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 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.
- Boutique/private training programs are generally privately owned by an individual and operate on a small scale. And often the program’s developer/creator is also the program’s Master Instructor.
- Branded/commercial training programs are owned and developed by larger companies/organisations and operate on a larger scale. Often the program’s Master Instructor is someone that has paid for and graduated from a company approved Master Teacher Training course that allows them to teach the company’s course materials. Some examples of branded programs are Balanced Body and Stott.
The quality and offerings of each program, boutique or branded, are unique and vary greatly. And the overall experience of each training session within these programs is dependent on the Master Instructor leading it. Participating in boutique vs branded training will not impact your ability to develop a successful career in teaching, but you should do your due diligence and research to make sure that you are choosing the right program with the right Master Instructor for you.
What is the PMA?:
The PMA is a third party organisation based in the US that offers professional association/membership for individual 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 paid 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 there is no practical, hands-on teaching exam involved, which is extremely important in measuring teaching skills/competency.
Is NPCP certification required to gain employment or purchase insurance?:
No. NPCP certification is an option for training graduates, but has no impact on an instructor’s ability to teach or build a career in teaching. Pilates instructors are not required to obtain certification from an organisational body with third party accreditation in order to gain employment or purchase insurance.
Eligibility requirements for taking 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 boutique or branded program. Anyone can sit for the exam as long as the listed requirements are met.
Also please note that sitting for the NPCP exam requires that you be comprehensively trained on ALL of the following apparatuses: Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Magic Circle.
Though this program will help prepare you for the NPCP exam if you wish to take it in the future, it does not currently cover all of the required apparatuses. Training on the additional required apparatuses will be offered in the future based on demand. If this is something you are interested in, please let the program instructor know.
Prep materials for the exam can be found here.
Status and reputation of the PMA within the Pilates community:
The PMA’s relevance/status within the Pilates industry/community is often a topic of debate, and largely depends on who you talk to. Opinions about the PMA’s leadership, governance, reputation, and ethics also vary widely for many reasons. Please do your research and decide for yourself whether the PMA is an organisation that you wish to support and align yourself with.
Immersive 4 Week Training Program:
Functional Anatomy
Foundational Movements
Comprehensive Classical and Contemporary Mat
Comprehensive Classical and Contemporary Reformer
Basic Information
Sunset Pilates Bali offers a comprehensive 532 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 and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
Program Details
This program is intended for those who wish to teach professionally*. Students will learn how to proficiently execute the exercises in their own bodies, as well as learn the skills needed to instruct others in the Pilates method. They will learn functional anatomy and movement principles, safety, cueing, class planning, and more. Upon the completion of the required hours and the final exam, students will receive a “certificate of course completion.” Students are encouraged to maintain contact with Master Instructor Saria for continued mentorship and guidance.
For those interested in NPCP certification (formerly known as PMA certification), eligibility requirements are available here.
Please note, the NPCP offers separate Comprehensive and Mat certification exams. The Comprehensive exam asks questions about apparatuses not covered in the 4 week program, such as the Trapeze Table (Cadillac), Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair, and Spine Corrector. Students will be ready to sit for the Comprehensive exam when they have been fully trained in ALL of these apparatuses and meet all other eligibility requirements.
Those interested in comprehensive training on the additional apparatuses (Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel, Wunda Chair, and Spine Corrector), should let Saria know. Additional training will be offered based on demand.
Please also note, the Magic Circle and Jump Board will be covered in this course.
*Although this is intended to be a professional program, it is also offered to those who wish to deepen their personal practice and learn more about a hobby they love
Program Objectives
- Functional understanding of anatomy and biomechanics as they apply to the Pilates method
- An understanding of the core Pilates concepts, principles, philosophy, and history
- Classical repertoire: exercise names, order, and number of reps
- Contemporary variations
- An understanding of the exercise benefits
- Proficient execution of the Pilates exercises
- Class planning for both private and group settings
- Professional standards and ethics
- Client intake and assessment
- Effective cueing
- Modifications, variations, and progressions
- Prop integration
- Common contraindications and special populations (pre and post-partum, seniors, common injuries/conditions, etc.)
- Building a career in teaching
- Studio etiquette
In-Class Time: What to Expect
Pilates demands precision, in both movement and instruction, and teaching skills must be well developed in order to teach the method to its true intention. This intensive, immersive learning experience is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to teach in a way that honours this intention.
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 at great length to develop a deep understanding of the challenges and goals associated with each. The various options for modifications and progressions will also be explored. Review and repetition will be an important component to 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 Foundations + Anatomy – 6-8 in-class hours per day, 6 days per week
- Week Two Mat – 6-8 in-class hours per day, 5-6 days per week
- Weeks Three and Four Reformer – 6-8 in-class hours per day, 5-6 days per week
Classes will be held 5-6 days per week, starting 1 PM. We will meet at the Sunset Pilates Bali Legian location. We will likely have Sundays off, but that is somewhat flexible.
Program Tuition and Fees
Program Type | Tuition | Test Out Fee | Text Books |
1) 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) Foundations + Anatomy | 48 | NA | NA | NA | 48 |
3) Mat | 48 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 168 |
2) Reformer | 96 | 70 | 70 | 80 | 316 |
Fulfilling Program Requirements
In addition to in-class hours, practical hours outside of class are required:
Practice Teaching
- Apprentice students can begin fulfilling practice teaching hours after the completion of in-class hours.
- Reformer and Mat practice teaching can be completed at Sunset Pilates Bali or at other Pilates studios with permission. Equipment rental fees will apply at Sunset Pilates for private clients (150K IDR per client, per hour).
- Recommended: 2-5 hours per week.
Observation
- Observe live classes and private sessions in-studio at Sunset Pilates Bali or other Pilates studios with permission
- Observe online classes through Pilates Anytime and other resources
- Recommended: 2-5 hours per week
Self Practice
- Self practice hours can be completed at Sunset Pilates Bali or other Pilates studios. Equipment rental fees (125K IDR per hour) will apply at Sunset Pilates starting one month after in-class training (first month after training is free)
- Self practice can be completed at home
- Recommended: 2-5 hours per week
Apprentice students will be informed of the studio’s schedule and will be expected to maintain studio etiquette when they are in the space.
Studio Resources
Sunset Pilates Bali will offer the following resources to help apprentice students with their practical hours:
- For Practice Teaching hours – apprentices can bring private clients to Sunset Pilates Bali for practice teaching outside of regular studio hours. 150K IDR rental fee per hour, per client.
- For in class Observation hours – observe live classes and private sessions (w/instructor permission) at Sunset Pilates Bali for free.
- For Self Practice hours, use of Sunset Pilates Bali equipment is 125K IDR per hour outside of regular studio hours. There will be no rental fees during the one month of in-class training, and for one month after in-class training.
Apprentice students will be informed of the studio’s schedule and will be expected to maintain studio etiquette when 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)
My Pelvic Flaw by Mary O’Dwyer
The Anatomy Coloring Book (4th Edition) by Wynn Kapit and Lawrence M. Elson
Anatomy Trains by Thomas W. Myers
Pilates Anatomy by Rael Isacowitz
Final Exam
Students will be ready for the final exam when they are done with all of their required practical hours. Test out date/time will be arranged between student and instructor. Test out can be completed in-person or over Zoom.
Movement Proficiency Exam: students will perform advanced level Mat AND Reformer repertoire. The Master Instructor will pick the exercises. Appropriate modifications are encouraged.
Teaching Exam: students will teach a Mat/Reformer Pilates session (50min total). They will “design” the class. Students should consider the unique needs and goals of their client(s) and will be required to explain their plan to progress their client(s).