks and gets you ready for your final exam. By now you should be teaching so the hours needed for completion can be part of your teaching hours.