Building a career in Pilates
Jul 22, 2024

Building a career in Pilates: how to become a certified Pilates Mat Instructor

Pilates mat instructor courses are designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach Pilates mat classes. Our Pilates Instructor course is ideal for those who are passionate about this discipline and want to share its benefits with clients. In this article, we will explore what a Pilates mat instructor is, how you can become a pilates teacher, the modules such as anatomy and physiology included in the qualification and job opportunities that you may want to pursue.

A Pilates mat instructor is a fitness professional who teaches Pilates exercises and classes on a mat on the floor through a simple series of exercises that leverages the individuals own body weight, rather than on specialised equipment like the Reformer. A Pilates reformer workout is more about strengthening your core and learning which muscles to engage when.

Some key concepts of the Pilates mat instructor

A Pilates mat instructor teaches a group or private class with the focus on mat-based Pilates exercises, leading students through a series of movements that engage the core, build strength and improve the overall flexibility of the client. The exercises are modified to accommodate the different fitness levels and abilities of your clients and can include a mix of beginners, intermediate and advanced clients that you will teach in a group setting.

Our course is ideal for those seeking a basic teaching qualification or for existing fitness professionals looking to expand their skills and marketability in the sport and fitness industry.

Key Skills Required

A Pilates Mat Instructor should possess the following key skills:

- Strong knowledge of Pilates principles and techniques - to ensure the best possible service offering to clients

- Excellent communication and teaching skills - to engage clients during training sessions

- Ability to demonstrate exercises - to ensure correctness of the movements that clients would have to engage in

- Understanding of anatomy and physiology -to ensure that undue injuries are prevented during training sessions

Typical workplace environments

The Pilates Mat instructor can expect to work in an exciting work environment, engaging with different clients and meeting various types of individuals during their training sessions in fitness studios and gyms that offer Pilates classes, or private studios and boutique Pilates studios.

Anatomy and Physiology Module

The anatomy and physiology module is a crucial part of our Pilates mat instructor course. This module covers topics such as, to name a few:

Anatomical Terms, the Organ and Skeletal System

Cardiovascular & Circulatory System

Respiratory, Nervous and Endocrine System

Adaptations to physiological systems with exercise

Principles of exercise, fitness, health, and training

This module helps students understand how the body moves and functions, enabling them to design and teach safe and effective Pilates classes.

This course also lays a solid foundation in Pilates principles, including:

-Alignment

-Breathing

-Core contraction

As you progress through the programme, you will move from:

-Beginner level: focus on core strengthening exercises and postural awareness

-Intermediate level: introduction to more complex movements

-Certified Pilates Mat Instructor: assist clients to achieve optimal physical health through exercises that improves posture, breathing, flexibility, strength and mobility

Job Opportunities

Upon completing a Pilates mat instructor course, individuals can pursue various job opportunities, including:

-Pilates Mat Instructor

-Group Fitness Instructor

-Pilates Studio Owner

-Pilates Studio Manager

-Online Pilates Instructor

Conclusion

The Pilates mat instructor courses provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach Pilates mat classes. With various job opportunities available, Pilates mat instructors can work in different settings and earn a competitive salary. With the essential module of Anatomy and physiology helping you to understand the human body and knowledge on how to design safe and effective classes - you will become a sought after trainer in the fitness industry. If you are passionate about Pilates and want to share its benefits with others, consider enrolling in our 6-month Pilates mat instructor course today!

Laricia Smit

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