Pilates Business Studio Assessment & Setup

• Having a Reformer 1 certificate allows you to teach privately or in studios, only if you’re comfortable teaching beginners. 
• Some studios may accept instructors with just the Level 1 Reformer certification, while others may require full certification across all Reformer levels (Reformer 1, 2, and 3).
• Completing the Reformer 1 course means you’ve finished Level 1 training, but to be fully certified as a Balanced Pilates Reformer instructor, please refer to Question #11 below.
• This individual training course certification and the full certification are internationally recognized and allow you to teach worldwide.

• Reformer 1 is an Introduction to Reformer Beginning Exercises (16 hours).
• This course introduces you to the Universal Reformer, the centerpiece of Pilates equipment. 
• You will learn how to safely use the Reformer and many beginning and intermediate exercises. 
• This course also covers common modifications and variations to tailor your teaching to individual clients.

Prerequisite:

• 20 Reformer classes (recommended)

• Reformer 2 expands to Intermediate Exercises (16 hours).
• It focuses on intermediate and advanced exercises and includes safety protocols and modifications. 
• You’ll also learn how to design programs for specific populations, such as pre and post-natal clients or those with osteoporosis or lower back issues.

Prerequisites:

• Reformer 1

• Reformer 3 is Advanced Exercises & Programming (16 hours).
• This course includes the advanced and super-advanced exercises on the Reformer, challenging clients with progressive sequences. 
• It also covers creating safe and successful multi-level classes.

Prerequisites:

• Reformer 1 and Reformer 2, or successful completion of a comparable Pilates Reformer program.

• Yes, Balanced Body certificates are internationally recognized. You can use them to teach in any studio worldwide. 
• Additionally, if you wish to bridge into another Pilates school or continue your education at higher levels, this certification is widely accepted.

A Balanced Body certificate is the gold standard in the mindful movement space. Benefits include:

• Access to world-class instructors and innovative educational curriculum.
• Online support, including educational videos, virtual workshops, and streaming workouts.

Marketing materials to support your teaching career.

• Balanced Body programs emphasize universal movement principles based on biomechanical theories and exercise science.
• These principles ensure immediate application in practice, enhancing the learning experience and directly impacting your teaching.

Balanced Body instructors and students enjoy:

• Access to leading educators in mindful movement.
• Over 45 years of industry experience.
• A 5% discount on Pilates equipment and accessories for a year after completing the course.

Continually updated educational content, virtual workshops, streaming workouts, and more.

Balanced Body offers 4 certification levels:

• Pilates Comprehensive Certification: Includes Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table/Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels.
• Mat and Reformer certifications: Explore the relationship between Mat work and Reformer exercises, focusing on specific exercises and programming.

Mat-specific certification: Focuses solely on the Mat repertoire and movement foundations.

The Fully Reformer Program includes:

• Comprehensive Reformer exercise instruction.
• A detailed, full-color manual with video support.
• Training in class design, posture analysis, and teaching special populations (seniors, prenatal, injury).

Equipment safety and maintenance.

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Reformer Instructor, you must complete:

1. Movement Principles course.
2. Reformer 1, 2, and 3 (16 hours each).
3. Anatomy course (Balanced Body or another institution’s comparable course).
4. 30 personal Reformer sessions, 30 observation hours, and 90 student teaching hours.
5. Final written and practical exam.

Total completion hours: 214 hours (excluding Anatomy).

Once you fulfill all requirements, you will receive a Balanced Body Reformer Instructor certificate.

• Teaching with Mat 1 Certification:
Having a Mat 1 certificate allows you to teach Pilates privately or in studios, as long as you're comfortable teaching beginners.
• Studio Requirements:
Some studios may accept instructors with only the Mat 1 certification, while others may require full certification across all Mat levels (Mat 1, 2, and 3).
• Completion of Mat 1 Course:
Completing the Mat 1 course means you've finished Level 1 training. However, to be fully certified as a Balanced Pilates Mat instructor, refer to Question #17 below.
• Global Recognition:
This individual training course certification, along with full certification, is internationally recognized and allows you to teach worldwide.

Introduction to Pilates:
This course provides an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method.

• Exercises Covered:
Focuses on beginning and intermediate level Pilates exercises.
• Exercise Details:
Each exercise includes:
• Modifications
• Challenges
• The purpose of the exercise
• Precautions for injuries and special populations
• Teaching Group Classes:
Learn how to design and teach group Pilates classes.

• Special Populations:
Guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post-natal clients are included.

Prerequisites:

• Movement Principles
• 10 Mat Classes (recommended)

• 6 months of experience teaching movement and anatomy (recommended)

• Course Focus:
Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced-level Pilates Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program.
• Course Content:
• Progressive skill development to achieve advanced exercises
• Programming for intermediate and advanced-level classes
• Creating successful Mat classes
• Prerequisites:
• Movement Principles
• Mat 1

• Course Focus:
Enhanced Mat & Props
Mat 3 completes the Mat training by incorporating rings, rollers, bands, and balls into the traditional Mat exercises.
• Expanded Exercises:
The course includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body, expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop overall body strength and flexibility.
• Balanced Body Programming System:
This system is introduced to make class design easy, effective, and enjoyable.
• Benefits of Props:
Adding props to a Mat class makes it more dynamic, creative, and accessible, while also increasing client enjoyment with the use of fun "toys."

Prerequisites:

• Mat 1 and Mat 2, or successful completion of a comparable Pilates Mat program.

1. Complete Instruction:
Instruction in the full pre-Pilates and Balanced Body Mat exercises.
2. Learning Materials:
A detailed, full-color manual with accompanying video support to enhance your learning experience.
3. Class Design & Delivery:
Mat class design and delivery based on the Balanced Body programming system.
4. Cueing & Coaching Skills:
Development of cueing and coaching skills to improve your teaching effectiveness.
5. Safety Information:
Safety guidelines for teaching special populations, including seniors, pre-natal clients, and those with injuries.

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Mat Instructor, students must complete the following:

1. Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ (Strongly Recommended)
2. Balanced Body Movement Principles (16 hours)
3. Balanced Body Mat 1 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
4. Balanced Body Mat 2 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
5. Balanced Body Mat 3 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
6. Practical Experience:
   • 20 Mat personal sessions
   • 15 observation hours
   • 35 student teaching hours

7. Final Exam: Written and practical test

• • Total Hours for Completion of Mat Program: 134 hours

Certificate of Completion:
Upon fulfilling all the Balanced Body Mat Instructor requirements, students will receive a certificate of completion.