| It is very important to understand what pilates | | | | There are two reliable sources online to help you |
| certification is. | | | | locate a qualified teacher: The Pilates Method |
| Pilates instructors today require certification to | | | | Alliance and the non-profit Yoga Alliance group . |
| ensure you're getting the real thing. The Pilates | | | | These organizations are dedicated to preserving |
| programs have grown into an industry. Joseph | | | | the integrity of Joseph Pilates' findings, with |
| Pilates' original studies involved years of research, | | | | searchable databases of qualified teachers in your |
| virtually unrecognized in his lifetime, but now | | | | area. Both of these organizations offer |
| world-renowned. So famous and detailed were | | | | information and tips on finding a qualified instructor |
| the works of Joseph Pilates which were originally | | | | and judging the relative quality of a Pilates |
| developed in a World War I internment camp in | | | | certification. |
| England, | | | | The Pilates certification for equipment is far more |
| There are two major classifications of Pilates | | | | difficult to obtain, usually requiring at least a year |
| certification. Pilates mat certification requires a | | | | of studies in the Pilates method. Pilates certification |
| thorough knowledge of Joseph Pilates' exercises, | | | | in mat training is most often a prerequisite. |
| including rehabilitative and sports related training. | | | | Certification in Pilates equipment involves a basic |
| The other classification is the Pilates certification in | | | | level of knowledge in anatomy, physiology and the |
| equipment. Although there is no standardization in | | | | specific equipment used in Pilates exercises. |
| the available certifications, there are | | | | Knowledge of the various apparatus and |
| several"watchdog" organizations dedicated to | | | | modifications are also required. |
| maintaining the standards of excellence set forth | | | | Some certification programs divide the areas of |
| by Joseph Pilates. | | | | knowledge in stepped degrees, studying each |
| Certification as a mat instructor does not require | | | | piece of equipment as it pertains to different |
| as much training as that of a Pilates certification in | | | | population groups. Some programs are quite |
| equipment. The Pilates certification in mat | | | | sophisticated in their scope, requiring as much as |
| instruction unfortunately allows for more "wriggle | | | | 900 hours of study on the part of the student. |
| room" than the equipment certification. While a | | | | One final point if you are actually looking for a |
| Pilates certification in mat instruction covers all the | | | | pilates teacher you have to be aware of all the |
| basic exercises, there is no requirement for time | | | | different qualifications pilates teachers can have. |
| spent studying the methodology. One instructor | | | | The first place to look is on the net. Then armed |
| may be well above the crowd in knowledge, while | | | | with that information you can checkout your local |
| another may have only a cursory knowledge and | | | | area for pilates teachers. Visit their classes and |
| level of skill. Pilates certification as a mat instructor | | | | see how they run them and if you would feel |
| may involve little more than a weekend of course | | | | comfortable there. There is no time like the |
| work. | | | | present. What are you waiting for! |