our teacher training program

about our program

The Beacon Pilates Teacher Training Program is based on Classical Pilates. We use a system-based formation to every workout to help the teacher navigate appropriate exercises within the over 500 exercises that Joe Pilates created. All clients begin with the beginner system. How and when a client progresses is something you learn as you go through the program. Appropriately progressing clients is a skill that takes time to develop as a teacher.

Our program is 500 hours. A 50 hours Mat program that includes beginner and intermediate mat work. A 450 hour apparatus program that includes Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced System, special classes, tower classes and working with clients as multiple levels.

We pride ourselves on being a true mentoring program. You will get feedback from us at each and every stage. We are here to answer any questions you may have throughout the whole process. We want you to have the tools to feel confident to go out and teach this wonderful technique.

comprehensive beginner & intermediate mat course

The mat program is 50 hours.

• 32 hours of in class room instruction from a senior level teacher.
• 10 hours of taking mat classes.
• 8 hours of self study; practice teaching & watching the support videos.

The mat program is designed for each participant to walk away with the ability to teach the Pilates mat exercises. Participants will learn a total of 28 exercises during 32 hours of in classroom instruction broken up into two sections. You will learn how to teach each exercise to a first time client, a beginner level client, an intermediate level client and how to modify each exercise.

In the first section you learn 20 beginner level exercises. The in classroom time is focused on learning the technique clearly and teaching the exercises. Participants will also learn how to modify the exercises for lower back and neck issues.

In the second section participants learn how to make each exercise more challenging for those clients that are ready to progress as well as learn 8 new exercises. Also you learn how to spot and better support those participants struggling with the technique.

Each participant will receive a manual and 4 videos to watch and review as support material.

Before registering for the course you will need either a phone or personal interview.

The cost is $900. Each participant must purchase The Anatomy of Movement Book.

comprehensive apparatus training – level 1

The first level of the apparatus program is 225 hours.

• 70 hours of in-class instruction from a senior teacher.
• 25 hours of classes
• 65 hours of observation
• 65 hours of practice instruction

This program is designed to give teachers a firm foundation and understanding of the classical Pilates technique. Each participant will be able to give an informed and thoughtful workout to clients up to an intermediate level. Teachers will learn how to give an appropriate class for healthy individuals as well as those recovering from injuries and chronic ailments to help them improve overall strength and well-being.

A prerequisite for this course is the completion of Beginner and Intermediate Mat.

Each participant will receive a manual and 8 videos to watch and review as support material throughout the course.

The first section takes 4-6 months to complete In addition to the classroom instruction, there will be 2 written and practical exams. One for the beginner system and one for the first level intermediate system.

Goals for the first level program are:

• Learn how to teach first time clients as well as how to progress clients and what clues to look for to know when a client is ready for the next level.
• Learn the first level of intermediate exercises on all of the apparatus.
• Learn the appropriate modifications to teach to clients with low back issues that may have chronic issues or more specific disc herniation issues.
• Learn the protocol for neck and shoulder injuries. We will also discuss what exercises are used to help build strength for these clients.
• Learn how to safely and effectively teach individuals with osteoporosis and how to help those clients build strength and stability.
• Learn to teach beginner level tower class.
• Learn how to teach beginner and intermediate level magic circle mat class.

comprehensive pilates teacher training – level 2

This program is 225 hours.

• 70 hours of in-class instruction from a senior teacher.
• 65 hours of observation
• 65 hours of practicing
• 25 hours of classes

Once completed participants will have a total of 500 hours and eligible to sit for the PMA exam.

The prequisite for this course is completion of Level 1. Participants will learn how to teach to the classical Pilates vocabulary to all levels up through Advanced System.

Each participant will receive a manual and 8 videos to watch and review as support material throughout the course.

This section takes 4-6 months to complete. In addition to the classroom instruction, there will be 3 written and practical exams. One for the Intermediate System, one for the Advanced System, and one for multi-level teaching.

Goals for this program are:

• Learn what to look for when progressing a client to intermediate and advanced vocabulary. Learn why we want clients to progress.
• Learn how to teach two clients at different levels while keeping both clients safe and giving an effective workout.
• Learn the protocol when dealing with Scoliosis, Spondyloisthesis and SI dysfunction.
• Learn how to safely progress clients that have been coming to you and have back issues.
• Learn the protocol and a safe workout for knee and hip replacement clients.
• Learn how to effectively teach overweight clients.
• Learn how to teach Intermediate to Advanced tower class.
• Learn how to effectively teach overweight clients.
• Feel confident with basic anatomy.