Think I may turn this into a regular section and update & add posts with questions as they come in.

It’s so important that students interested in making the transition from client to Pilates teacher ask good questions and gather lots of information before making the decision about who to enroll with for their Pilates Teacher Training Workshops and apprenticeship. 

With the commitment of time, energy, and finances it takes to invest in your Pilates education – you want to be sure you’ve found the best program for you!

There are lots of great teachers and programs to compare.  Each has a different format for teaching the information, varying philosophies about the Pilates Method, slight or huge differences in how the exercises are executed and/or body placement (example being the controversy over the classical Pilates scoop vs. neutral spine,) and may provide varying degrees of support and assistance while you’re developing your teaching skills – learning how to cue, spot, and design safe and effective Pilates workout programs.

There are differences between programs in how many of the exercises are taught, and which pieces of the Pilates equipment – Reformer, Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, High/Electric Chair, Low/Wunda chair, small barrels, pedi pole, foot corrector, tensometers… are actually covered in the Teacher-Ed program.

Q: Is it important to get certified in both mat and machines pilates?

A: For your first question – YES, in the long run to be a Pilates teacher you should be trained in both Matwork & equipment.   The Pilates Method is a system 1/2 is Mat, the other 1/2 is the work on the equipment.  There are a lot of people who are just teaching Matwork – that can be an ok place to begin, but there’s a lot more to Pilates than this – and for many people the mat exercises may not be safe or appropriate, where there’s tons of things they could be doing with the equipment to improve their health. 

A well-qualified Pilates teacher that knows the whole Pilates system will be able to direct clients into the safest and best Pilates program and choose the right exercises to help them get avoid injury and get results.

Q: How much money is it to become certified?  

Answer:Fees for teacher training programs vary as each provider has their format broken down differently.  You need to budget not only for your workshops – but for lessons, classes and an apprenticeship for hands-on training to gain the experience you need under the guideance of a senior teacher.  It’s best to look at the whole picture when comparing programs.  I generally tell people that completing Pilates Teacher-Training is like getting a 4-year college degree in a year.  There’s that much to learn, and you’ll have expenses.

Q: Is it better to start teaching these classes at a young age if possible?

Answer:It’s not important that you begin teaching at a young age.  There are some teachers that start at 18, and others who begin training in their 50′s and older.  What’s more important is that you are an experienced Pilates student (preferably at at least a high intermediate level on both Matwork & equipment) before you enroll in a Teacher-Training program.  The more personal experience you have before you begin the process of learning how to be a teacher – the better!

Q: What types of certifications are available and how does your certification compare to the others out there?

Answer:You’ve got lots to choose from when selecting a training program.  On the market you’ll find everything from a $39.95 online Pilates “certificate,” a 1-weekend only Pilates workshop, to comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training programs requiring one, two, or more years of study.  (Please don’t opt for either of the first two on this list!) 

The cost of my program is comparable to other comprehensive programs available on the market. Follow this link to find more information about the Centerworks Pilates Teacher-Education Program.  

You might also check out information from the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)to search for other programs.  You get what you pay for – cheaper & faster may not be the best route for a great education. 

It’s important to compare not only the price of a Pilates workshop, but location & travel expense, # of students in workshops, apprenticeship requirements, is the work taught on all the equipment, do you like the presenter, agree with how they teach, and feel like it’s someone you want to learn from, ect… 

I am in the midst of revising & updating my website – and will have additional info up to help people learn more things to ask so you can effectively compare programs.  Please check back soon & you should find more up on my site.

I hope you find this information helpful!  If you’re reading this blog and have other questions on the topic of Pilates Teacher Training, or other Pilates-related topics… Please drop me a comment – I’d love to reply.

I had a blast teaching Shoulder Mechanics and Fantastic Feet workshops in Little Rock in April, as well as a Matwork master class. Thanks to the fantastic group of students and teachers that participated in these workshops!

I am looking forward to being back in Little Rock for a full series of Centerworks Pilates Teacher-Training Workshops starting the end of June.

If you’re interested in these courses, you can download the flyer & registration forms at: Centerworks Pilates Teacher Training Program Info Flyer for 2008-2009 Little Rock Workshops

If you have questions, drop me a comment on the blog, or email me a question with the contact form at http://centerworks-pilates.com/contact.html

Hope to see you in a workshop soon!

Here’s my best advice to all teachers & students out there….

1. Never stop thinking things through.

2. Try different versions, techniques, and modifications to see what agrees with your philosophy about the work.

3. Be open to new ideas.

4. Challenge & question things you’re not sure are right.

5. Search & research to find the answers to things you are unsure about.

6. Take the best that other teachers have to offer that makes sense to you, and leave the rest behind.

If I think about my understanding of Pilates 14 years ago, vs. what I know now – there is light years of difference. But even so, when I hear things that contradict how I teach – I still doubt what I know sometimes. Plus, I am completely secure in my belief I’ve got lots more to learn about the body.

