MAT Pilates Teacher Certification
People who love pilates, an exercise program created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, may consider becoming certified instructors in either mat or equipment-based pilates. Certification ensures that an instructor knows how to properly demonstrate and teach pilates exercises and prevent the risk of student injury. While certification is not necessary to become a mat pilates teacher, it does provide a feature to market and make an instructor look more legitimate.
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Training
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Before a student can take the examination to become a certified mat pilates instruction, she needs to log at least 450 hours of training. In lieu of training, she can also teach for 720 hours. Training for certification includes an introduction to Joseph Pilates' theories of exercise and his principles, study of human anatomy, review of the pilates mat exercises, and methods of modifying the exercises for pregnant women, people with back pain or other concerns.
Prerequisites and Skills
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Although an aspiring instructor will study pilates exercises in depth during training, she should begin training with some knowledge of pilates. Someone who wishes to become an instructor needs experience and at least a year of pilates practice prior to signing up for instructor training. She should also be in good physical shape. A good instructor will be a people-person, able to effectively communicate with her students and able to adjust the workouts to meet their needs.
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Examination
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After an aspiring teacher completes 450 hours of training or 720 hours of employment as a teacher, she takes an examination from the Pilates Method Alliance, a third party organization not connected to any pilates school. The examination measures a teacher's competency and understanding of the pilates method. The Pilates Method Alliance examination is 150 multiple choice questions in a paper-and-pencil version or a computer version. A passing score on the test falls between 500 and 800 points. If a student doesn't pass on the first try, she may take the exam again 30 days after the first test date. After passing the exam, an instructor receives the designation of certified pilates teacher.
Job Prospects and Salary
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A certified mat pilates teacher may find employment at a local gym or fitness center or a pilates studio. The number of jobs available to pilates and other fitness instructors is expected to grow by 29 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2009, the average annual salary for all fitness instructors in the U.S. was around $30,000.
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