The Exercise Industry has recently introduced a Level 3 award for Pilates Teachers. Any Pilates teacher who has it will be listed on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REP) web-site.
It's important that you check out your Pilates teacher's credentials, because many have been on a short course which means that their understanding of this method (and perhaps their understanding of bodywork) is limited. This may be Ok if what you want is a "Pilates style" exercise session with an aerobics teacher: however it's a different matter if you are coming along for rehab.
Level 3 is the equivalent to an NVQ or 3 good A-levels. The REP requires a minimum of 250 hours of training before a level 3 can be awarded.
In my experience, on my Body Control Pilates Course I did a lot more than this, between the course, the homework, and the supervised teaching before I got my qualification.
There is one other organisation whose teachers I would currently recommend - Pilates Foundation. Alan Herdman brought Pilates to the UK and as I understand it the teachers are all apprenticed for a long time to experienced supervisors. They have a great reputation within the industry.
Hope this helps.
Sharon.
RE: What qualification should a Pilates teacher have?
Hi Sharon,
I defintiely agree that level 3 should be a minimum requirement for teaching, but on several other threads it has been discussed that "Levels" can be set by individual training companies who self certify their graduates. I have a big problem with REP, who will not certify sports therapsits who work in the fitness industry albeit on a rehabiliative approach, but even degree graduates only gain provisional status, then have to undergo training approved by REPs.
I think Reps should work more closely with other aspects of FI and until they do so, I will not be renewing.
Best regards
Gary
RE: What qualification should a Pilates teacher have?
hi Gary - I can see where you are coming from, but as far as Pilates is concerned something like this is way overdue. At least there is some minimum training that clients can expect their teachers to have undergone. As it happens BCP aretalking about going for a Level 4 - is that graduate level do you know?-and teaming up with the Wright Foundation for rehab work.
Sharon
RE: What qualification should a Pilates teacher have?
Hi Sharon,
no level 4 is not graduate level, again some training companies and Sports Massage association have training ALIGNED TO LEVEL 4 for sports massage, but a level 4 qualification doesnt exist on CURRICULAM QUALIFICATION WEBSITE.(QCA) Incidently Reps level 3 who have Wright Foundation GP Referral qualification have been moved to provisional status as this is only level 2 course, so its a step backwards in my opinion to work with them for level 4 ( unless they have updated course).
Regards
Gaz
RE: What qualification should a Pilates teacher have?
Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
Sharon.