
Reformer Pilates Teacher Training And Development
Is it time to find your next Pilates workshop or a further education course? Options are endless from short workshops to pre- & postnatal certification, 1:1 mentoring, class planning, client experience and much more! We have put together a short guide about how to pick your next Reformer Pilates course. Grow your skillset, pick your niche and find your jam to advance your career! Whether you are looking for a half a day workshop to up skill or more comprehensive T&D opportunity we have got you covered.
Reformer Pilates Class Planning
The famous class planning. Many Pilates Instructors overcomplicate things and think clients get bored of the bread and butter exercises aka fundamentals. Breaking news! 99% of time they do not! Nail the basics because all the exercises in the world are variations, modifications or advancements of your bread and butter exercises. We all need something new and exiting now and then in our life right. But think of adding those more complicated and fancy new exercises as they were the toppings such as sprinkles on top of your gelato.
If you are fairly new to Teaching Reformer Pilates, class planning workshops, brainstorming and a helping hand from seasoned Pilates Teacher is always a good idea. Learn different ways how to create flows and exercise clusters/blocks. Find out how to balance supersets and active recovery. Explore different class styles and challenge your brain to layer and modify the exercises depending on class type and clients abilities. Figure out how different body and set up positions alter the exercises and outcome. Sign up for a workshop and refresh your class planning skills!
Cueing and Prop Inspiration
Cues (verbal, visual and tactile) are the corner stones of teaching any class. Without words, demonstrations or physical touch the class would not simply exist. There are as many ways to cue exercises as there are instructors. However we all can learn (often by trial and error) to use the ones that are the most efficient and effective. The Reformer Pilates Instructor who learns to cue the same thing using different words, visuals, expressions and touch gets the clients moving effectively and in safe manner. People are different and have their own unique ways to learn and understand.
Props can offer us ways to progress as well as support clients in certain exercises. They also are great way to add some coordination and balance challenges. Props can be used as a fun way to give clients something “new” to keep them occupied. As well as focused and inspired to come back!
We all can draw inspiration from others and be reminded of the things we tend to forget or dislike. How good does it feel to be reminded of a super fun and spicy way to use the pilates ring to target adductors? Or perhaps you you have just purchased a bunch of new props for your new studio you are not so familiar with yet such as booty bands?
Biomechanics, Anatomy & Common injuries
Where and who do you teach? Do you see yourself working with bigger groups, semi private or 1:1 in the near future? Are you interested in clinical pilates and rehab? Learning more about movement, exercise science and human body will never go out of style.
Understanding the fundamentals of biomechanics leads to boosted confidence to stand in front of bunch of people from different walks of lives with completely different capabilities and bodies. When you have great knowledge about how the body works and the exercises you teach, you are able to modify the exercises for everybody on the spot. As well as to plan effective classes to suit your clients goals and the class description.
Remember always to work within your scope of practice and refer your clients to an allied health professional where required. For instance a doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor is trained to assess injuries and health problems as well as to treat them. Work together with another health professional to help your client to overcome an issue and reach their goals. They will thank you for it!
If you find your calling in helping clients to find their feet and level up their quality of life after injury or illness perhaps comprehensive diploma of pilates or clinical pilates course is your jam!
Mentoring, Customer Service & Client Experience
The best investment you can make is investing in you. We absolutely love mentoring and being mentored! Why? Because mentoring is and should be tailored to your needs and wants in order to achieve your personal and professional goals. There are many exceptional mentors around so you are spoiled with choice!
You can purchase a one or two sessions to start with to see if the mentor you have chosen serves you the best possible way. Then hopefully you two can form a long lasting relationship as mentor and mentee. Your mentor can help you with any part of you Teaching journey.
I could talk about the customer service and client experience part for hours as it one of the biggest passions of mine. Many initial Pilates Instructor Training courses focus heavily on what to teach and how to cue the exercises. This is great start! But unfortunately often there is only a little focus on this important ingredient that actually makes your clients come back and stay with you. Of course we all can agree that knowing your stuff is important to deliver effective, fun, challenging and safe classes. But without social skills, upbeat stage presence, effective communication and genuine passion to help the classes and studio vibe lacks the cherry on top of you gelato.
Pick Your Niche To Specialize
Are you looking for a way to serve your clients the best possible way? Stand out of the crowd and specialize!
There is always a need for Pre- and Post Natal Pilates Teachers. Especially for Teachers who understand both physical and emotional changes and challenges the moms go through. For teachers who can be there to equally strengthen, empower and nurture the new moms and moms to be. Or how about offering Pilates Training for women during their menopause?
Take some time to find out what your community, city or town would need! Do you live in a surfing town? Are there lot of golfers around your area who would benefit from increased core strength and mobility? The possibilities are endless!
Pilates Business
If you are looking to start your own business you are in luck. You can enroll yourself in a course that teaches you how to open a Pilates Business. A Profitable Business that allows you to keep doing what you are passionate about (hint: helping people to reach their health and fitness goals) and make a living! Alternatively you could become a mentee to a mentor who has successfully established and maintained a Pilates Business(es)!
Pilates Subscriptions
Do you have steady, fast and reliable internet connection to attend live online workshops? Or do you need to rely on “do it at your on pace” courses?
No matter where you live nor what your Pilates style is online subscriptions are a low cost yet awesome way to improve your skills (both teaching and movement) and get inspired!
We have listed a few awesome online platforms such as Pilates Anytime. Word class Pilates Teachers and Educators take you through Reformer Pilates classes from beginner level to advanced and more. This is your chance to get a workout in as well as learn fantastic ways to cue, empower, motivate your clients and plan your classes. Get inspired and find new ways to utilize the magic circle, weighted Pilates ball, booty bands, hand weighs and more! Widen your perspective and explore a great variety of Pilates styles from traditional to HIIT! The best part is that you can start right now!
Recommendations & CPD points
Ask around as word of mouth reviews are often honest and genuine. Is there a fellow Reformer Pilates teacher who inspires you to become better instructor? Or is there a certain style and methodology you prefer? A studio you want to work at or currently practice that offers niche classes such as Pilates for Seniors, Pilates for Runners, Pre- and Post Natal Pilates or so? Talk to these Pilates Trainers and ask what courses they did to become qualified to teach these classes!
Are you after Continuing Professional Development (such as CPD or PD) points on top of personal and professional growth? We have listed heaps of courses that not also add points into your account but will help you to become a great Reformer Pilates Trainer. From Injury Prevention to Leadership and more!
Time To Take Action
We hope you have found some inspiration and food for thought. Now hop, skip and jump into our directory page to find a wide range of continuing education providers, workshops and more. Happy learning!