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Becoming a Pilates Instructor?

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  • 19-04-2016 10:31pm
    #1
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭


    My girlfriend is considering becoming a pilates instructor. She's from Brazil and used to be a nurse but looking for a new career in Ireland. She has been doing pilates for many years and really enjoys it. I think its a great idea for her and she would be well suited - she would certainly fit the bill. From a quick Google there seem to be a few courses, this one looks great but there are others. Does anyone know anything about which ones are good?

    What I'm wondering is, if she does this, what are the job prospects like? Are there many jobs around for the newly qualified and what type? What about working for herself?

    Any advice appreciated, thanks.


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    #2
    stphgry
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭stphgry


    Hi Zascar, I'm a Pilates instructor/studio owner and am happy to have a chat. PM me if you'd like more info.


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    #3
    culline
    Registered Users Posts: 254 ✭✭culline


    stphgry wrote: »
    Hi Zascar, I'm a Pilates instructor/studio owner and am happy to have a chat. PM me if you'd like more info.

    Hey stphgry, similar enough to Zascar if you have any info about becoming a Pilates instructor I would be most appreciative! Thanks Eric


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    #4
    uck51js9zml2yt
    Closed Accounts Posts: 18,268 ✭✭✭✭uck51js9zml2yt


    It would be worth posting some info in thread. Sounds an interesting topic.


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    #5
    stphgry
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭stphgry


    Hi everyone,

    I run a studio and have completed various different Pilates trainings over the years. I'm happy to answer any questions or queries you might have.

    Maybe the mod can let me know what info I can post here, I don't want to get banned! We have a link to the details of the Mat and Comprehensive Training we'll be running in the new year. There are other schools and courses out there too of course but it might be a good starting point for a discussion.

    All the best
    S


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    #6
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    This would be a great idea. Stphgry was very kind to speak to me on the phone and give me some info - but I've done very little else as my other half was not yet in a position to start - but in a few months she will be so we'd love to know more. If its OK with the mods this is the link steph was talking about: https://www.liveandbreathepilates.com/workshops/basi-pilates/

    I'd be interested also to see what other options there are - how long it takes and how much it costs typically to get certified. But also the aspects of building your own business - be it at home or mobile etc. Any info appreciated.


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  • Options
    #7
    stphgry
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭stphgry


    Hi Zascar,

    As you mention your other half is Brazilian I would look for courses that are internationally recognised which makes travel easier.

    There are many options, from a weekend workshop to an apprenticeship to something in between.

    Our BASI course is 12 days over 3 weekends of course time and a requirement then of

    100 hours of observation
    200 hours of practice teaching
    200 hours of personal practice (you have to get the work into your own body)

    There are exams during and at the end of the BASI (and other good) courses, both practical and written. In BASI there is a research paper to complete as well as a teaching evaluation to do in order to complete the final stages of the course.

    You will also be taught basic anatomy as part of any course, but I recommend you are studying anatomy on your own on the side too.

    Most schools have options for courses on Mat and / or equipment courses.

    You could do Matwork on its own on first, and then follow up with the equipment at a later stage or do it altogether - it depends what makes sense financially and timewise.

    The Pilates equipment is Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs and Barrels. Pilates is a system which works best when clients use the equipment as well as the matwork - so my recommendation is eventually a full certification as it just makes more sense in the body.

    Matwork is really the most challenging part of Pilates - the equipment is there to provide support and guide you. In Matwork it's just you versus gravity and body weight so it can be hard to find good form and the equipment teaches you this.

    I would definitely ensure you are attending regular Pilates classes prior to taking on a course - it will make the learning process easier if you are somewhat familiar with the repertoire. Research and find a studio that teaches Pilates well, with small classes and certified instructors with lots of teaching experience. It makes all the difference.

    Then there is continuing education. Lots of schools require annual CECs (continuing education credits) for their certified instructors. There are also lots of other independent courses available within the Pilates community too though - such as Pilates for Breast Cancer Rehab, Pilates for Neurological conditions, Pilates for Kids, Pre and postnatal etc. So you could specialise in an area after your comprehensive training too, there's lots of options.

    Pilates is becoming more popular in Ireland so there are opportunities to build a business or work for an already established studio.

    Many people, like myself, work full time initially and teach Pilates in the evenings / weekends and make a gradual transition into full time teaching. Pilates training is expensive no matter what school you train with so it can be helpful to have a regular income starting off!

    Pilates really is an amazing approach and workout for your mind and body. I can't recommend it highly enough.

    Any other questions let me know, I'm happy to help

    All the best,
    S


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    #8
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    Thanks thats brilliant! I'll follow up with more questions later - or if anyone else has some fire ahead!


  • Options
    #9
    DonnaDarko09
    Registered Users Posts: 366 ✭✭DonnaDarko09


    stphgry wrote: »
    Hi Zascar,

    As you mention your other half is Brazilian I would look for courses that are internationally recognised which makes travel easier.

    There are many options, from a weekend workshop to an apprenticeship to something in between.

