The Pilates Education (Teacher Training), you receive is more important than the piece of paper that says your “Certified”.
If you've decided to become a Certified Pilates Teacher, you're probably spinning your head over how many studios are out there that offer a "Pilates Certification Program. The truth is that since Pilates is not a regulated industry, Pilates Teacher Programs that offer a Certification are very different. Most important, your Pilates Certification, (the certificate you receive after completing the Program), is only as good as the education you receive. But before you decide on a Program, here are the things you really need to know and do when considering a Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program.
What kind of Pilates Teacher do you want to be?
The more highly selective comprehensive Pilates studios for Pilates Teacher Training, like The Certification School at Gramercy Pilates NYC, go well beyond just teaching exercises. They offer many hours of specialized lecture sections on Anatomy, Kinesiology, Advanced Teaching Techniques, and Clients with Medical Conditions. They will also include in their tuition supervised teaching hours where their Teacher Trainers will personally supervise the student’s practice teaching as well as guide you through how to teach various Pilates equipment classes. You'll also learn the Classical Pilates work as well as Contemporary modifications that are science-based. Graduating from this type of Program can elevate you to an Expert Pilates Teacher status. If you’re not looking for this type of high-end education, then there are other less comprehensive studios offering both Classical and Contemporary forms of Pilates Teacher Training. These studios do not offer specialized lectures nor do they offer supervised teaching. They will basically teach you the exercises with little supervision. Other Teacher Training Programs that come from gyms offer Pilates teacher training but too much of the focus in the program is on other exercise modalities and how to sell their club members on doing Pilates.
The Cost to Become a Fully Certified Pilates Teacher
To become a fully certified teacher you'll need to complete a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program that includes both Mat and full Apparatus Training. On average, the total tuition for a good Comprehensive Program will range between $5,000 to $8,000. The Equipment Comprehensive will be the much greater portion of the tuition, (between $4,000 and $6,000) and Mat less expensive. With regard to Mat Programs, they can range from as little as $500 to $2,000.
The best Mat Certification Programs are those that teach Anatomy and Biomechanics in the Program before they teach the exercises so you can fully understand the science behind how and why Pilates really works. While they will be more expensive, it will be well worth it because you’ll receive a great foundation of learning which will help you in the Equipment Program
Also, be careful of hidden costs such as having to purchase private sessions or classes as a prerequisite to taking the Program.
Meet the Pilates Teacher Training Program Director
Meeting the Program Director will go a long way in you feeling good about what you're about to commit to. Also, review the Program Directors’ bio which should be listed on the studio’s website.
Review the Curriculum in the Program Manual
When you meet with the Program Director, make sure that you review the entire Program curriculum so you know exactly what you will be learning. Every Program is different so this is very important!
Review the Program's Policy Catalog. (Transparency is critical!)
Every studio that has a Pilates Teacher Training Certification Program should have a catalog that lists all of its policies pertaining to its Pilates Certification Program.
Tuition costs, cancellation policies, use of studio, testing, assessments, supervised teaching and how long you will have to finish the Program should be clearly documented in their School Policy. (Some studios will charge more for you to finish their Program so make sure to ask about this).
To summarize, the more comprehensive of an education you receive, the better teacher you will become!
If you’d like to discuss your future as a Pilates Teacher at The Pilates Certification School, contact us today!