BALANCED BODY PILATES TEACHER TRAINING
Spiral Spine Pilates strives to create thoughtful, creative, and successful Pilates teachers.
The Balanced Body Pilates teacher training curriculum emphasizes the principles underlying each exercise. Courses are modular and progressive, allowing students to build on their education and train at a pace that works best for them. These courses are also a great opportunity for certified instructors to learn new teaching tools and for renewed inspiration.
All courses at Spiral Spine Pilates are taught by Erin Myers and Jackie Arnold, Balanced Body Pilates Educators with over 15 years of teacher training experience. Courses are offered over long weekends, making it easier for students who work full-time or live outside of Nashville to train at the studio. Erin and Jackie have carefully arranged the modules to create outstanding comprehensive teachers. The Mat, Reformer, and Equipment trainings are intertwined, helping students understand how to create private lessons earlier in their studies instead of learning this concept atthe end. As a result, our trainees spend more of their practice hours composing comprehensive lessons and also can be hired earlier. Additionally, intertwining the courses means trainees can start the program at almost any module, minimizing the wait to begin training.
Below you will find training requirements, course descriptions, and FAQs. Should you have further questions, please contact us.
Pilates Teacher Training Schedule
*If you are reading this on your phone, please turn it sideways.
| Course | Hours | Date | Time^ | Cost*+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reformer 2 | 16 | July 27-28 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Mat 1 | 16 | July 29-30 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Mat 2 | 16 | Sept 21-22 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Reformer 3 | 16 | Sep 23-24 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Barrels | 6 | Nov 10 | 9a-4p | $295 |
| Anatomy (in-person & virtual) | 12 | Nov 11-12 | 9a-4p | $395 |
| Reformer 1 | 16 | Dec 2-3 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Cadillac | 18 | Jan 12-14, 2024 | 8a-5p; Fr: 3-5p | $545 |
| Reformer 2 | 16 | Jan 27-28, 2024 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Mat 3 | 16 | March 7-8, 2024 | 8a-5p | $495 |
| Chair | 14 | March 9-10, 2024 | 8a-4p | $445 |
^1-hour lunch break included for all full-day trainings
*Required manual and video not included
+15% discount offered on all modules if you sign up 6 weeks in advance
COMPREHENSIVE PILATES TEACHER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
The comprehensive Pilates teacher training program includes:
- Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates repertoire
- Comprehensive manuals and DVDs consistent with current national standards
- Program design and cueing, personalized coaching, and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
- Guidelines for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck, and shoulder conditions
- Modifications and variations to help you successfully teach a wide range of clients
- Equipment safety and maintenance
- How to integrate props
- Tips on teaching successful group programs
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements:
- Anatomy
- Movement Principles
- Mat 1, 2, & 3
- 20 Mat personal practice hours, 15 Mat observation hours, and 35 student teaching hours*
- Reformer 1, 2, & 3
- 30 Reformer personal practice hours, 30 Reformer observation hours, and 90 Reformer student teaching hours*
- Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels
- Total of 35 personal practice hours, 20 observations hours, and 95 student teaching hours across the Equipment *
- Pass the Balanced Body Final Pilates Instructor Exam (practical and written)
*Hours for each module may only be started after you have taken the module.
Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body Pilates Instructor will be issued.
What others are saying:
This course was phenomenal. I’ve never seen anyone more excited about anatomy than Erin. It made so many things “click” in my mind and helped me understand my body better and how better to help others. I loved it!
Erin and her crew are truly some of the best. They are extremely gifted teachers and inspire me at every single training module.
Erin Myers is a great teacher and is very knowledgeable of the body. She and her staff are probably the most articulate Pilates professionals I have ever heard of. They are excellent Balanced Body Master Instructors. I love the way that Balanced Body encourages creativity within the realm of Pilates principles.
As always, Erin was brilliant, inspiring, and adorable! I am running out of superlatives to describe the high quality of education offered by the staff. I have taken 7 Pilates modules, 5 with Erin and she is remarkable. Bravo!
