Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy™ - Excellence in Iinstructor Education
- State of the Art Facility
- World Class Instruction
- Competiti
- ve Pricing
- Exceptional Service
- National Industry Standards
- Convenient Location
PBPIA's™ program allows you to choose the level of education in which you are interested: Whether you are a fitness professional looking to broaden your skills and start teaching mat classes, or ready to make a full time career training others in the Pilates method, we have an option just for you. Our courses exceed the highest standards in the industry, are taught by veteran fitness professionals, and are recognized by the American Council on Exercise ( ACE), the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). We have a multi-tiered program designed for busy people to achieve certification in affordable and manageable steps.
PBPIA™ Education at-a-glance:
CAREER TRACKS - Choose the classes listed under your career goal and click for details |
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Teach Pilates Mat Classes |
Teach Pilates Mat and Reformer only |
Teach Pilates using all the Pilates Equipment |
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Comprehensive Certification - Cadillac, Chair and Barrels (401A and 401B) |
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Certified Pilates Instructors are in High Demand!
Not so many years ago, Pilates was virtually unheard of by all but the most adventurous fitness professionals. But today, it’s almost impossible to find a major fitness center or health club that does not offer some type of Pilates-based workout. Pilates has become a household word and clients all over the country are demanding more access to classes and qualified teachers. This presents a great opportunity to individuals who are willing to devote the time to learn the skills needed to teach safe and effective Pilates training.
Choosing a career in Pilates
Pilates is fun to teach. Currently, there is great demand across the country for certified Pilates instructors. Becoming a Pilates Personal Trainer or Group Instructor is a challenging and rewarding career which allows for flexibility in your schedule, the opportunity to meet and train interesting clients of all fitness abilities, and make a nice living doing something that you love. Certified instructors offering Pilates equipment training are able to command rates higher that those just offering traditional personal training. As a Pilates professional, you can keep yourself fit and strong, while helping your clients improve the quality of their lives!
If you are ready to take the next step from Pilates enthusiast to Pilates Professional but you are not sure how to go about it, Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy™ is an excellent way to begin.
Courses offered:
Comprehensive Mat Certification
PBPIA’s Comprehensive Mat Certification is for the serious Pilates mat instructor looking for a college level, exercise science-based certification. The Comprehensive Mat Certification is a combination of the lecture hours of our Mat 101 and Mat 102 courses, with observation and self practice so students will develop critical skills needed to design and teach creative and safe Pilates Mat Classes. Our curriculum includes the applied anatomy and biomechanics for each Pilates exercise, while providing a thorough examination of classical versus contemporary Pilates styles. Each student will receive personal guidance and feedback from our Master Instructors.
Requirements for Comprehensive Pilates Mat Certification- Lecture – 25 hours over 2 weekends
- Observation – 10 hours
- Self Practice – 10 hours
- Pre-requisites: Knowledge of Pilates movements and /or experience as a group fitness, dance or yoga instructor, and a basic understanding of anatomy
- Cost: $800 ($775 early bird discount more than 2 weeks prior to first lecture hour), includes workbook and a 10 visit mat class card.
- Written and Practical Exam
- How to Register
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors
100 Level: Pilates Mat Based Courses
101: Pilates Fundamental and Beginning Mat - Required for Comprehensive Certification
(Also Offered as Continuing Education)
This intensive 15 hour weekend course is designed to teach fitness professionals and Pilates enthusiasts the Fundamental and Beginning Pilates Mat exercises for group or private instruction. We approach Pilates as an important element of fitness that enhances the clients’ ability to perform in all aspects of exercise, sport and health. Our unique curriculum draws on the connection between the principles of exercise science and the focus of mind body fitness. The course is taught by experienced fitness professionals who are continuing education providers for ACE, AFAA, NSCA and PMA.
- Pre-requisites: Knowledge of Pilates movements and /or experience as a group fitness, dance or yoga instructor, and a basic understanding of anatomy
- Cost: $450, including workbook for 101 Pilates Mat workshop only
- Continuing Education Units: 1.5 ACE, 9 AFAA
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors

