Pilates Mat Work Online Teacher Training

Online Level 3 Diploma in Teaching Pilates Instructor Training Course

This qualification equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to design, plan, and deliver safe and effective Pilates classes. It recognises the competence required for individuals to work independently, planning,instructing, and evaluating safe Pilates sessions.

  • Providing a positive customer experience in the exercise environment.

  • Lifestyle management and health awareness .

  • Applied anatomy and physiology.

  • Principles of planning and delivering group exercise.

  • Principles and fundamentals of Pilates.

  • Plan and deliver a Pilates session .

Course Aims

The Pilates Union online comprehensive mat course covers over 100 exercises, including the original 34 key exercises in Joseph Pilates repertoire. This course covers basic to intermediate exercises and is split into sections covering abdominals, back, upper body, legs and stretches. In addition, you will learn about core stability, scapula stability, posture, class planning and anatomy and physiology.

Prerequisite: Learners need to be aged 16 or above. It is recommended that learners have a basic understanding of Level 2 anatomy (or take the L2 optional unit provided). Some Pilates experience is desirable (e.g. regular attendance at a Pilates class)

Course Structure

The Pilates Union UK Level 3 Diploma in teaching Pilates is split into two components:

Part One – Delivery of exercise instructional videos and guidance from Emma Newham of Pilates Union UK

Consists of over 14 hours of exercise video material alone, split into the following units:

  • Unit One – Introduction (no videos)
  • Unit Two – Pilates basics, fundamentals and technique -13 videos (90 minutes)
  • Unit Three – Scapula stability – 6 videos (14 minutes)
  • Unit Four – Pilates stretches and mobility work – 16 videos (234 minutes)
  • Unit Five – Pilates Back exercise series – 13 videos (107 minutes)
  • Unit Six – Pilates Upper Body Exercise series – 8 videos (61 minutes)
  • Unit Seven – Pilates Leg exercise series – 11 videos (84 minutes)
  • Unit Eight – Pilates Abdominal exercise series – 32 videos (351 minutes)
  • Unit Nine – Anatomy Review – 18 videos (58 minutes)
  • Unit Ten – Posture – 3 videos (35 minutes)
  • Unit Eleven – Teaching Skills (no videos)
  • Unit Twelve – Special Populations (no videos)
  • Unit Thirteen – Class Planning (no videos)
  • Unit Fourteen – Final Assessment Theory Quiz (no videos)

Part Two – Delivery of 6 mandatory units at Level’s 2 and 3 by the online e-learning platform, from the Awarding Body, YMCA Awards

Before doing the Level 3 learning, there are some mandatory units at Level 2 which need to be completed:

Level 2 Mandatory Units

  • Lifestyle Management and Health Awareness
  • Principles of Planning and Delivering Group Exercise
  • Providing a Positive Customer Experience in the Exercise Environment

Anatomy and Physiology Level 2 and Level 3

Musculo-skeletal system
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Digestive system
Nervous system
Energy systems

Pilates Principles and fundamentals

Posture and postural assessment
Background History and Pilates origins
Pilates training schools and approaches
Pilates Principles
Benefits of Pilates

Information gathering

Health screening
Medical referrals
PAR-Q and Informed consent
Risk stratification
Medical clearance profile
Confidentiality agreements

Planning Pilates sessions

Pilates exercise selection
Modifications/Progressions/Contraindications
Pilates Props and small equipment
Lesson planning and progressive programme design

Delivering Pilates sessions

Communication skills
Approaches to teaching Pilates
Motivation  encouragement
Tactile cueing
Observation and correction
Evaluating a Pilates session

Course Outcomes

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the Pilates method, principles, repertoire and fundamentals and to be able to apply that knowledge to the individual exercises.

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the individual exercises, including aims, target muscles, common errors, contraindications and modifications.

  • Learn how to adapt and progress each exercise to cater for different fitness levels

  • Review and recap on core and body anatomy.

  • Learn effective teaching skills and cueing technique.

  • Identify postural types and perform postural assessments.

  • Students will be able to design a progressive programme and deliver a one hour Pilates session to relatively healthy adults

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience do I need?2024-11-19T14:40:07+00:00
We advise a minimum of one to two years consistent matwork practice.
What guarantee can you give me for getting work in private or mainstream gyms?2024-11-14T13:46:35+00:00
You are the architect of your future, what you put into the modules is what you will get out.
Where can I do my observation hours?2024-11-11T10:24:30+00:00
Observation hours can be done online using Pilates Anytime or Pilates-ology or at any comprehensive studio worldwide?
What happens if I am sick and cannot make the course?2024-11-11T10:25:03+00:00
You will need to pay for private lessons to catch up on the missed hours.
Why are self practice hours important?2024-11-14T13:45:13+00:00
When we embody the work, we feel rather than over analyse. For example, would you go to a hairdresser who had not practiced cutting hair?
Can I try before I buy?2024-11-14T13:44:22+00:00
Yes you can, you can book a private session anytime or alternatively take a semi-private session at the studio?
Will my insurance acknowledge this course and give me cover?2024-11-11T10:28:10+00:00

Yes

Can this course be taken entirely online?2024-11-14T13:41:52+00:00
Yes, it can, we have a number of clients that live abroad so the times do not always suit them. Please email for more details as this is tailor made.
Why do I have to wear toe socks in the studio?2024-11-21T13:55:47+00:00

This is for hygiene, safety and learning to use the whole body. Anyone who truly understands the mindbody and feet to hemisphere connection will know that sports socks don’t encourage toe separation and Vibram five-fingers are the way forward.

What is the pre-requisite for matwork?2024-11-21T13:56:54+00:00
You will need Level 3 or equivalent in Pilates Matwork or alternatively you can be medical practitioner, physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath.
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