The Best Pilates Certification
If you are interested in becoming a certified Pilates instructor, it's in your best interest to enroll in a nationally recognized certification program. The Pilates Method Alliance is an organization that established certification standards and requirements for Pilates instructors nationwide. According to the organization's website, participants of the Instructor Training Program are required to pass a 150 question written exam, and complete 450 hours of approved instructor training, before they are awarded the title of Certified Pilates Teacher. The best Pilates certification is the one that molds you into a conscientious and ethical teacher who knows her stuff.
The best Pilates certifications are worth the time and money. (Image: Lucian Coman/Hemera/Getty Images)Stott Pilates
Stott Pilates in an internationally recognized Pilates instructor training and certification program. According to the organizations website, upon completion of their comprehensive program graduates will be prepared to instruct private and group Pilates classes. Stott Pilates offers potential instructors training and certification in mat, apparatus and specialty instruction. Each of the three training programs include theoretical coursework, practical or hands-on coursework, class observations, and a final exam, according to Stott Pilates. Prior to enrolling in any training or certification program, Stott requires that participants attend a minimum of 30 hours of Pilates instruction lead by a certified instructor.
Balanced Body University
Balanced Body University is a nationally recognized Pilates training and certification program, according to the Pilates Method Alliance. According to their website, the BBU offers training and certification programs in mat Pilates, Reformer and apparatus instruction. Unlike other certification programs, the BBU suggests that some participants of the program will be required to complete 12 hours of Introduction to Anatomy and two hours of Pilates Movement Principles prior to enrolling in the Mat 1 or Mat 2 certification program. Participants are required to complete 102 hours of coursework and practical instruction, and pass a written and practical exam prior to being awarded the title of Balanced Body University Instructor
Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy
The Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy is recognized nationally as a Pilates Method Alliance training and certification program. According to the organization, the PBPIA certification and training program is based on education models used in many college curriculums. Participants are required to complete 500 hours of comprehensive training and coursework and pass a written exam, according to the PBPIA website. The PBPIA offers training and certification in mat and apparatus instruction.
Keep Current
Each of these certification programs require that you complete continuing education credits in order to keep your certification up-to-date, according to the Pilates Method Alliance. Failure to complete the designated number of continuing education credits required by your certifying organization may result in the expiration of your certification. Should your certification expire, the Pilates Method Alliance suggests that you may be required to go through the entire certification process again to regain your Pilates certification.
