Group Mat for Fitness Professionals

This experiential course introduces the essential building blocks of the Pilates methodology. Instructors gain awareness of their own movement patterns and biases and learn how to train movement to optimise the body in motion and set the stage for successful Pilates classes and sessions. Includes in-person and on-demand learning.

No prerequisites

*Hours 50% in-person and 50% on-demand.

The Pilates exercise system was originally developed as a conditioning methodology designed to enhance fitness, general health and movement quality. This course highlights the original fitness intent of Pilates Mat and is designed specifically for fitness professionals. Learn how to utilise Pilates Mat exercises to create varied class programming that targets the diverse needs of your members. This course reviews common modifications and variations required for group teaching and provides the why behind the what, supporting critical reasoning skills from the very start of your training.

Prerequisites

• Mat and/or fitness training as ongoing personal practice
• Experience teaching movement or fitness (two to five years), including group instruction, personal training, yoga, etc.

• Access to the Balanced Body Education platform, including learning resources, video exercise review, programming sequences, cueing and coaching tips, digital manuals and more
• Movement Principles On-Demand – a five-part on-demand video series including an overview of anatomy, focusing on bones and joints in relation to movement
• In-person experiential instruction exploring essential Pilates foundational exercises, and Pilates Mat exercise review, practice and instruction
• Detailed, full-colour manual and streaming video to enhance the learning experience
• Guidelines for teaching in a group environment

• Completion of the On-Demand Movement Principles video, including quizzes
• Attendance at the following in-person courses:
  • Pilates Essentials – 8 instructional hours
  • Pilates Mat for the Fitness Professional – 16 instructional hours
• Practical assessment
• Additional practice, observation and teaching hours are required:
  • Practice – 15 hours
  • Observation – 10 hours
  • Teaching – 20 hours

Disclosure: This programme maps directly to the Professional Pilates Mat Certification. Upon successful completion, instructors seeking Balanced Body Mat Certification may do so by completing the Balanced Body Mat 3 course and the following:

• Additional practical hours (10 hours of personal practice, 5 hours of observation and 15 hours of teaching)
• Completion of the written and practical examination