Exercise

The best Pilates teacher training program depends on the needs of the practitioner. The easiest way to find the best fit for you is to understand your options and how they align with your goals, decide a cost you are comfortable with, and ask the right questions to make sure a program is reputable. 

What are the different types of Pilates certification?

There are numerous types of Pilates teacher training courses. Typically, Pilates certifications will come in mat instructor training, reformer instructor training, mat, reformer instructor training, or comprehensive instructor training. 

The best Pilates teacher training for you depends on your needs. Below are our top three choices for Pilates teacher certifications that we trust and love. We’re going to break it down for you between full comprehensive certification and modular.

1. Full Comprehensive Certification
   1. Romana’s Pilates
   2. United States Pilates Association
2. Modular Certification
   1. Peak Pilates
   2. Polestar Pilates

The Pilates teacher certification cost can range anywhere from $100 for a mat certification to over $3,000 for a comprehensive Pilates certification. The price truly depends on where you get your certificate and what type of certification you get.

How to pick a Pilates teacher training program

There are countless options out there for Pilates teacher training programs. It is essential to do your research to ensure the one you are taking is reputable. 

As you research, consider the following questions before making your decision. 

• Do they require a combo of teaching, classroom, and observation hours? (if not, think twice about them) 
• What is the location, date, and time of the training?
• Is your apprenticeship with the program or a studio of your choosing?
• What are the costs and the cancellation policy? 

Ultimately, you will need to use these questions to determine which program fits your needs the best.

How long does it take to complete Pilates teacher training?

The time it takes to complete a Pilates teacher certificate depends on the program you choose. On average, you will need to invest at least 450 hours over a period of six to twelve months into obtaining your certificate. 

Where do all these hours come from? Class time, observation, practice, and apprentice teaching hours accumulate quickly. You then will have to pass a written and physical teaching assessment. 

The instructors at the MatWorkz Pilates Studio have an extensive understanding of the certification process. 

All of our instructors participate in continuing education and have earned multiple certifications to ensure they have comprehensive Pilates training to meet differing individuals’ needs. 

If you have questions about Pilates teacher training or are new to the world of Pilates, contact us. 

We’d love to guide you on your journey. 

There are countless Pilates exercises for beginners that practitioners can choose from as they begin their journey. 

We’ve put together this no-frill list of why you should start and what you can start with to give you some guidance through the beginning of your journey.

3 reasons why Pilates is the perfect choice for beginners

Pilates for beginners may sound like a daunting venture at first. However, trust us when we say this practice is accessible for anyone. 

There are endless physical and mental benefits for every person to gain by taking the leap and trying this new challenge. 

1. Pilates is adaptable: Instructors can modify the exercises in Pilates to meet practitioners where they are at regardless of their age, fitness, or ability levels. 
2. Consistency is key: Individuals don’t have to be a star athlete or a professional dancer to benefit from Pilates. Instead, they must simply practice Pilates consistently to improve their strength, flexibility, posture, balance, and mind-body connection. 
3. You have options: There are many different approaches to Pilates. This practice isn’t one fits all. Beginners can experiment with the different styles to find one that meets their needs the best. 

What are the best beginner Pilates exercises for first-time practitioners?

Beginner Pilates exercises help to engrain Pilates’ foundational elements, like controlling movement through breath, into practitioners’ minds. These movements are essential to receiving the full physical and mental benefit of the practice. Below are some of our favorites. 

1. The pelvic curl: This exercise is a fantastic warm-up for the spine and abdominal muscles. It teaches beginners to use their breath to flow through slow, controlled movements articulating the spine. We recommend using this movement as a warm-up before doing any further Pilates exercises for abs.
2. The cat-cow: The cat-cow is a fabulous Pilates exercise for beginners because it is a simple tool to reduce lower back pain. Moreover, it is an easy way for practitioners to find a neutral spine. 
3. Arm reach and pull: Improving shoulder stability for spinal health is critical. This exercise helps beginners develop more awareness around their scapulae. As a result, it teaches them to engage in movements that protect and support their upper body. 

How MatWorkz Pilates in Orlando, Florida, supports Pilates for beginners

The MatWorkz Pilates studio is a wonderful place for individuals to try Pilates exercises for beginners. We have private and group class options. 

Our instructors are passionate about introducing the power of movement to our practitioners’ lives. We believe in transforming the mind, body, and spirit through Joesph Pilates’ elegant and straightforward exercise approach. 

Visit us or call us at 407-628-4888 to learn more about how we can help you. 

Doing Pilates at home with online Pilates classes has reached an all-time high in popularity thanks to the pandemic. It is essential for Pilates students, especially beginners, to do Pilates classes with an instructor at an in-person course. Instructors provide feedback and ensure students engage the right muscle groups with the correct form to get the most out of their Pilates practice. However, at-home Pilates is a great, more economical, and COVID-19 safe practice combined with regular in-person classes. Before students begin online Pilates, there are several pieces of equipment they can get to set themselves up for success. 

Why you need Pilates equipment at home for online pilates classes 

Step one to doing Pilates at home with online pilates classes is getting a Pilates mat. Pilates mats are thicker than typical yoga mats. This quality is essential for floor work because it gives added comfort and support for exercises like front support. The main issue with doing Pilates at home is the potential to sacrifice form for convenience without supervision from an instructor. Using Pilates equipment helps students focus on performing exercises correctly as they move through sequences. Moreover, it makes the at-home environment more conducive to movements students need to perform during a Pilates practice. That is why it is crucial to use basic Pilates equipment, like the Pilates mat, at home. 

Which equipment works well for Pilates classes online?

A Pilates mat is the essential first piece of equipment that all online Pilates students need. However, many other pieces of at-home equipment can make an engaging at-home practice easier to achieve and more effective. 

1. An exercise ball:  A standard size exercise ball is useful for doing movements that involve difficult core work. 
2. A mini stability ball: This Pilates equipment is fabulous for doing work to improve posture and alignment. In addition, it makes it easier to do exercises that isolate the glutes and thighs, arms, and abs. 
3. Pilates Magic Circle: These rings are versatile and excellent for improving balance and adding resistance. 
4. Resistance bands: This at-home equipment gives the feeling of the springs used in Pilates. It’s lightweight and compact while delivering a massive punch for potential exercises students performing with them. They are excellent for adding resistance.

Where can you take online Pilates classes at home in Orlando, Florida?

The importance of in-class instructor supervision for beginner practitioners is essential to make sure new students’ use of pilates equipment, focus, and muscular movements are precise through the exercise sequence to achieve the desired results. MatWorkz Pilates Studio in Orlando, Florida, works with its students on a student by student basis with it’s online Pilates classes. As our practitioners progress in their practice, our dedicated instructors are taking their passion for the training to you via video, depending on your experience and needs. We want our students to have the flexibility to do what feels right for them during these times. As a result, we offer online Pilates in conjunction with our in-person classes that follow all CDC coronavirus protocols. Join us in centering our minds, bodies, and spirits through these hectic times.