FAQ
FAQs Immersive 4 Week Training
Currently, there are two styles of Pilates commonly practised: Classical and Contemporary. The Immersive 4 Week program teaches students how to adapt to teaching both styles, which gives graduates the ability to develop into versatile instructors within a competitive industry.
The program, like many, highlights movement mechanics/principles and technique. It also focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary to teach these techniques to their future clients. Teaching movement to others can be challenging, as each person has unique needs and is unique in the way that they respond to and process information, so the program prioritises offering guidance on how to develop effective teaching and communication skills.
In addition, Saria, the program’s Master Instructor, is very interested in and passionate about developing the mind/body connection required to proficiently execute the Pilates exercises. The nervous system is highly adaptable and influenced by movement, and exploring this relationship is something that is highlighted.
Entering the movement/fitness industry can feel daunting. The program offers insight on how to get started and how to grow professionally.
- Private training programs are generally owned by an individual or studio and operate on a smaller scale.
- Commercial training programs are owned and developed by commercial organisations and operate on a larger scale.
Participating in private vs commercialised training will not impact your ability to develop a successful career in teaching. You will be able to teach on an international level with either type of certificate.
Sunset Pilates Bali offers private instructor training and awards a teaching certificate upon successful completion of all course requirements.
The quality, standards, and curriculum in each training program, private or commercial, may vary greatly. As a consumer, please research your options so you can choose the best program for yourself.
What is the PMA?:
The PMA is a third party organisation based in the US that offers professional association/membership for trained instructors within the Pilates industry, both nationally and internationally, through its NPCP certification program.
Basic information about the NPCP certification program:
Recently, the PMA changed the branding of its certification, and it is now known as the National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP). According to their website: “Candidates that provide evidence that they meet established professional standards are awarded the title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NPCT)”
This evidence is primarily verified by taking their exam, a written test meant to measure professional competency based on their standards. Retaining membership long term requires paying additional fees and providing proof of continued training/education. Please note, your training program (private or commercial) will assess your teaching and movement proficiency, not the PMA.
Is NPCP certification required to teach or purchase insurance?:
No. NPCP certification is an option for training graduates, but has no impact on a Pilates instructor’s ability to teach or build a career in teaching. Pilates instructors are not required to obtain additional certification from a third party in order to teach or purchase insurance. A training certificate is more than adequate to teach on an international level.
Eligibility requirements for the NPCP exam:
Eligibility requirements and additional information RE the NPCP program can be found here.
Please note, eligibility is not based on whether you graduate from a private or commercialised program. Anyone can sit for the exam as long as the listed requirements are met.
Also please note that the NPCP offers a separate Mat and Comprehensive Apparatus/Equipment exam, which have different requirements.
Prep materials for the NPCP exam can be found here.
Status of the PMA within the Pilates community:
Please do your research and decide for yourself whether the PMA is an organisation that you wish to support and align yourself with.
Additional information about the 4 Week Immersive program can be found below or on the Sunset Pilates website. There is a pdf with detailed information about the course offerings, structure, and tuition.
Email us at pilatesacademy@sunsetpilates.com for more information.
Immersive 4 Week Training Program:
Functional Anatomy and Foundational Movements
Beginner to Advanced Classical and Contemporary Mat
Beginner to Advanced Classical and Contemporary Reformer
Basic Information
Sunset Pilates Bali offers a comprehensive 524 hour, 4 week Mat + Reformer Pilates Teacher Training program. This is a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in a quality educational experience while experiencing the iconic natural beauty and rich culture that Bali has to offer. The program is taught by Master Instructor Saria Bartholomew.
Program space is limited to 12 and is filled on a first come, first serve basis. The course is taught in English.
Program Details
This training program is largely intended for students who have a desire to teach professionally, but those who are curious to learn more about the Pilates method and deepen their personal practice are welcome to join. Students will learn how to proficiently execute the exercises in their own bodies, as well as the skills needed to instruct others in the Pilates method. This is a Contemporary training program, but students will gain significant exposure to the Classical method.
Students will study topics such as functional anatomy and foundational movements, cueing (verbal, tactile, demonstration), class planning, how to work with common injuries and conditions, and more. Upon completion of the required practical hours and the final exam, students will receive a course certificate that will enable them to teach internationally.
Students are encouraged to maintain contact with Master Instructor Saria for continued mentorship and guidance after the program. Mentorship packages can be discussed on a case by case basis.
