Click here to find a PMA^® Certified Pilates Teacher.

When looking for a Pilates teacher, competence and safety are fundamental. However, the search for a properly qualified teacher can be challenging, as Pilates is an unregulated field.

PMA guidelines for comprehensive Pilates teacher training stipulate a minimum 450 hour program comprising lecture, observation, personal Pilates practice, apprenticeship, and supervised student teaching; covering Pilates exercise repertoire in Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Barrel, Chair, and Ped-O-Pull.  A  comprehensive course can take anywhere from 12 - 18 months to complete. However, the popularity of the Pilates Method has led to the development of weekend, online, and distance learning training programs for Pilates teachers. It is therefore essential that the consumer does their due diligence in selecting a teacher.

PMA certification offers the only independent measure of professional competency in the industry. As the only third party certification for Pilates, it represents the industry’s efforts to self-regulate. Voluntary participation in this process establishes the PMA Certified Pilates Teacher as one who is engaged in the professionalization of their field. PMA Certified Pilates Teachers meet a professional standard established by a range of Pilates experts from across the industry under the direction of professional psychometricians.

The PMA endorses PMA Certified Pilates Teachers (PMA-CPTs).

PMA-CPTs 1) have met eligibility requirements to take the PMA certification exam, and 2) have passed the exam. By passing the exam, they demonstrate that they have the knowledge and experience necessary to work safely and competently with clients.

Click here to find a PMA Certified Pilates Teacher.

If you cannot locate a PMA-CPT near you, we have provided the following list of questions to ask your potential teacher to help you assess their abilities.

• How many years has the teacher been teaching Pilates?

• Does the teacher have other movement related teaching experience, such as in dance or fitness?
• Did the Pilates teacher attend a comprehensive Pilates teacher training program? (see PMA guidelines for comprehensive training above).

• Did the teacher’s training program require a written and practical final examination?
• Does the teacher/studio have a philosophy or a specialty?
• For those with special needs e.g., pregnancy, osteoporoses, Parkinsons Disease, post-surgery, vertigo, etc., are the studio teachers trained to address these conditions?
  

Questions? Please contact Amy Bloom, Certification Specialist; amybh@pilatesmethodalliance.org