Comment choisir un programme de formation de professeurs de Pilates, d’après mon expérience personnelle
I’m a great believer in the idea that “if you’re going to do something, do it right”. So, even if you want to teach the Reformer, as a Pilates teacher you need to understand Pilates!
I tried to do it the cheapest way, starting by learning equipment by equipment. It took me years and a lot of money to realize that this was not the right way to learn. Why? Because the strength of Pilates lies in the whole system, and if you understand the links, your practice and teaching will be excellent!
Here are some basic questions you should ask to find a program that’s right for you.
Is it recognized by Pilates Switzerland?
The first thing to do is check whether the school is recognized by Pilates Switzerland! This is Switzerland’s regulatory body. As Pilates is an unregulated activity, anyone (with or without training) can call themselves a Pilates teacher! Pilates Suisse is the regulatory body that checks the qualifications of schools, teachers and studios.
Should I choose a classical or contemporary Pilates program?
Basically, the classical method is the original method and uses a system to build the body. It adheres to the intention of the Pilates method – conscious movement that delivers results. Contemporary Pilates is an open method, with creative exercises that don’t adhere to a system.
Personally, as I began my journey into the contemporary world, it took me years (and a lot of money) to understand that, in fact, classical Pilates was the depth of Pilates – as a teacher, it was as if I finally had all the pieces of the puzzle turned out the right way. It makes sense for my body and the results we get with our clients are exceptional.
I’ve been told –
Classical Pilates is boring,
Classical Pilates is repetitive,
Classical Pilates leaves no room for the teacher’s imagination.
IT’S NOT TRUE, IT’S NOT TRUE, IT’S NOT TRUE!
Order is there for a reason, and Joseph Pilates was a pure genius! Order is essential because it follows a logical progression that warms the body, builds strength, increases flexibility and ensures a balanced workout. Flow creates a connection between body and mind. Respecting order allows us to train the body as a whole, as part of a balanced approach. We omit exercises, we replace them, we modify them, we change direction – but you’ll understand why!
One Pilates is a classical teacher training center, so you can be a student who clearly learns how the real Pilates method works.
Is the training you receive complete, i.e. does it include all the equipment?
One Pilates offers complete training that includes the mat, Reformer, Cadillac, chairs, Pedipull, foot and toe corrector and all barrels. Anatomy classes for Pilates should also be included.
Why all this equipment? Each piece of equipment has a different purpose: to open up the back, shoulders and hips on the barrels (don’t we ALL need them!), to find length on the Cadillac, to find power and strength on the chairs.
The aim of Pilates is to vary the workout – to strengthen the weak and stimulate the strong. A fully equipped studio is needed so that we can really build a person from the inside out.
One Pilates offers recognized teacher training, covering all the equipment and links between movements. Your teaching and understanding will be that much more powerful!
Is the training in person, online or alternating?
I don’t believe that Pilates can only be learned online. You work with real people, with real bodies! At One Pilates, we use a blended method, so you can study at your own pace, watch and re-watch, prepare for each weekend and enjoy the benefits of in-person training – learning with real clients! You’ll have access to videos, manuals, articles, lectures and online observations.
Are there any hidden charges?
Do I have to take both private and group lessons, which represents an additional cost? Are textbooks and exams included in the price?
One Pilates includes 40 classes that let you move and feel the Pilates method. We don’t think you can teach Pilates if you don’t feel it!
Access to the online platform, textbooks, videos and exams are included.
Do you have access to a studio where you can observe, practice and teach?
You can’t learn Pilates from videos, books and workshops! The depth of Pilates is in watching the teachers teach – understanding what they do, why they do what they do, what exercises they choose. That’s what makes Pilates so powerful.
At One Pilates, you have access to the studio during supervision hours.
Becoming a Pilates teacher is an investment. It requires hard work, intelligence and passion. The best way is to give it a try and see if the studio and teacher are what you’re looking for. As it’s an investment of your time and ours, we ask every participant to come along to a class and have an open discussion to make sure we’re a good match!
Being a Pilates teacher is extremely rewarding – people appreciate how it makes them feel. You can work flexible hours, at your convenience. And best of all, everything you learn you can apply to yourself – your self-perception will change and your body will change.
