TEACHER TRAINING
OurMission
Our objective is to prepare our graduates to deliver the highest and most professional standard of Pilates training to their clients. We focus not only on teaching the Pilates repertoire, but also on developing a deeper understanding of the body's anatomy and biomechanics, in order to effectively program individualized sessions based on clients' specific anatomy, movement patterns and personal goals.
OurGoals
We aim to expand the understanding of the Pilates Method by exploring muscular participation, joint function, range of motion, and the physics behind both the classical repertoire and the functionality of the Pilates apparatus. In addition to our Teacher Training Programs, we intend to develop more continuing education content for both our graduates and for Pilates Instructors in the US and abroad. Many of our current workshops are accredited by the National Pilates Certification Program and are available online at www.naturalpilatestv.com.
Natural Pilates
Teacher Training Programs
We are pleased to offer 3 programs for aspiring Pilates Instructors:
Our 100-Hour Mat Program includes lecture, observation, self-study, prac:ce-teaching, mentorship, and one-on-one student-teaching with a Natural Pilates Qualified Teacher Trainer.
Students will learn all Pilates Mat choreography, modifications, and varia:ons. The curriculum includes:
- Anatomy
- History of Pilates
- Choreography, modifications, and variations (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
- Use of props, including the Fitness (“Magic”) Circle
- Discussion of joint motion, muscular participation, compensatory movement patterns, and forces involved in each series
- Verbal & Hands-On Cueing Techniques
- Programming for Special Populations
Course Hours:
- Anatomy for Movement: 15
- Mat: 40
Upon completion of all lecture hours, students are required to complete the following additional hours and exams in order to receive their Certificate of Completion:
- 20 hours of observation (10 hours must be live or live-virtual)
- 16 hours of self-practice
- 12 hours of group classes or private sessions with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 12 hours of practice-teaching
- 3 hours of 1:1 assisted student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 1 hour of 1:1 unassisted (observed) student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 2 mentorship hours
- 1- hour Writen Exam
- 1-hour Practical Exam
Students will learn all Pilates Reformer choreography, modifications, and variations. The curriculum includes:
- Anatomy
- History of Pilates
- Choreography, modifications and varia:ons (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
- Use of props, including the Pilates Circle
- Discussion of joint motion, muscular participation, compensatory movement patterns, and forces involved in each series
- Verbal & Hands-On Cueing Techniques
- Programming for Special Populatons and group classes
Course Hours:
The breakdown for lecture hours is as follows:
- Anatomy for Movement: 15
- Reformer: 55
- Programming for Special Populations: 10
Upon completion of all lecture hours, students are required to complete the following additional hours and exams in order to receive their Certificate of Completion:
- 60 hours of observa:on (40 hours must be live or live-virtual)
- 60 hours of self practice
- 40 hours of group classes or private sessions with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 40 hours of practice-teaching
- 10 hours of 1:1 assisted student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 5 hours of 1:1 unassisted (observed) student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 5 mentorship hours
- 2- hour Written Exam
- 2-hour Practical Exam
Our 500-Hour Comprehensive Program covers all Pilates apparatus and includes lecture, observation, self-
study, pracrtice-teaching, mentorship, and one-on-one student-teaching with a Natural Pilates Qualified
Teacher Trainer.
Students will learn all choreography, modifications and variations on the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels. The curriculum for each course includes:
- Anatomy
- History of Pilates
- Choreography, modifications and varia:ons (beginner, intermediate and advanced)
- Use of props, including the Pilates Circle
- Discussion of joint motion, muscular participation, compensatory movement patterns, and forces involved in each series
- Verbal & Hands-On Cueing
- Programming for Special Populations
Course Hours:
The breakdown for lecture hours is as follows:
- Anatomy for Movement: 15
- Mat: 40
- Reformer: 55
- Cadillac: 30
- Chair & Barrels: 30
- Programming for Special Populations: 10
Upon completion of all lecture hours for all courses, Comprehensive students are required to complete the following additional hours and exams in order to receive their Certificate of Completion:
- 120 hours of observa:on (80 hours must be live or live-virtual)
- 75 hours of self-practice
- 50 hours of group classes or private sessions with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 50 hours of practice-teaching
- 20 hours of 1:1 assisted student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 15 hours of 1:1 observed, unassisted student-teaching with a Qualified Teacher Trainer
- 5 mentorship hours
- 3-hour Written Exam
- 3-hour Practical Exam
OurPrograms
Our Training Programs cover the traditional choreography and basic
principles created by Joseph Pilates, but we use human anatomy as the
point of departure, and we group exercises into series based on muscular
function and joint motion. This approach means that we do not always
follow Pilates' prescribed exercise order, spring tension, or number of
repetitions. Instead, we focus on observing the body in front of us and
designing a workout that best serves that particular body.
