Pilates Reformer Instructor Training Program Modules
Reformer 1, Reformer 2, Reformer 3
The Pilates Reformer is an extraordinarily flexible piece of exercise equipment allowing resistance and support for exercises involving every part of the body. Our program gives you a thorough understanding of how to use the Reformer to develop core and extremity strength, stability, flexibility, coordination and balance. The wide range of exercises provides a stimulating workout for clients at any level of ability.
Our Reformer instructor training program includes:
- :: Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Reformer repertoire
- :: A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
- :: Cueing, coaching and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
- :: Program design for clients at every level including sports specific lessons
- :: Guidelines for teaching older adults
- :: Guidelines for teaching pre- and post-natal women
- :: Guidelines for teaching clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
- :: Equipment safety and maintenance
Reformer I Pilates Training
Introduction to Reformer & Beginning Exercises and Pilates Principles :: 18 hours
Prerequisites: 2 years experience teaching movement, anatomy, 30 Pilates Reformer classes or personal training sessions
Reformer 1 includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer including set up and safety, plus beginning exercises, program sequencing and teaching tips for group classes. By the end of the course you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer class or personal training session.
Reformer II Pilates Training
Intermediate Exercises :: 16 hours
Prerequisites: Reformer 1
Reformer 2 includes intermediate exercises and modifications designed for group and individual instruction. Teaching successful classes and sessions to clients at different levels of ability is emphasized. Included are a variety of programs designed to keep your clients inspired.
Reformer 3 Pilates Training
Advanced Exercises & Sport Specific Programs :: 14 hours
Prerequisites: Reformer 2
Reformer 3 includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sports specific activities, tips for training the advanced client and programs designed for specific sports.
Final Reformer Test Out Requirments
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:
- :: Anatomy
- :: Balanced Body Mat Instructor training or equivalent
- :: Balanced Body Reformer 1 - Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
- :: Balanced Body Reformer 2 - Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
- :: Balanced Body Reformer 3 - Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
- :: 50 Personal practice hours and 100 Teaching hours or
- :: 30 Reformer personal sessions, 30 observation hours and 90 teaching hours
- :: Practical test
Total hours for completion for Reformer program: 198 hours (not including anatomy)
Total hour for completion of Mat & Reformer program: 300 hours
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor will be issued.
Pilates Apparatus Instructor Training Program Modules
Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Chair, Barrels and Small Equipment
The Balanced Body Pilates Apparatus instructor training program completes the full Pilates instructor certification program. Included is the complete repertoire on the Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, the Pilates Chair, the Barrels and small equipment. Completing the additional apparatus training gives you a great variety of tools to use when working with clients and qualifies you to take the national Pilates certification exam. The modules may be offered individually or they may be combined depending on the equipment available at the host studio.
- :: Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels, Part 1 (14 hours)
- :: Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels, Part 2 (12 hours)
- :: Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels, Part 3 (12 hours)
Our Apparatus Certification program includes:
- :: Pilates Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Pilates Chair and Barrels and Small equipment
- :: A comprehensive manual for each piece of equipment consistent with current national standards
- :: Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
- :: Program sequences for classes and personal training sessions
- :: Equipment safety and set up
Trapeze Table/Cadillac (18 hours)
Prerequisite: Reformer 2 or Reformer certification
Provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table exercises as well as applications for beginning, post-rehabilitation and advanced clients. This training is appropriate for students working with the Allegro Tower of Power®, Half Trapeze and Wall Tower as well as those working with full Trapeze Tables. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance.
Allegro Tower of Power® (18 hours)
Prerequisite: Reformer 2 or Reformer certification
Provides an excellent next step for studios and fitness centers currently using the Allegro Reformer. This course includes exercise instruction on the full repertoire on the Tower of Power as well as programming tips for combining Reformer and Tower exercises in classes and personal training sessions. The Tower training is appropriate for students working with the Trapeze Table, Tower and Wall Tower as well as those working with the Allegro Tower of Power.
Pilates Chair (12 hours)
Prerequisite: Reformer 2 or Reformer certification
Includes exercises and variations for both the original Wunda chair and the split pedal Combo Chair. The chair is great for doing strengthening work with athletic clients and as an addition to group programming in combination with the Mat. This course includes exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.
Pilates Barrels & Small Apparatus (6 hours)
Prerequisite: Reformer 2 or Reformer certification
Includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel, Ped-o-Pull, Ring, Foot Corrector and Toe Corrector. The Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel add variety to personal training sessions or classes, the Magic Circle adds a challenge to wide variety of exercises and the other small apparatus are useful for working with clients with particular issues.
Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training Certificate
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body™ Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements
- :: Anatomy (required)
- :: Balanced Body Mat Instructor training or equivalent
- :: Balanced Body Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
- :: Balanced Body Cadillac/Tower - Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
- :: Balanced Body Chair - Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
- :: Balanced Body Barrels - Course work, written and practical test (6 hours)
- :: 45 Personal practice hours and 105 Teaching hours or
- :: 35 Personal sessions, 20 observations hours and 95 teaching hours
- :: Practical test
Total hours for completion of Apparatus: 188 hours
Total hours for completion of full program: 488 hours
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body™ Pilates Instructor will be issued.
certification through other organizations
Students who have completed a Pilates certification program through other organizations and are interested in obtaining a Balanced Body certification should contact our office to inquire about our bridge program. Please call 1-800-PILATES to inquire.
Reformer and Other Apparatus Final Exam and Certificate of Completion
Once instructors have completed all of the Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability. Exams will be regularly scheduled in different areas of the world. If instructors are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, testing out by video can be arranged. If a student is completing both the Reformer and the Apparatus sequence, they will not need to test out separately on the Reformer and the Apparatus.
The final test out consists of: Observation of a session with a client or an apparatus class. The specific requirements will be determined prior to the testing. During the exam we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills 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 the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a timeline for completion.
Personal Sessions
Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training session they have already taken. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring teaching.
Observation Hours
Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes of private sessions. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing and to hone your teaching skills.
Student Teaching Hours
Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center of Pilates Studio or for family and friends.
Cancellation Policy
$100.00 fee if written notice of cancellation is received by Balanced Body up to five (5) days before class start date or a $50.00 transfer fee to transfer from one course to another course.
$250.00 or the full course fee, whichever is less, if written notice of cancellation is received by Balanced Body within five (5) days before class start date or a $50.00 transfer fee to transfer from one course to another course.
No refund is given for any cancellation received once the class begins.
NOTE: These policies may not apply to any training offered outside the USA.