Program Objectives
- Pilates principles, philosophy, and history
- Functional anatomy and foundational movements as they apply to the Pilates method
- Classical repertoire: exercise names, order, number of repetitions, and purpose
- Contemporary variations of the Classical exercises
- Exercise benefits
- Proficient execution of the Pilates exercises
- Class planning for private and group classes
- Teaching to multi-level group classes
- Effective cueing (verbal, tactile, demonstration)
- Professional scope of practice and code of ethics
- Client intake and postural assessment
- Exercise modifications, variations, deconstructions, and progressions
- Prop integration
- Common injuries and conditions and special populations (pre and post-partum, geriatric, athletic)
- Building a teaching career in a modern and ever-evolving Pilates industry
- Studio etiquette
- Equipment parts and basic maintenance
In-Class Time: What to Expect
Pilates requires precision, in both movement and instruction, thus teaching skills must be well developed in order to teach the method to its original intent. This intensive, immersive learning experience is designed to help students develop quality teaching skills that honour this intent.
During the in-class portion of the program, there will be lectures, practice teaching, and self-practice. The main focus of in-class time is to learn how to perform and teach the exercises under the guidance of the Master Instructor.
The exercises will be discussed and analyzed at great length in order to help students develop a deep understanding of the purpose of each exercise and the common challenges and compensations associated with each. Review and repetition will be an important component of training to ensure that the information is well absorbed.
Other topics like – client intake and assessment, cueing, integrating props, designing a class plan, etc. – will also be covered in great detail throughout the course to help students become effective and dynamic teachers.
Program Schedule
- Week One Functional Anatomy and Foundational Movements: 7-8 in-class hours per day, 6 days total
- Week Two Mat: 6-7 in-class hours per day, 5 days total
- Weeks Three and Four Reformer: 6-8 in-class hours per day, 10 days total
- Second and Fourth Saturdays: there are 2 optional review sessions from 1pm to 4pm
On the first day of the course, class will meet from 9am to 5pm. Every other day, class will start at 1pm. Class meets at the Sunset Pilates Bali Legian location.
Program Tuition and Fees
Program Type | Tuition | Test Out Fee | Text Books |
Functional Anatomy and Foundational Movements, Mat + Reformer | $3500 USD | $200 USD | $40-50 USD (these can be purchased online) |
Program Requirements
| In-Class Hours | Practice Teaching Hours | Observation Hours | Self Practice Hours | Total Hours |
1) Functional Anatomy + Foundational Movements | 43 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 103 |
2) Mat | 38 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 128 |
3) Reformer | 73 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 293 |
Fulfilling Program Requirements
Practical hours must be completed BEFORE the final exam can be taken. The course certificate is awarded AFTER the final exam is passed. The practical hours can be completed in Bali or in your home country:
- Practice Teaching
- Practice teaching hours can be completed at Sunset Pilates Bali, at other Pilates studios (with permission, rental fees may apply), or on home equipment
- Equipment rental fees will apply at Sunset Pilates Bali for private clients (150K IDR per client, per hour)
- Recommended: 5 hours per week for completion in 6 months
- Observation
- Students can observe live classes and private sessions in-studio at Sunset Pilates Bali or at other Pilates studios with permission
- Observation hours can also be completed by watching pre-recorded classes via Pilates Anytime and other approved online resources
- Recommended: 5 hours per week for completion in 6 months
- Self Practice
- Self practice hours can be completed at Sunset Pilates Bali, at other Pilates studios (with permission, fees may apply), or on home equipment
- Equipment rental fees (125K IDR per hour) will apply at Sunset Pilates Bali starting one month after in-class training. The first month after training is free
- Recommended: 5 hours per week for completion in 6 months
Students will be informed of the studio’s schedule by studio staff and will be expected to maintain studio etiquette while they are in the space.
Required Texts/Supplies
- Functional Anatomy of the Pilates Core by Evan Ossar and Marylee Bussard
- Pilates 3rd Edition by Rael Isacowitz
- Both texts are available in hard copy and electronically. The electronic versions are recommended if shipping fees are high and delivery estimates are long.
- A laptop/tablet will be necessary for in-class hours. Most of the course materials will be
distributed electronically.
Recommended texts (not required)
Fundamentals of Biomechanics 3rd Edition by Duane Knudson
Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph Pilates
Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers
Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz
My Pelvic Flaw by Mary O’Dwyer
Final Exam
Students will be ready for the final exam AFTER they have completed all of the required practical hours. Test out date/time will be decided by the student and Master Instructor Saria. The final exam can be completed in-person or via Zoom. The exam has two main parts.
- Teaching Exam: students will teach a Mat/Reformer Pilates session (50min total) to a client or client(s) of their choice. They will “design” the class and choose the exercises. Students should consider the unique needs and goals of their client(s) and will be required to explain their plan to progress the client(s). After the session, Saria will make comments and ask the student to explain their choices.
- Movement Proficiency Exam: students will perform + verbally cue Mat and/or Reformer repertoire. Saria will pick the exercises from the exercise lists. Appropriate modifications/variations/deconstructions are encouraged if the student is unable to execute the exercise in its “ideal” or “complete/most advanced” form. Students are expected to explain their choices and the main goal of the exercise. If asked, they will also be required to explain how to deconstruct, modify, or progress the exercises based on specific scenarios or client conditions.