1. 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 not only be using “Pilates” in advertising but also offering sessions 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.
2. How do you find a certified teacher or quality studio?
The Pilates Method Alliance® has a registry of certified teachers. In additions, larger Pilates schools, such as Fletcher, Stott and Polestar to name a few, often have a directory of graduates from their Programs.
3. What should you look for in a teacher or studio?
Consider education and experience when looking for a 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 or 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 and have lots of experience but not technically be certified. Look for education and experience in a teacher and also factor in your needs (fitness or therapeutic) to find the best fit.
4. What questions should you ask the teacher or studio?
– Where did you receive your training?
– How long was the program?
– Are you PMA certifiied?
– How long have they been teaching since graduation?
– How much experience do they have with your condition?