Centered™Pilates                                           Training Programs Pilates cannot be mastered overnight, nor in a weekend training course.  Centered™Pilates’ certifications programs require individuals be motivated to learn and committed to taking the time necessary to master the technique.  This type of self-paced learning is not for everyone, nor do we accept “just anyone” into the program.     We offer two types of certification programs:   Matwork 101(minimum 100 hours of instruction) Apparatus 101 (minimum 450 hours of instruction) Both are aligned with the instructor-training guidelines established by the Pilates Method Alliance. The length of each training varies according to how quickly participants fulfill the necessary hours.   Matwork 101 may be completed in 3-6 months.  Apparatus 101 will take approximately 12 months to complete.  However, once in the program, participants become apprentice-instructors after meeting certain requirements.  Apprentice-instructors may begin working with clients in some capacity before completing the entire apprenticeship.   Once you decide you are ready to start the training, expose yourself as much as possible to the Pilates method.  Take mat classes; observe instructors working with clients; experience some private reformer sessions for yourself; read as much as possible.  Doing so will begin to build the foundation you’ll need to become a knowledgeable instructor. Matwork 101 (100 hours) Participants interested in completing the Matwork 101 course must have at least 20 hours of prior mat class experience and have a basic knowledge of functional anatomy.  In addition, participants must complete the following coursework: Lecture hours (15) - The lecture hours will include discussions of assigned reading. In addition, there will be times we’ll meet to discuss/clarify what you’ve observed/practiced up to that point.  The lecture times will be flexible according to instructor and student schedules. Observation hours (20 hours) - Students will observe an instructor working with clients during group mat classes.  These hours are self-paced according to the student’s schedule. Your personal Pilates practice (ongoing;  20 hours minimum upon program completion) - Attend group mat classes throughout the course of your training.  During your certification, it is vital that you continue to feel the exercises on your own body.  Not only will it provide you with numerous personal benefits, your personal practice will better prepare you to work with clients.   Assistant teaching hours (45 hours) - Once you begin learning the exercises, you’ll be assigned “homework” to train someone of your choice, practicing by taking them through the exercises you learned.   Assistant teaching hours are arranged between the student and the practice client.  Additionally, you will be required to assist an instructor during group mat class; providing personal attention to clients requiring special modifications in addition to giving demonstrations of specific movements during class. Apparatus 101 (450 hours) To begin the Apparatus 101 certification, you must have successfully completed Matwork 101 or the equivalent (acceptance of certification other than Centered™Pilates is left to the discretion of director).  In addition, you must have completed a minimum of 20 hours of prior Reformer sessions.  Apparatus 101 coursework includes the following accumulation of hours: Lecture hours (15 hours) - As described under Matwork 101 Observation hours (50 hours) - Students will observe an instructor working with clients on the Reformer.  These hours are self-paced according to the student’s schedule. Your personal Pilates practice (ongoing; 20 hours minimum upon program completion) - Schedule personal workout sessions with a certified instructor in order to experience the Reformer.  During your certification, it is vital that you continue to feel the exercises on your own body.  Not only will it provide you with numerous personal benefits, your personal practice will better prepare you to work with clients. Please contact the director to schedule those sessions.  Apprentices may utilize either the Centered™Pilates studio or another studio of their choosing.  After the prerequisite 20 sessions to enter the training program, Apprentices will receive a 50% discount on all private apparatus sessions in the Centered™ Pilates studio. Lesson application hours (108 hours) - Once you begin to learn the Reformer exercises, you’ll need to spend some time practicing them on your own in order to gain a solid understanding of them.  The lesson application hours are free of charge and center around each new lesson that is addressed during the lectures. These hours are set by the student according to the individual’s schedule. A minimum of 8 hours must be Mat work; a minimum of 100 hours must be Apparatus work. Assistant teaching hours (107 hours) - Once you begin learning the exercises, you’ll be assigned “homework” to train someone of your choice, practicing by taking them through the exercises you learned.   Assistant teaching hours are arranged between the student and the practice client. Client work (150 hours) - After completing your Assistant teaching hours, you’ll be given paying clients to work with on your own.  With your instructor, you will design an appropriate workout for them based on their evaluation and specific needs.  Together, you and your instructor will track each client’s progress as they complete their program.  Some of these client work hours will be observed by your training instructor.   These hours are arranged according to the client, student, and instructor’s schedules. Certification Exam Upon completion of the required hours, participants must take written and practical exams.  The written exam will cover assigned readings and lecture material.  The practical exam will cover the classic Pilates techniques learned and applied throughout the student’s training program.   All participants must show understanding of the following: •        The names of the apparatus and all of the various parts.* •        The names of the exercises. •        The appropriate sequencing of the exercises, repetitions, and use of resistance. •        The appropriate set-up of the apparatus for each exercise including all possible safety issues.* •        Proper spotting and verbal cuing techniques for each exercise. •        The components of each exercise (rhythm, tempo, dynamics, breath, flow, etc.) •        The objectives of each exercise. •        How to effectively modify, break down, and/or adapt an exercise. •        How to design a client’s specific program.  How to choose which piece of apparatus to use for a particular exercise. •        Practical knowledge of the complete exercise system including: o        Its philosophy and purpose. o        The primary goal of each exercise. o        The ability to modify the exercises without losing their main intent. o        Pacing the workout for an effective movement experience. o        Communicating specific, applicable corrections. o        Understanding the use of appropriate hands-on ability. •        Teachers must be able to: o        Accurately assess a client’s posture and movement patterns. o        Understand what the client is doing in a session. o        Have the ability to build an appropriate, client-specific program. o        Pace the workout for an effective movement experience. * Apparatus 101 participants only Compensation There will be no compensation for participants while accumulating the training hours mentioned above.  All assistant-teaching hours are required for program completion and therefore not considered compensable.   Apprentice program rates* Matwork 101    …………….. $100 Apparatus 101 …………...... $350 * Rates, where applicable.  Price does not include study materials or any necessary class/apparatus session fees.  Please contact director for these details.   Contract requirements Prior to beginning the certification program, participants must sign an agreement stating that, upon completion of the training, they agree to work with Centered™Pilates exclusively for the period of one year, not working as a Pilates instructor with another company in St. Mary’s or Calvert Counties.   In addition, each participant must sign a non-compete agreement stating that, upon separation from Centered™Pilates, participant will not work as a Pilates instructor with another company in St. Mary’s or Calvert Counties for 6 months after leaving the company. The non-compete clause also prohibits instructors from working with Centered™Pilates clients for a period of six (6) months after separation from the company.  (Instructors’ personal training jobs and other formats of group exercise instructing are not bound by the contract.)