‘Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.’
Henry Ford
What is the PMA?
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the Pilates field. Established in 2001, the PMA has thousands of members around the world, representing a diverse and growing global community of professionals, educators, and organizations.
The PMA offers a range of programs, initiatives, and events designed to support continuing education, professional development, and international collaboration. Its mission is to advance Pilates as a profession and to promote and perpetuate the teachings of Joseph and Clara Pilates.
Significantly, the PMA endeavors to establish and uphold industry standards — both for the instruction of the Pilates method and the education of those who teach it. Through its commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusion, the PMA serves as a unifying force in the field, elevating the practice and profession of Pilates worldwide.
Our Mission
The PMA elevates the Pilates profession, helping our members build more effective and successful practices, and educating the public about the lifelong benefits of Pilates so that everyone in the world can move better.
Our Core Values
The PMA core values speak to who we are as an organization and how we interact and engage with our members, staff, board, partners, and the broader community.
The PMA is committed to building a professional association that is Diverse, Equitable and Inclusive.
We are open and welcome to all. We seek to cultivate an inclusive space for all dimensions of diversity.
We embrace accessibility for every body and we actively engage with the broader Pilates community and industry stakeholders.
We respect one another. We foster a judgment free zone and expect our members to operate by the PMA Code of Ethics.
The PMA is committed to creating a Positive Member Experience in every way.
We are transparent in our interactions with members and always model authentic leadership.
We cultivate community by 1) creating intentional opportunities for community connection and 2) creating a culturally competent association that is sensitive to all.
We always strive for excellence in response to the needs of all of our stakeholders.
The PMA is dedicated to Education and Advocacy and believe both are critical to the professionalism of Pilates practice.
We support the development of research practices for the science of Pilates.
We disseminate and encourage the use of research findings to promote evidence-based practice.
We educate Pilates professionals on best practices in the profession.
We elevate the standards of the Pilates industry by: 1) supporting third-party Pilates certification for teachers and teacher trainers; 2) creating strategic partnerships with other fitness and health associations, and 3) promoting best practices in Pilates education through the International Teacher Training Program Accreditation for Pilates (ITTAP).
We support, influence and inform legislative and regulatory issues affecting Pilates professionals.
Our Goals
To support and advocate for Pilates professionals
To serve as a unifying body for all lineages and schools of Pilates
To foster community, integrity, and respect within the Pilates industry
To facilitate opportunity, credibility, and professionalism
To encourage professional development and lifelong learning
To serve the evolving needs of our community
To promote the benefits of Pilates to the public and allied professionals
To serve as an information resource for all Pilates constituents
The Corporation
The PMA is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the State of Florida, USA.
What is a not-for-profit?
A not-for-profit organization is formed for the purpose of serving a public benefit, not for the pursuit of profits for owners or investors. Non-profits are not privately owned; they are governed by a board of directors who serve as unpaid volunteers. The board determines the organization’s mission, which is implemented by a salaried administrative staff. In the event the organization realizes a profit, that profit is reinvested back into the organization to support programs, develop the organization and promote its mission. Profits are not paid to an owner.
What is a 501(c)(3) organization?
A 501(c)(3) organization is a public service entity that qualifies for tax exemption under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Donors to a 501(c)(3) can claim tax deductions based on their contributions to the organization. (Members who derive an income from teaching Pilates may deduct membership and certification fees as business expenses.)
