How to Prepare for Pilates Teacher Training in LA
Preparing to get your Pilates certification can seem a bit stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you prepare properly and know what to expect, getting your Pilates certification is straightforward. Here, we will be going over some good techniques, tactics, and rules of thumb that you can use to get ready for your certification process.
1. Make Sure It’s Something You Want to Do
Before beginning your journey towards a Pilates training certification, always take a step back and ask yourself if Pilates is definitely something you want to pursue and dedicate yourself to.
The principles and mechanics of Pilates require passion and dedication to teach. Ask yourself if you could see yourself teaching these concepts to others and enjoying it as a vocation. If you love people and helping them achieve a balanced body and mind, then you are ready to start preparing towards your Pilates training certification.
2. Make a Comprehensive Study Plan
Your Pilates certification exam will be comprehensive, so make sure your study plan is too! Making a study calendar helps many people to stay organized. Figure out how much study time you’ll need to understand and learn all of the material. Then schedule that time out in manageable increments so that you don’t get burnt out. Break your study up into times to learn mechanics, anatomy, principles, and science and use other times to practice your technique and form.
Course Prerequisites
- Experience in dance, yoga, Pilates, gymnastics, or fitness training.
- Proficient knowledge of Pilates movements and machinery.
- We also recommend taking a course of 10 private or group sessions with a Sheppard Method instructor.
As soon as you put down a deposit on your desired Teacher Training Program with Sheppard Method Pilates, you are eligible for discounted rates on all group classes, private sessions, and workshops in our studio.
3. Get Your Pilates Certification Through Sheppard Method Pilates
If you are passionate and driven, teaching Pilates may be the perfect career for you. Our course is completely comprehensive and designed to make you the best Pilates professional you can possibly be.
Sheppard Method Pilates offers the opportunity for students to get their fundamental Pilates certification through a reputable, professional school. Our Pilates training certification is an internationally recognized qualification that will allow you to teach in studios, fitness centers, client’s homes, or wherever you desire.
Sheppard Method Pilates Teacher Training Program stands by the 450 hours of required study outlined by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).
4. Continuing Your Study With The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA)
Once you have completed your 450 hours of learning, observation, practice, and teacher training, you are eligible to sit the PMA’s written examination and become a PMA-certified instructor. This exam cannot be taken unless the student has completed a comprehensive Pilates training certification program with an affiliated school, such as Sheppard Method Pilates Teacher Training Program.
Completing the PMA’s Internet-based written exam (which costs approximately $295) is the only way to gain a third party professional certification in the Pilates field. As we like to put it, additional endorsement from the PMA is like getting the ultimate seal of approval.
Contact Sheppard Method Pilates today to learn more, or browse our website for more information.
Obtaining Your Pilates Certification
Your Pilates exams will be in-depth, so make sure your study plans are too!
To ensure the course load doesn’t become overwhelming, try adapting the following tips early on in your Pilates training certification.
Make Flash Cards
For example; muscle of the day; joint of the day; Pilates Principles, etc. Keep these flash cards handy and review them often to soak up the information. Never complain of being bored in traffic ever again.
Exercise of the Day
As often as you can, consider a movement and practice. Consider what the purpose of the exercise is, how you would modify/intensify it, and what muscles it uses.
Use Online Resources
Making sure you keep up your own Pilates routine can take a back seat as you begin training clients and studying anatomy. Online lessons offered on sites such as Pilates Anytime are a great way to work out on a schedule that fits in with your lifestyle.
Immerse Yourself in Classes
Taking regular Pilates classes during your teacher training is a great way to learn from other instructors, embody the movements, and take inspiration on how to cue exercises. At Sheppard Method, we offer reformer, jump board, mat, and hybrid classes as well as stretch sessions which are great learning environments for prospective teachers.
Ask Questions
As the saying goes, there is no such thing as a stupid question. Be curious and ask your mentors for their input on the regular.
Form a Study Group
Ahead of your written Pilates exam, meet with others from your program and quiz each other. Not only does this hold you accountable, you will be surprised how beneficial it is to discuss theory in a group format.
Think Outside the Box
Whether it’s using the anatomy coloring book or making a lifesize skeleton chart, unusual (and fun) methods often help when it comes to learning the materials.
And most importantly - don’t forget to log your self-practice, observation, and teaching hours!