    Our BASI course is 12 days over 3 weekends of course time and a requirement then of

    100 hours of observation
    200 hours of practice teaching
    200 hours of personal practice (you have to get the work into your own body)

    There are exams during and at the end of the BASI (and other good) courses, both practical and written. In BASI there is a research paper to complete as well as a teaching evaluation to do in order to complete the final stages of the course.

    You will also be taught basic anatomy as part of any course, but I recommend you are studying anatomy on your own on the side too.

    Most schools have options for courses on Mat and / or equipment courses.

    You could do Matwork on its own on first, and then follow up with the equipment at a later stage or do it altogether - it depends what makes sense financially and timewise.

    The Pilates equipment is Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs and Barrels. Pilates is a system which works best when clients use the equipment as well as the matwork - so my recommendation is eventually a full certification as it just makes more sense in the body.

    Matwork is really the most challenging part of Pilates - the equipment is there to provide support and guide you. In Matwork it's just you versus gravity and body weight so it can be hard to find good form and the equipment teaches you this.

    I would definitely ensure you are attending regular Pilates classes prior to taking on a course - it will make the learning process easier if you are somewhat familiar with the repertoire. Research and find a studio that teaches Pilates well, with small classes and certified instructors with lots of teaching experience. It makes all the difference.

    Then there is continuing education. Lots of schools require annual CECs (continuing education credits) for their certified instructors. There are also lots of other independent courses available within the Pilates community too though - such as Pilates for Breast Cancer Rehab, Pilates for Neurological conditions, Pilates for Kids, Pre and postnatal etc. So you could specialise in an area after your comprehensive training too, there's lots of options.

    Pilates is becoming more popular in Ireland so there are opportunities to build a business or work for an already established studio.

    Many people, like myself, work full time initially and teach Pilates in the evenings / weekends and make a gradual transition into full time teaching. Pilates training is expensive no matter what school you train with so it can be helpful to have a regular income starting off!

    Pilates really is an amazing approach and workout for your mind and body. I can't recommend it highly enough.

    Any other questions let me know, I'm happy to help

    All the best,
    S

    Great post; thank you so much for those details. I myself am a regular pilates attendee (3-4 times per week over the past 2 years) and have thought about doing a more intense course. Is there any recommended reading (anatomy, positions, etc..) you could advise on? I also looked at above link and there was mention of a BASI course in Sept but then no further details? I work a busy 9-7 office job so how realistic for a full time professional to coplete such a course?


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    #10
    stphgry
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭stphgry


    Being a regular class attendee really helps. There are LOADS of anatomy resources available online - from apps to websites, lots of books, courses etc around too. It really depends on how you learn on what you choose....

    We have just finalised details for the next BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Course in 2017, the info is up on our website now - I can't post the URL but you'll see it at the bottom of our home page under news

    I worked full-time while I did my training, while teaching part time too. So anything is possible!


  • Options
    #11
    Zascar
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Music Moderators Posts: 12,778 Mod ✭✭✭✭Zascar


    Hi all again,

    Just looking again and this course http://www.ntc.ie/course/pilates/advanced-diploma-in-pilates-matwork - which seemed prefect is now booked out for the saturday unfortunately. There is a thursday morning one but she can't do that due to work.

    Does anyone know any other courses? Can you post links? Many seem to be starting in September - unfortunately I didn't have time to look at this but don't want to wait 6-12 months. Do any others happen more regularly?

    Thanks


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    #12
    plumber77
    Registered Users Posts: 651 ✭✭✭plumber77


    Complete Body Movement teach STOTTS PILATES. Course is starting there in early November. Has anyone got any feedback on that course. I have enquired but still unsure as to which level of certification I should be looking for.


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    #13
    misheile
    Registered Users Posts: 1 ✭misheile


    Hi, I'm also really interested in doing a pilates teacher training course in 2017/18. Can anyone on this thread give feedback on recent courses they have done? Any recommendations would be great. I have been reading about PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) and would like to find a course that has good accreditation/certification and also does the 450 hours training. Thanks :)


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    #14
    stphgry
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭stphgry


    Hi there,

    I've completed both the STOTT Pilates and BASI Pilates full comprehensive teacher training programs over the past few years. The STOTT one I completed via Dublin and the UK and the BASI Course I did here in Dublin. (Note: - to be upfront, we are a host for BASI Pilates) and I have previously responded in this thread about the courses we offer. Our next BASI course starts Mar 2018,

    AFAIK there are no apprentice based Pilates programs that offer 450 hours of face to face training with an instructor here in Dublin. The courses offered locally are generally taught over a number of weekends and then you get your own practice in, teach friends and family (and other students), study and complete exams at a later date thereby making up the required 450 / 500 hours required.

    The PMA recognise a number of schools - but are in the process of asking each educator to go through a re-registration process but I'm not sure where that currently stands. You could check their website though.

    The main thing as part of the whichever course you choose, is having 1) a good mentor, and 2) access to a studio / equipment you can practice on and 3) access to observation hours. Many studios charge their students for these services (we don't for our students) but you should check that as part of your research.

    If you'd like to have a chat, I'm happy to take a call or PM me. I'll give you details on the courses we offer as well as an overview of what else is available out there...I always wished when I started out I had someone to talk to about this stuff. Or I'm happy to put you in contact with one of our previous students either.

    All the best
    Steph


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