Course PreparationHow do I get prepared for my Peak Pilates course?

The decision to go through a Pilates certification program is a big decision requiring both dedication and focus. We recognize it is an investment in yourself and we want you to have a superb learning experience. This Guide will provide you with our expectations ahead of time so you can arrive to your course prepared.

Planned preparation allows you to get the most out of your course. Since you will be learning to teach, it is important that you are at least familiar with the exercises in your course. The first step is to register and get your course materials as much in advance as possible and get familiar with them. The exercise lists can be found in your course manual and the required reading can be ordered on line.

Congratulations and thank-you for choosing Peak Pilates. This is the next step on a wonderful journey!

PPS-I:
  • Current CPR/First Aid
    Recognized qualification in Anatomy and Kinesiology - Recommended
  • Memorize the mat and reformer orders for PPS-I
    Practice the PPS-I system workout in the PPS-I session format so you can do the all exercises, know your springs and repetitions
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  • Required Reading: 
    • Return to Life & Your Health by Joseph Pilates OR
    • A Pilates Primer: The Millennium Edition by Joseph Pilates & William J. Miller
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •      Chapter I / Introduction pages 1-24
    •      Chapter II/ The Trunk pages 25-96
    •      Posterior Trunk: 62-63 and 81-96
    •      Hip Joint: 178-193 and 208-216 and 231,233
    • Review the 5 Part Formula for Success (manual)
PPS-II:
  • Review the 5 Part Formula for Success
  • Memorize the mat and reformer orders for PPS-II
  • Practice the PPS-II system workout in the PPS-II session format so you can do the all exercises; know your springs and repetitions
  •  
  • Required Reading:
    • Return to Life & Your Health by Joseph Pilates OR
    • A Pilates Primer: The Millennium Edition by Joseph Pilates & William J. Miller
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •      Cervical Spine: 55-80
    •      Thoracic: 81-87
    •      The Shoulder: 97-129
    •      Elbow: 132-146
    •      Wrist and Hand: 148-172
PPS-III:
  • Complete your Case Study (details given upon completion of PPS-II)
  • Memorize the mat and reformer orders for PPS-III
  • Practice the PPS-III system workout in the PPS-III session format so you can do the all exercises; know your springs and repetitions
  • Review the 5 Part Formula for Success
  •  
  • Required Reading:
    • Return to Life & Your Health by Joseph Pilates OR
    • A Pilates Primer: The Millennium Edition by Joseph Pilates & William J. Miller
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •      Knee: 192-207, 217-223, and 230-234
    •      The Ankle and Foot: 235-275

Chair:

  • Take lessons with a focus on the Chair
    Watch the ClassicalPilates.net Chair DVD

Barrel:
  • Take lessons with a focus on the Barrels
  • Watch the ClassicalPilates.net Barrel DVD
Basic Mat:
  • Take mat classes or practice using the Peak Mat DVDMemorize the introductory mat order
    Read the 5 Part Formula for Success in the manual
  •  
  • Required Reading: 
    • A Pilates Primer: The Millennium Edition by Joseph Pilates & William J. Miller
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •       Chapter I / Introduction pages 1-24
    •       Chapter II/ The Trunk pages 25-96
Intermediate Mat:
  • 20 hours of mat classes or practice using the Peak Mat DVD
  • Memorize the intermediate mat order so you can do the exercises and transitions
  • Review the 5 Part Formula for Success
  •  
  • Required Reading:
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •      Chapter I / Introduction pages 1-24
    •      Chapter II/ The Trunk pages 25-96
Basic/Intermediate Mat Intensive:
  • 20 hours of mat classes (minimum)
  • Review of the Peak DVD’s (workout DVD and Educational DVD)
  • Current CPR/ First Aid certificate
  • A recognized qualification in anatomy and kinesiology, either through a fitness certification or other course is recommended.
  • Practice using the Peak Mat DVD
  • Memorize the intermediate mat order so you can do the exercises and transitions
  • Memorize the 5 Main Parts of the 5 Part Formula for Success.
  •  
  • Required Reading:
    • Anatomy of Movement by Bladine Calais Germain
    •      Chapter I / Introduction pages 1-24
    •      Chapter II/ The Trunk pages 25-96
Advanced Mat:
  • Review the 5 Part Formula for Success
    Take mat classes or practice using the Peak Mat DVD
    Memorize the advanced mat order so you can do the exercises and transitions
MVe® Fitness Chair and Reformer Workshop:
  • Current CPR/First Aid
  • Have one of the following:
    • Group Exercise, Personal Trainer or Pilates Certification, or a 4-year Exercise Science or related degree
  • Learn the Exercise Basics(manual)
  • Memorize the order, springs and repetitions of the Perfect 10 Exercises (manual)
  • Watch the Education DVD and follow along in the MVe Manual
  • Required Reading: MVe Instructor Workbook and MVe Instructor Manual
    • Complete the required reading and assignments outlined at the beginning of your MVe Workbook

General Recommended Reading List (not required) available at amazon.com

  • Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery - Eric Franklin
  • The Roots to Fly – Irene Dowd
  • Pilates Body - Brook Siler
  • Pilates Promise - Alycea Ungaro
  • Pilates Body in Motion - Alycea Ungaro
  • The Pilates Edge – Karrie Adamany and Daniel Loigerot
  • The Thinking Body – Mabel Todd
  • A Pocket Atlas of the Moving Body – Mel Cash (available in USA only)
  • Trail Guide to the Body - Andrew Biel
  • Trail Guide to the Body Flashcards - Andrew Biel