Pilates Teacher Training

Thank you for inquiring about the Pilates Sports Center
Teacher Training Program

Click to download a current Teacher Training Schedule (PDF)
Click to download an Application for Teacher Training (PDF)

About PSC & The PSC Program

The Directors of the PSC Program are PMA (Gold) Certified Pilates Teachers™, hold multiple Certifications in related fields and have collaborated with many physical therapists and sports medicine professionals to design and refine this Program.  PSC has spent more than a decade studying this method of exercise and has integrated modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation to make it safer and more effective. We are dedicated to providing the most current information available and to maintaining the highest quality of instruction.

What Makes the PSC Teacher Training Program Different?

• We take a “cutting edge approach” to Pilates and Teacher Training - PSC offers a way to learn the original exercise method developed by Joseph Pilates; one that preserves the essence of the original technique but incorporates today’s modern biomechanical knowledge and exercise science principals.

• PSC believes in the anatomically based concepts of "neutral spine” to support the spine’s natural curves, a departure from the "pelvic tilt" to flatten the back. 

• All of PSC’s Master Teacher Trainers have achieved a high level of excellence in their field.  Trainers of the PSC method have multiple additional certifications in Pilates and other related fields, have passed rigorous testing, and are PMA Certified Pilates Teachers™

• Extensive photographic Manual is included in Course

• PSC offers both “East Coast”/Classical and a “West Coast”/Progressive execution of every exercise on all of the pieces of the Pilates apparatus to create the most well rounded instructor.  Classic and Progressive Pilates are taught side by side.  This is unique to PSC

• PSC refuses to offer a "quickie" certification. We have 2 options:

 • Full “All-in-One” 15-week course (2 days a week/4 hours per class*)

 • A “Modular” program to learn the Mat and Equipment individually.
   Varies based on location

• PSC requires an entrance and exit interview / exam to accept and graduate those who are truly ready.  PSC is proud to be an educational leader who cares about the integrity and success of our graduates.

• PSC is competitively priced with no hidden costs

• PSC maintains a small class size for the best learning experience

• PSC teaches the equipment repertoire on various “models” of the equipment to understand how to adapt to different studio environments, as there are now many types of Pilates Reformers, Cadillacs and Chairs.  This is unique to PSC

• You will learn how to maintain, modify and perform safety servicing of the Pilates equipment – this is unique to PSC

• You will learn many PSC variations to make the exercises more challenging as well as modifications to assist client with injuries or special needs – this creates the most capable and skilled trainer.

• PSC reviews, quizzes and exams are all practical, not written - you will learn to think on your feet and apply information in a practical, physical way. This enables us to help you refine your skills throughout the program and ensure you understand the material completely for your success.

• Students are "quizzed/reviewed" often all the way throughout the program to chart progress and hone skills. This is achieved through group drills and Q&A sessions in a hands-on environment.

• The PSC Course is all-inclusive - no hidden fees or requirements.

Our costs involve:

 - The flat fee of the course (including the deposit for the course)
 - Re-testing fees (only imposed should you not pass the final exam) 
 - Private tutoring fees if classes are missed   *(discounts offered for “group” make-up sessions, OR you may borrow FREE DVD’s of the entire PSC course)
 - Book costs are minimal (used books available on amazon.com)
 - Minimal Studio rental fees to work with “Practice Clients” for required hours (varies based on location)

• We offer FREE book, video and DVD loaning from our vast library. (Based on location)

• We offer advanced placement into a course if any portion of a Pilates Certification is already in place form somewhere else.  A fee for the “test in” process is nominal and only serves to ensure your readiness for your best experience with us.

• We offer 50% discount on the full course to any instructor wishing to Re-Certify after completion of any other course.  Should you wish to review or were unsatisfied with your prior experience somewhere else.

• PSC can offer a 5-10% dealer discount with Balanced Body - Use our Code# PIL0220 to order equipment

When Shopping for A Program………

The PMA no longer regulates or approves Pilates Teacher Training/Certification courses.  This will result in you needing to do your research!  Look for PMA Certified Instructors™ who have been teaching for 5 years or more.  Ask questions!

Be aware of the following:

Modular programs that are remarkably brief – you can’t learn the material in 1 weekend or even in 1 month

Back-to-Back programs that go all day, many days in a row – you will not absorb the material, the burn out rate is very high

Policies on missed days – how will you make up the material?

