Education

Welcome to the Pilates Instructor Training Program!
Thank you for joining Balanced Body University’s Pilates lnstructor Training Program. We look forward to working with you to develop your Pilates career and to bringing high quality Pilates education to fitness centers, Pilates studios and clients around the world.

Balanced Body University offers a full range of Pilates instructor training programs for Mat, Reformer and other apparatus as well as continuing education through Pilates on Tour and BBU Workshops. Our program is designed in modules so you can take your first course now and the next one next week, next month or next year. Each module is self contained so you can take them as quickly or as slowly as your budget and your schedule allows.

pic_01The Balanced Body University Pilates program includes the full repertoire of traditional exercises as well as modifications and additions designed to make Pilates successful for clients of all ages and abilities. Our curriculum meets national guidelines and is designed to prepare you for the national Pilates certification exam which can be taken upon completion of the full program.

Requirements Overview
Balanced Body University recognizes several levels of achievement within the BBU curriculum. Each module (Mat 1, Reformer 1, etc.) includes a written and practical test. Certificates of completion will be issued after each module. After completion of additional personal practice and teaching hours you will be recognized as a fully qualified Balanced Body University Instructor and a certificate of completion will be awarded.

Balanced Body University Pilates Mat lnstructor
Requirements for Completion
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Mat lnstructor, students must complete the following:

  • BBU Mat 1 – Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
  • BBU Mat 2 – Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
  • 25 Mat personal sessions and 45 student teaching hours OR
  • 20 Mat personal sessions, 15 observation hours and 35 student teaching hours
  • Final Exam

Total hours for completion of Mat program: 102 hours (not including anatomy)
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University Mat lnstructor will be issued.

pic_02Anatomy – 12 hours or equivalent
A basic understanding of anatomy provides a strong foundation for an effective Pilates instructor. Anatomy is not required in order to take Mat 1 & 2 but it is highly recommended. Students who have already taken a college level anatomy course, are certified by ACE, AFAA, NASM, ACSM or equivalent, or are a licensed health professional (MD, Pl AT, OT, etc.) can waive this requirement.

Personal Sessions
Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training sessions they have already taken. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring instructor.

Observation Hours
Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes or private sessions. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing and to hone your teaching skills.

Student Teaching Hours
Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center or studio or for family and friends.

Balanced Body University Pilates Reformer lnstructor
Requirements for Completion
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:

  • Anatomy
  • BBU Mat lnstructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Reformer 1 – Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
  • BBU Reformer 2 – Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
  • BBU Reformer 3 – Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
  • 50 Reformer personal sessions hours and 100 teaching hours OR
  • 30 Reformer personal sessions hours, 30 observation hours and 90 teaching hours
  • Final Exam

Total hours for completion of Reformer program: 198 hours (not including anatomy)
Total hours for completion of Mat and Reformer program: 300 hours (not including anatomy)
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University Reformer lnstructor will be issued.

Balanced Body University Pilates lnstructor
Requirements for Completion
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Pilates lnstructor, students must complete the
following:

  • Anatomy
  • BBU Mat lnstructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Reformer lnstructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Trapeze Table/Cadillac or Tower- Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
  • BBU Chair – Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
  • BBU Barrels – Course work, written and practical test (6 hours)
  • 45 Personal sessions and 105 teaching hours OR
  • 35 Personal sessions, 20 observation hours and 95 teaching hours
  • Final Exam

Total hours for completion of Other Apparatus: 188 hours (not including anatomy)
Total hours for completion of full program: 488 hours (not including anatomy)
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a Certificate of Completion as a Balanced Body University Pilates lnstructor will be issued.
Students who have completed a Pilates certification program through other organizations and are interested in obtaining a BBU certification should contact the BBU office to inquire about our bridge program.

Final Exam and Certification
Once a student has completed all required Mat, Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a written and practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability before receiving their final certificate of completion. Exams will be regularly scheduled at BBU host sites and at trade shows and conferences in the US and abroad.

If instructors are not able to attend a practical exam because it is too far to travel, testing out by video may be arranged. Students do not need to test out individually for Mat, Reformer, and Apparatus. Students only need to test out when they have reached the highest level they intend to complete. For example, students completing only the Mat will test out after Mat, students completing Mat and Reformer will test out after Reformer and students finishing the full program will test out after they have completed all of the requirements.

The Practical Exam
The final test consists of a written exam and the observation of a session with a client or class. Once a student has completed all of their hours and is ready to test out, they send in an application (available at www.bbupilates.com) to BBU and BBU will let them know what test outs are available in their area.

During the exam we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills in the following areas:

  • Correct set up and execution of the exercises
  • Client safety
  • Appropriate sequencing
  • Appropriateness of the exercises to the client or class
  • Understanding and application of the principles
  • Cueing and the ability to communicate with the client or class

lf the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a time line for completion. The cost for completing the final certification exam will depend on the location and specific circumstances. The cost ranges between $150 and $300.

Additional Costs of the Program
All published prices for BBU courses include the course fee only. The cost of personal sessions and any costs associated with completing observation and student teaching hours are not included in the cost of the training program and are the responsibility of the student. Successful completion of the program does not guarantee employment by the host facility.

Need More lnformation?
lf you need information regarding additional training, certificates of completion, continuing education or anything else, please contact Balanced Body University at:

Mailing Address:
Balanced Body University, 8220 Ferguson Ave., Sacramento, CA 95828 – USA

Phone Numbers:
Toll free: (877) PILATES (745-2837)
Local: (916) 386-6234
Fax: (916) 388-0609
E-mail: info@balancedbodyuniversity.com
Website: www.bbupilates.com

Al Harrison, Director of Education
al.harrison@pilates.com

Nora St. John, Director of Educational programming
nora.stjohn@pilates.com