So…Here’s the question I was asked:
“How do I ask this question succinctly? (It will be difficult!) You speak of the incorrect use of the thighs when speaking of the psoas. What about when you are rolling up or rolling down from standing? The venerable Mary Boyd advocates using the inner thighs along with the pelvic floor and navel-to-spine. I get confused–there are contradictions in the field! Please advise. THANK You.”

My Response: As I read back over my psoas article, my usage of the word “thighs” was mainly in reference to the quadriceps muscles, in particular the Rectus Femoris as it tends to be the over used and inefficient hinger of the leg/pelvis.

For me the Pelvic Floor is a given starting point on every exercise as it provides support for elongation of the spine and freedom for hip movement.

While I used to cue navel-to-spine, personally, I’m looking for everything from the crotch to the navel to be pulling towards the spine (for a flattening band of support for the low back and belly). Some folks are really good at just pulling the belly button to the backbone with a pooch below. If your teacher is getting the correct action from your body with that cue – it’s working.

Rolling Up or Rolling Down – whether you’re standing or doing the Matwork Exercise Neck Pull or the Roll Up I agree that the inner thighs are active – not a death squeeze, but definitely energized. (It doesn’t matter whether the legs are together or apart there is still “action” in the inner thighs.)

In reference to the inner thighs and psoas…In my opinion, I don’t think that squeezing the inner thighs harder is going to keep the quadriceps out of the equation so the psoas can do it’s job. There should be some life in the inner & outer thighs, but the engagement through the glutes & hamstrings will be more important for the support & action of keeping the legs down on the floor to articulate through the spine and pelvis when rolling up & down when laying on the back. Same would be true in a standing position (only it might feel easier here since gravity is helping hold the legs still.)

The short & condensed version…I don’t think the information you feel is conflicting really is! I agree with what you’ve been told. And we all have to remember that with so many parts and pieces to think about during a Pilates workout, you’re teacher can’t possibly pick on, or correct everything every time. Some days you might be reminded more about the pelvic floor, other days what the abs are doing, or the glutes & legs, or the psoas, or the movement of the pelvis, or the breathing. Plus – once you understand and are doing some things well, we tend to start reminding you about other things to keep tweaking your technique – until there is nothing left to remind you of and you’re brain and body are beautifully connected for efficient movement!

 Blessed to have had an excellent first teacher (David Mooney) and to have had the opportunity to study with many great teachers and most of the Pilates elders.  Romana Kryzanowska, Sari Pace for my first teacher-training program, Colleen Glenn for my second, and Dianne Miller for my third.  Continuing ed. workshops with Dianne Miller, Michelle Larsson, and others. And, through my association with the Pilates Method Alliance, it’s been a privilege to participate in continuing education with all of the Pilates “elders,” Mary Bowen, Ron Fletcher, Lolita San Miguel, and Cathy Grant – all of whom studied directly with Joseph & Clara Pilates.

I can say that I’ve learned more about Pilates in the past seven years, than I did in my first seven! 

The reason – I never stopped wanting to learn more. 

While my hometown Wichita, KS has not been a hot-spot with an abundance of Pilates teachers. For me to learn and grow it has always meant traveling in search of teachers with more experience and something relevant to share. 

I’m here to encourage you to make it a priority to find a mentor or two and keep on learning.  If you’ve attended a workshop, and just have your manuals to rely upon…it’s to your advantage, (and that of your students) that you find someone to take lessons from to continue learning more about the exercises in your own body. Find someone to observe teaching – to keep developing your eye for corrections, and program development. Find workshops that interest you to keep adding additional layers to your education.

I learn lots from my students while I’m developing creative ways to help them reach their goals and better understand Pilates.  I learn new things everytime I give myself a workout.  I learn new things everytime I take a class, lesson, or workshop with somebody else.  I learn new things at every conference I attend.  (Sometimes I learn things I love and can’t wait to share.  Sometimes I learn why I’m doing it my way – and better appreciate the skills I have and the mentors who have shared their expertise with me)  Either way I’m a better teacher for my time & energy applied to continuing my education.

I’m now teaching in a studio where there are Pilates teachers who have gone the extra mile to keep educated, and others who have done their initial workshops and that’s it!  There is a HUGE difference in the knowledge, understanding, execution, and teaching skills of these teachers.  If you’re looking for a long-term carreer as a Pilates Professional – the best money you will ever spend is on yourself and your personal education.  Make it a priority and you’ll find you’ve got lots more to give to your students which will keep them enthusiastically coming back for more.

Invest in your education.There’s good job security in being a great teacher!