Peak Pilates Resources: Implementation Tools: Instructor Education
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Arguably, education is the number one challenge facing health clubs looking to create a successful, long-term Pilates program resulting in member retention and revenue. Whether hiring a Pilates instructor or arranging training for your staff, the key to a successful program is having knowledgeable instructors. The current demand for Pilates instructors has resulted in ‘fast track’ programs that teach too much, too fast. Until recently, the only means of being certified in Pilates was through comprehensive training programs requiring 400 to 600 hours of lecture, teaching and observation. Today, there are many training organizations certifying instructors after as little as eight hours of instruction. The result becomes a ‘watered down’ Pilates instructor that simply teachs choreographed versions of an exercise they don’t truly understand. To build a long-term Pilates program that will withstand the scrutiny of sophisticated club members, use only instructors that have completed an extensive Pilates education program. Getting started. Identify staff needs and how you will train your staff. It is important for your instructors to have the same (or very similar training) background to maintain consistency within your facility, as well as increase employee retention. Hiring experienced trainers: One option to pursue is hiring certified Pilates instructors who have completed a comprehensive education program (400-600 hours of training in a nationally recognized program with a good reputation). An instructor of this caliber can set the tone for your program and act as a mentor to those with less training. Depending on their background, they may also serve a dual role as coordinator for the program, interfacing with the Group Fitness Director on program development, fee structures, etc.. Train existing staff: While hiring experienced instructors from the outside is an obvious choice, its not always possible because they are in high demand. Alternatively, you can create a highly educated staff by choosing a training provider wisely. Whether hosting a program at your site or sending staff to a regional facility for training, look for providers that offer a progressive educational path with a solid foundational program to start. Keep in mind that a mix of programming includes group classes and private sessions is imperative to maximize revenue. Private sessions require instructors to have a base of knowledge to specifically address a clients individual needs, while progressing them safely and effectively. The following are some suggestions for investigating your training options: National Certification There are a wide variety of training providers, varying greatly in terms of quality and content, which have sprung up to meet the increasing demand for instructors. While there is no national certifying body in the Pilates industry, take it upon yourself to research what organizations meet your goals. The Pilates Method Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the highest standards for education and information, is a good resource to explore. Visit them at www.pilatesmethodalliance.org or call 866.573.4945. When evaluating a training program, here are a few tips to follow:
Identify your Goals: You will want to match your training choice with the long term goals of your program. Common categories include: Comprehensive Training - Until approximately five years ago, Comprehensive Training was the only instruction available in Pilates. Comprehensive programs cover training on all primary equipment including Reformer, Mat, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and accessories. Typically these programs take 6 to 12 months to complete and require 400-600 hours of study and observation, written and practical tests, prerequisite training in Pilates and continuing education requirements. Condensed Training Programs - A viable alternative and well suited for clubs training their own instructors. Look for programs that focus strongly on the foundational principles and teach a reasonable amount of material in the timeframe allotted for the course. Programs that teach beginner to advanced exercises in a few weekends are not recommended. Look for a progressive educational path in order to build instructor skills over time. An integrated approach that focuses on teaching new instructors a more complete approach incorporating the Mat, Reformer and other essential Pilates equipment in one compact course is an excellent option. "Fitness Pilates" - Typically, weekend training programs focus on a single piece of equipment, such as the Reformer only. Often they are a "fitnessized" version of Pilates and leave instructors with very superficial knowledge. If your primary focus is only group exercise (no personal training), this may be a viable option, however it is important to choose a program that offers more than just a single weekend of instruction. Mat Training - Mat Training is the foundation of the entire Pilates Method and can be offered with or without small accessories. The mat is an ideal entry into Pilates. Training programs vary in quality and time commitments, so be sure to check carefully. Students of mat training can opt to teach mat only or can move on to more integrated equipment training. T hank you to all for making our Pilates training such a great experience. Reflecting back on all that we accomplished it becomes clear there was never anything to lose in taking this course. Our cohesive group dynamic is not always an easy thing to find and what a pleasure it has been to come to know all of you. Lisa Miller |
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