Apprenticeship is a great way to learn the ins-and-outs of being a Pilates instructor in a safe and welcoming environment. Participants will work intimately with current instructors through observation and practice teaching of real clients. In addition, apprentices will engage in monthly training sessions (outside of the Balanced Body Education Modules) that will include anatomy, teaching techniques, and class structure and design. Also included is use of the equipment, mat classes, teaching feedback, and studio access.

Requirements for completion:

• Participation in six monthly training sessions. Each meeting will include a movement class, teaching development lecture/discussion, skills drills and practice teaching.

• Completion of all homework assignments and assessments

• 6 Private Sessions with a Misty Lynne (these can be completed in person or via Skype/Facetime/Zoom)

• 30 Observation hours, plus 20 student teaching hours*

• 1 written essay + 2 case studies (topics to be determined)

• Practical exam – to include demonstration of teaching skills and practical performance of Pilates repertoire

Program Fee:

$1199, plus books. List to be provided at registration.

$120 for additional coaching sessions with Misty Lynne. These 50-minute sessions dedicated to the individual needs of the trainee, and are available at any time throughout the program.

Contact us at disscover@dragonflypilates.com for more information.

Learn how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement patterns with the Movement Principles, the foundation of the Balanced Body instructor training system. This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion. Movement Principles is the prerequisite for the Balanced Body Pilates program and the heart of the Balanced Body Movement Specialist Certification. Take it to become a truly transformative instructor.

Movement Principles (16 hours)

• Prerequisite for all Pilates course work (starting 1/1/2019).

• Foundation course for the Balanced Body® Movement Specialist Certification.

The Movement Principles provides a solid foundation for training in any environment, with any equipment. You will come away with a complete tool box for effectively training clients to recover from injuries, improve their general fitness and enhance their performance. 

The movement principles course includes five sections:

• Whole Body Movement

• Trunk Integration

• Lower Body Training

• Upper Body Training

• Mobility and Restoration

The focus on practical understanding of common movement patterns prepares instructors to be excellent at problem solving, goal setting and learning new exercise techniques with ease.

Program includes:

• General discussion and overview of anatomy including bones and joints in specific relationship to movement

• Exercise instruction in foundational exercises which apply to any movement and fitness setting

• A detailed, full color manual with 5 accompanying DVDs and streaming video to enhance your learning experience.

• Cueing, coaching and teaching tips

The Reformer, developed by Joseph Pilates, is an extraordinarily flexible piece of exercise equipment. Learn how to use the Reformer and Pilates exercises to create powerful programming designed to optimize your client's potential. 

Reformer 1 (16 hours)

Introduction to the Reformer & Beginning Exercises

Prerequisites: Movement Principles and 20 Reformer classes. 1 year experience teaching movement. Anatomy required prior to testing out.

This course introduces the Universal Reformer, the center piece of the Pilates equipment studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 includes an introduction to safely using the Pilates Reformer for a wide variety of supine, seated and standing exercises for the beginning to intermediate student. Movement Principles include improving lower body alignment, creating balanced muscle development and learning a protocol for effectively training the upper body.

Reformer 2 (16 hours)

Intermediate Exercises

Prerequisite: Reformer 1

Reformer 2 expands the potential of the Reformer with intermediate and advanced exercises and modifications along with programs designs for special populations including pre–and post–natal clients and clients with osteoporosis and lower back injuries. Class design, dynamic assessment and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also included.

Reformer 3 (16 hours)

Advanced Exercises & Programming

Prerequisite: Reformer 2

Reformer 3 is the pinnacle of the Reformer work and includes advanced and super advanced exercises to challenge clients to achieve their best. Progressive sequences designed to teach students advanced movement skills are included along with an introduction to the revolutionary Principle Based Programming System helping you to create successful classes for clients at any level.

Reformer Program Includes:

• Exercise instruction in the complete Reformer repertoire.

• A detailed, full color manual with video support.

• Successful class design and delivery based on the Movement Principles and Balanced Body Programming System.

• Instruction in observing and analyzing posture and movement.

• Development of cueing, coaching and teaching skills.

• Guidelines for teaching older adults, pre and post–natal women, and clients with common orthopedic conditions.

• Equipment safety and maintenance.

Requirements for Completion – Reformer Only

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:

• Movement Principles (16 hours)

• Balanced Body Reformer 1 – Course work and test (16 hours)

• Balanced Body Reformer 2 – Course work and test (16 hours)

• Balanced Body Reformer 3 – Course work and test (16 hours)

• Anatomy must be completed prior to testing

• 30 Reformer personal sessions, 30 observation hours and 90 student teaching hours

• Final written and practical test

Total hours for completion of Reformer program: 214 hours (not including anatomy).

Exams are regularly scheduled at Balanced Body Authorized Training Centers at trade shows and conferences in different parts of the world. If you are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, 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 coursework and hours, students completing Mat and Reformer will test out after Mat and Reformer coursework and hours, and students finishing the Comprehensive program will test out after they have completed all of the coursework and hour requirements.

Once you have completed all hours and are ready to test out, fill out and send the test out application to the Balanced Body office. Balanced Body reviews your records, approves a test out and sends specific details to you.

The Practical Exam

During the exam your teaching skills will be evaluated 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 your client or class

If students do not pass on the first try, Balanced Body will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a time line for completion.

The Written Exam

The written exam is a combination of multiple choice, short answer questions and an essay. The written exam covers exercise progressions, programming, appropriateness, organization, equipment setup & maintenance, special population & safety protocols.

Final Test Fees

All published prices for Balanced Body courses include the course fee only. There may be a cost associated with 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.

Upon completing of all requirements

• A certificate of completion as a Balanced Body Mat, Mat and Reformer, Reformer or comprehensive Pilates Instructor will be issued.

• You will be listed on the Balanced Body website as a qualified Balanced Body Pilates Instructor.

Pilates Method Alliance Certification Exam

Our curriculum meets national guideline and is designed to prepare you for the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) certification exam, which can be taken upon completion of the full program.

Continuing Education Requirements

16 hours of continuing education every 2 years are required to maintain your listing on our website as a Balanced Body Pilates Instructor. Listing on our website provides exposure to a variety of sources including potential students, clients or employers. Continuing education credits can be earned through workshops from Balanced Body or any of our affiliated educators or approved continuing education providers.