Erin is one of the best instructors I have ever worked with. Her knowledge and presentation is superior to most. She motivates others to become better in their field. I truly enjoyed Erin and the course.
Erin did an amazing job teaching the class. She is so brilliant and her skill level blows me away. She made the whole learning process a pleasure, and the weekend sailed by with complete enjoyment.
Erin and her staff are simply dynamic. Very knowledgeable and approachable. Erin’s staff is a great complement to her and they make a great team. They are so good at what they do.
Erin and her staff are so dynamic as instructors. Each has a totally different style, each equally engaging and incredibly informative. I feel like I am getting the highest level of Pilates instruction under these teachers.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Anatomy
Spiral Spine Pilates’ anatomy course will give you a solid understanding of how and why movement happens. Hands on knowledge of different muscles, range of motion, types of muscle contractions, and bones are discussed in class. You will learn basic bony structures of the spine, skeletal names and landmarks, and muscular structures of the back, abdominals, neck, hips, pelvic girdle, and lower and upper extremities.
The acclaimed Trail Guide to the Body by Andrew Biel, LMP is used as the class manual, which beautifully describes musculoskeletal anatomy, palpation, and basic kinesiology, adding a deeper level to Spiral Spine Pilates’ anatomy course. Students will need to purchase the manual prior to class.
Balanced Body’s requirement of at least 12 hours of anatomy to sit for the final Mat, Reformer, and Pilates Instructor exams is fulfilled by this anatomy course.
Movement Principles
Movement Principles combines information on how the body works with basic exercises to illustrate movement concepts. Broken down into five categories (Whole Body Movement; Trunk Integration; Lower Body Strength and Power; Upper Body Strength, Balance, and Dynamic Flexibility; and Rest and Relaxation) the Movement Principles provide a solid foundation for training in any environment, with any equipment.
Mat 1
Mat 1 includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, beginning and most intermediate level exercises with modifications, lectures on class order and programming in a group setting, and guidelines for teaching seniors, pre-, and post-natal clients.
MAT 2
Mat 2 includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises as well as essential movement principles and training tips for advancing clients to higher levels. Designing Pilates classes for sports specific activities is also covered.
Mat 3
Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands, and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, it includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility.
Reformer 1
Reformer 1 includes movement principles, 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 private session.
Reformer 2
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
Reformer 3 includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sports specific activities, tips for training the advanced client, and programs designed for specific sports.
Cadillac
The Cadillac training provides a thorough introduction to Cadillac exercises as well as applications for beginning, post-rehabilitation, and advanced clients. This training is appropriate for students working with the Reformer Tower of Power, Half Trapeze, and Wall Unit as well as those working with a full Trapeze Table/Cadillac. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set-up, safety, and maintenance.
CHAIR
The Chair training 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 is a great addition to group programming in combination with the Mat. This course includes exercises and programming for both private sessions and group classes.
Barrels
The Barrels training includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel and Step Barrel/Arc. This course includes exercises and programming for both private sessions and group classes on the Barrels.
Ready to start your training?
PILATES TEACHER TRAINING FAQs
How long does it take to become a Pilates teacher and what is the cost?
With Balanced Body there is no requirement to finish the teacher training program in a set amount of time. In total, there are around 500 hours you’ll need to complete. That being said, most people tend to finish within 18 months and it is rare to finish a well-reputed program in less than 6 months. We have also had successful trainees take 2 years. Here’s a good post to read up more on how long it takes to complete a training program.
At Spiral Spine Pilates studio, the training program (modules only) costs $5,145. This is on par with other reputable programs. With our discount the cost of the modules alone is $4,373, a savings we encourage you to take advantage of by signing up at least 6 weeks early. Other costs you can anticipate are the manuals and videos as well as any fees you have to pay to rent space or take classes to complete your training hours. The cost of a program is more fully discussed here.
How do I choose a good Pilates teacher training program?