Through the lens of anatomy and an understanding of the various forces
acting both within and on the body, students learn not only the Pilates
repertoire, but also gain the knowledge of how to adjust that choreography
to truly tailor workouts to meet the individual needs and goals of their
clients. We explore the concepts of mobility, stability, flexibility, and balance.
For every exercise, we discuss the joint range of motion and muscular
participation involved based on body position, plane of motion, and the
type and direction of resistance. Students will learn how to modify each
exercise for everybody (and "every body"), from beginner to advanced
clients. The basic Pilates principles of control, awareness, and breathing will
also be demonstrated in every exercise so that our students (and their future
clients) can deepen the mind-body connection.
The inspiration for and basis of our Teacher Training Programs is the human body. From the perspective of anatomy, muscular function, and joint motion, we teach our students the Pilates repertoire and how it can be adapted for clients' individual bodies, needs, and goals. Natural Pilates Anatomy for Movement course is a pre-requisite for all our training programs.
Our Training Programs aim to help students understand how to assess
clients both passively and actively, and then to create an appropriate
program based on these assessments. We discuss the importance of
individual client progression and consider the threshold of muscle fatigue
through resistance, repetitions, and the use of props as ways to decrease or
increase the difficulty level to best suit this progression.
Students will also learn about programming sessions for special populations. For each section of the body, we examine the most common injuries and pathologies, what movements are contraindicated for these conditions, and what exercises would be most beneficial on each apparatus. Another hallmark of Natural Pilates' approach to Teacher Training is our focus on hands-on cueing. Appropriate tactile cues will be discussed for every exercise, but sensitivity to touch will be respected.
MASTERINSTRUCTORS
Stefani
Bertoncini
Stefani grew up training intensely to become a professional dancer and went on to pursue a career in dance. After surgery for labral tears in both hips, Stefani went through extensive rehabilitation and...
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Laura
Wilson
In 2002, Laura Wilson (then Bogdaniuc) immigrated to the US from her native Romania, with only $100 in her pocket. From these humble beginnings, she created a veritable Pilates empire in the fitness...
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Erika
Nickless
Erika was first introduced to Pilates in the 1990s as a way to complement and enhance her study of classical ballet and modern dance. Years later, after hanging up her dancing shoes, she began taking Mat classes ...
Read More >TESTIMONIALS
The class was great, very detailed and informative. For the course of two weeks, we learned the Mat theory repertoire and did practice-teaching on each other. I love the fact that the class was small and Laura had time to spend time with everyone single one of us.
Gabriela Tu,
2021 Mat Teacher Training Program
The program provides ample time for hands-on practice sessions followed by individual critiques. Students receive brilliant instruction that extends way beyond learning choreography. The instructors are attentive and passionate and clearly invested in each student's success. This training is the best investment I know of to elevate your Pilates career.
M. Kelley,
Participant Spring 2021/Summer 2021
Spring 2022
The program was a great mix between theory and practice. The trainers have exceptional knowledge of the body and biomechanics and have so much information and wisdom to pass on. I would highly recommend taking a training program with Natural Pilates.
Lisa Street,
2021 Mat Teacher Training Program
I absolutely loved the Natural Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training. Laura and Erika are so knowledgeable and take the time to go over everything in such great detail. I highly recommend this if you're looking to teach Pilates or to up your Pilates game!
Tamar Abramowitz,
2022 Comprehensive Teacher Training Program
Erika, our trainer, was very attentive to each and every one of us, and made sure that all questions were answered. She even made herself available on non-working hours through email and text. The program, was comprehensive and now, i feel confident and comfortable teaching.
Ana Geoana,
2022 Mat Teacher Training Program
Laura Wilson
is the most knowledgeable instructor I've ever encountered, and her curriculum is amazing. She breaks down everything, demonstrates, and makes sure the students understand the material before moving on.
Kendra Stillwell,
2019 Reformer Teacher Training Program
No applicant will be denied on the basis of race, national origin, color, creed, religion, sex, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Completion of the program does not guarantee employment or certification.
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Get our FREE App
Download the Natural Pilates App today to plan and schedule your classes! From this App you can view class schedules, sign-up for classes, view ongoing promotions, as well as view location and contact information.
Download this App Today!