Some other programs insist on 10-15 apprentice hours per week per "level" and don’t allow you to go at your own pace. There may be as many as 4 levels to complete

There are lengthy 9-month programs that span weekends and holidays and may disrupt your schedule for an extended period of time

Programs taught in “Levels” are hard to follow and integrate the material

Beware of hidden fees and policies

Please be sure to read the fine print when choosing a course, some of them have the following policies:

•  Extra testing fees to complete the course.

• Required video purchases along with course.

• A tuition "loan" with an employment contract of 2 years that is binding and may hold up your certificate of completion

• Required practice teaching hour policies within their studio only, where the Studio collects fees from client and pays little or nothing to you - the uncertified and un-prepared teacher.

• Some programs require you to take their center's CEU's to maintain certification in good standing with them - this may be in addition to the PMA requirements of 12 CEUs

• An additional Anatomy Course may be required to enter the course at an extra cost

• Weekly workouts at their facility may be required at your cost

• Some studios may charge high rent for you to "rent space" to self practice or even to observe

• Extra workshops may also be required at your cost to complete the certification

PSC Continuing Education Courses and Workshops

 PSC offers an extensive range of programs for the Certified Instructor at a low cost to continue to grow as a professional.

“Pilates Teacher Days”

Once a month a workshop will be offered at only $25 to review or learn new material, variations, modifications, injury management etc.  These are fun interactive days and you will get to workout!

Pregnancy and Pilates

Understanding the new limitations and risks associated with the pregnant client.  Learn the terminology, and specific workout and programming protocols. Includes history taking, health care release forms, progress charting, postnatal and modifications of routines in the Pilates Studio.  Includes a valuable workbook to keep on hand.

This Workshop is Approved for 3 PMA Continuing Education Credits

“Common Problems” and Pilates Protocols

Covering “Common Problems” and injuries or ailments that trainers must handle with clients, how to recognize them, what are the common causes, what to avoid and what to focus on to assist in the client's recovery.  Includes scope of practice and working with other health care providers.  Anatomy and terminology plus a take home workbook make this a valuable workshop.  This is an intense 3-day workshop that can also be broken down into “modules” and taught individually.

This Workshop is Approved for 12 PMA Continuing Education Credits

Pilates Certification Exam Study Group

Preparing to take the “National Exam” using the approved study guide.  Covering the topics not commonly learned in certification centers nationwide.  Includes workbook.  Taught by PMA Gold Certified Teachers™ – all who have taken this course passed their exam.

Know and Love Your Reformer

We have found that 90% of the trainers who are certified were not taught how to use or care for their valuable equipment.  Learn how to manipulate and understand the versatility of the Pilates Reformer.  From the Studio Reformer to the Allegro and all the various gear bars and foot bar configurations.  Using stoppers, small props, various straps, handles, non slip pads our goal is to help the practitioner understand the complex and widely varying equipment to accommodate the client and their certain conditions or restrictions. 

All of these workshops have been presented at multiple locations including: Sports Club/LA Beverly Hills, Absolute Yoga and Pilates, Woodland Hills CA, Pilates Path, Palm Desert CA, Pilates Studio City, The Mind, Body Spirit Convention (2007-8), and at our own studio here in Encino. 

We look forward to presenting these workshops across the USA and internationally.  PSC is dedicated to cutting edge information to develop the best most well informed Pilates Trainers and build the profession.

 Other PSC Innovations

PSC has invented the “Comfort Carriage” – a specialty Reformer Carriage that can accommodate large or heavy clients and allow for more room, prevents the box from dragging on the Reformer edges when in a short box position etc.  This is an incredible tool if you work with clients who are tall, broad shouldered or are heavy enough to make ordinary workouts difficult.

PSC has produced the Jump Board DVD that demonstrates to teachers and home practitioners alike how to get a cardio workout on the Pilates Reformer.  The DVD incorporates hand weights and fun chorography in a flow pattern for a sustained workout!  www.amazon.com

We here at PSC host the finest Trainers hand selected for their professional and friendly attitudes who also have the ability to train at any level to suit our clients who invariably will have issues ranging from:  Spinal Surgeries, Pre-Post Natal, Joint Replacement, Chronic Illness, who have been injured by another less experienced instructor, who want to get a harder workout and are tired of the expensive “stretchy” Pilates session. 

We want to stand out as the premier Pilates Studio who also caters to Professional Instructors who want to learn more about this amazing growing industry that we all love or you would not have read this far – thank you for learning more about PSC!

Click here to download this detailed information as a PDF for printing purposes.