Becoming a Pilates teacher is going to take a good amount of time, 500+ hours, and some money, around $5,000, so you want to make sure you choose a good training program before you sign up for that first module. Here are some tips for picking a good training program:
- It should teach you how to accommodate many different types of clients (knee injuries, pregnancy, herniated discs, etc.)
- It should provide you with information beyond the in-studio courses. This may be in the form of manuals or videos, but you shouldn’t leave a training empty-handed. Pro tip: see if you can peek at a manual before committing to a program.
- It should be lead by an experienced instructor. Check out the bio of the teacher before you commit and make sure they know their stuff.
- Studios and gyms in your town should be open to hiring people from the program. If they won’t, you may have a hard time getting a job.
To read more in depth about choosing a good program, check out blog post.
Can I complete my teacher training hours at the Spiral Spine Pilates Studio?
Spiral Spine is committed to supporting and encouraging students actively enrolled in the Balanced Body teacher training courses. A key piece of this process is working through the hours of observation, practice teaching, and self-practice.
Spiral Spine’s goal is to help students develop the confidence and skills to teach by providing a rich learning environment that students can be immersed in, so training does not happen in isolation. The studio serves as a base for students to practice, observe, and collaborate with others in the training program and to learn from studio staff.
For the cost of $100 per month teacher trainers have access to: observe group and private sessions taught by the Spiral Spine Pilates Studio staff, complete self-practice hours on studio equipment, do practice teaching hours on studio equipment.
Please contact us for more details.
Note: While trainees are allowed to take group and private classes, they are not included in $100/month fee.
When can I start completing my hours?
Hours may only be started after you have taken the corresponding module. For example, you may start working on your Mat hours after taking Mat 1, but not your Reformer hours.
Is private teacher training available?
Private trainings are available. Please contact the studio for pricing and scheduling.
Does Balanced Body offer a bridge program for students of other Pilates teacher trainings?
Students who have completed their Mat, Reformer, or Equipment training through other organizations can take the Balanced Body curriculum and receive a certificate of completion from Balanced Body. Students will need to provide proof of completion of a comparable Mat or Reformer program before being accepted by Balanced Body. Please contact Balanced Body for details.
How do I schedule my final exam?
Once instructors have completed the modules and hours, they must pass a written and practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability.
After all documented hours have been sent into Balanced Body and an approval has been issued for test-out, a date and time will be agreed upon for the exam, which will be taken in person at the Spiral Spine Pilates Studio. A minimum of 6 weeks is needed between when hours are sent in and the date of the exam. If this minimum is not met, a late fee will be charged. Balanced Body will create a registration link so the student can register for the test-out.
To prepare for the written portion of the test, review the manuals, including movement principles, lectures, families of exercises, and exercises on each piece of equipment. You will have a 2-hour written test and a 1-hour practical test, during which you will teach a student a full lesson.
Make the effort to make this part of your path
"Due to experiencing chronic bodily pain, a friend suggested I try Pilates with her. I took classes for 3 years and then my Pilates instructor moved away. There was nowhere else to practice Pilates in Birmingham, Alabama. My instructor encouraged me to get certified and to make it my career.
In 2006 I took my first workshop with Erin Myers, when she came down to Birmingham to teach a Reformer 1 training module at a YMCA. I loved teaching and would share Pilates with anyone who would listen. I wanted to help people.
In 2008 I had a heart attack at the age of 39. I was then diagnosed with Lupus. I didn’t want to stop Pilates, but didn’t have a reliable place to teach. Erin guided me through navigating my own business and encouraged me to get more training. I opened ReformUPilates in Birmingham.
In 2016 I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy. Erin was such a good friend! She listened to me cry, gave me guidance, and even prayed with me.
It is now 2019 and I train over 100 people a week and have crossed the $150,000 mark in yearly sales. Erin has helped me grow as a person in so many ways! Pilates is her passion. She is inspirational to learn from and is so encouraging. I have a staff now to help me and I send them all to her because I truly think she is the best. Erin makes the long training sessions really fun. I highly recommend you make the effort to make this part of your path. It is a true blessing to have her be part of my life."
~Ainslie McLean
