Mat 1 (16 hours)Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate Exercises Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat classes. 6 months experience teaching movement and anatomy recommended.Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and the beginning and intermediate level exercises. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, the purpose of the exercise and any precautions for injuries and special populations. How to design and teach group classes and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post–natal classes are included.
Mat 2 (16 hours)Intermediate/Advanced Exercises Prerequisite: Movement Principles and Mat 1
Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful Mat classes.
Mat 3 – Enhanced Mat and Props (16 hours)Enhanced Mat + Props Prerequisite: Mat 1 and 2 or successful completion of comparable Pilates mat program. CEC course: Take for continuing education credits or simply to add infinite variety to your current Mat programming. Students who have taken Mat training, either from Balanced Body or another provider are welcome. Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!
Mat Program Includes:
- Instruction in the complete pre–Pilates and Balanced Body Mat exercises.
- A detailed, full color manual with accompanying video support to enhance your learning experience.
- Mat class design and delivery based on the Movement Principles and Balanced Body Programming System.
- Development of cueing, coaching and teaching skills.
- Safety information for teaching older adults, pre and post–natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions.
Requirements for Completion – Mat only
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body Mat Instructor, students must complete the following:
- Anatomy (strongly recommended)
- Balanced Body Movement Principles (16 hours)
- Balanced Body Mat 1 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
- Balanced Body Mat 2 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
- Balanced Body Mat 3 – Course work and module test (16 hours)
- 20 Mat personal sessions, 15 observation hours and 35 student teaching hours.
- Final written and practical test.
Total hours for completion of Mat program: 134 hours.Upon completion of all requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body Mat Instructor will be issued.
