Part 2: Questions You Should Ask
The last newsletter shared resources for finding a Pilates teacher while traveling over the summer. Continuing our three part series “Pilates on Vacation”, this edition is going to focus on questions you should ask when you find teachers or studios in the locale where you will be visiting.
- How do you know if the teacher is qualified?
Since a Manhattan Federal court ruled in 2000 that Pilates is a generic term (like karate or yoga), it has opened up the door for anyone to say that they teach Pilates. Even if someone has only had a weekend of training (or less), she could be using the name “Pilates” in advertising to an unwitting public. A qualified teacher will have an appropriate education in the Pilates method. A training program would be at least 6 months and generally they are 1-2 years. A minimum of 450 hours is required in order to sit for the Pilates Method Alliance® exam, the only third party certification in the industry.
If you found the teacher through the PMA as recommended in the last newsletter, then you know they have at least met the minimum requirement for training.
- What should you look for in a teacher or studio?
Consider education and experience as you research a new teacher or studio. Since the Pilates Method Alliance® came out with the certification exam in 2005, it is possible to find an experienced teacher of 20-30 years who may not have taken the exam. One teacher could be young, properly educated and certified but may not have much experience. Another teacher could have apprenticed many years ago before the PMA exam was available and have lots of experience but not technically be certified. So look for education and experience in a teacher and also factor in your needs (fitness or therapeutic) to find the best fit.
To summarize, here is a short list of questions you want to ask, especially if this information isn’t advertised elsewhere (online in a bio or in a brochure):
- Where did they receive their training?
- How long was the program?
- Are they PMA certified?
- How long have they been teaching since graduation?
- If you have special needs, how much experience do they have with your condition?
Once you have found a qualified teacher in your vacation destination who meets your needs, you are going to be in good shape to stay fit over vacation. If you can’t find a qualified teacher in your vacation spot, there are some tools you can use to still maintain your practice. The next newsletter will cover equipment that is easy to take on vacation as well as some additional options to help you stay consistent with Pilates through the summer.