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