102 Intermediate and Advanced Mat - Required for Comprehensive Certification
(Also Offered as Continuing Education)
Master the Intermediate and Advanced choreography and learn the biomechanics behind the movements, including the importance of scapular stabilization while earning continuing education credits.
- Pre-requisites: Pilates Mat certification and/or group fitness instructor experience
- Cost: $400
- Continuing Education Units: .9 ACE, 4 AFAA, 10 PMA, 1.0 NSCA
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors
103: Advanced Mat Choreography Using Props
(Offered as Continuing Education Only)
This eight hour course is designed to teach Pilates Mat Instructors how to enhance the Mat Exercises using stability balls, bands, rings and rollers. This course is taught in two parts; a two hour master class which allows the participant to experience the exercises without interruption of lecture and a six hour workshop which examines each exercise to thoroughly teach form, breathing, modification and variations.
The 2 hour Master class is open to anyone who is interested in a great Pilates mat workout and is comfortable performing advanced exercises.
- Pre-requisites: Experience doing Pilates mat classes
- Cost: $25
- Continuing Education Units: None
- How to Register
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors
- Pre-requisites: Pilates Mat certification and/or group fitness instructor experience
- Cost: $150
- Continuing Education Units: .6 ACE, 3 AFAA, .6 NSCA, 6 PMA
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors
- Cost for both Master Class and workshop: $160

Master Class, Workshop, Plus One Ultra Fit Circle (tm) and one Foam Roller $200
More bang for your buck! Workout, learn how to use the props, earn CEU's and save $20 on your own props.
200 Level: Non Exercise Based courses
201: Anatomy and Biomechanics for Movement Instructors (Required for Full Certification)
Fitness is a competitive business. Whether you’re a veteran in the industry or just starting your career, you need knowledge and skills that set you apart from the crowd. A deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics will allow you to design programs for your clients to achieve the best results. The PBPIA Anatomy course is open to anyone who would like a deeper understanding of human movement. The curriculum is specifically tailored for Pilates, group fitness instructors, and personal trainers who wish to increase their competitive edge. This 20 hour course will provide personal trainers, Pilates, yoga and group fitness instructors a comprehensive knowledge of the anatomy of movement, including terminology and the functional systems of human biomechanics.- Pre-requisites: None
- Cost: $425, includes required text
- Continuing Education Units: 1.6 ACE, 15.5 AFAA, 2.0 NSCA and 12 PMA
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors

202: Clinical Assessment (Elective or Continuing Education)
This 8 hour course is designed to teach physical therapists, massage therapists and personal fitness trainers the skills needed to evaluate the current condition of biomechanical structures of a patient or client to determine contraindications.- Pre-requisites: 201: Anatomy and Biomechanics for Movement Instructors
- Cost: $325
- Continuing Education Units: .7 ACE, 6.25 AFAA, 7.5 PMA, .8 NSCA
- Calendar for this course
- About the Instructors

300/400 Level: Equipment Based Courses
The PBPIA’s Equipment Instructor Certification is designed to provide a comprehensive knowledge of the movements and equipment of the Pilates Exercise method.
Educational Goals:
At the completion of this program the student will:- Be able to demonstrate verbally and physically an extensive working knowledge of the Pilates exercises and equipment
- Be able to complete an Initial assessment of client including: needs, goals and limitations
- Be able to design an appropriate exercise program for each individual client
- Understand and address the clients emotional and psychological needs related to the exercise session
We have divided our equipment certification process into two distinct tracks allowing you to choose the appropriate level of education.
In the 300 Level Reformer Only Certification, you will learn the piece of equipment known as the Balance Body Studio Reformer™ and the corresponding exercises. If you choose to end your education at this level, you will take the final exams (301A) and complete the apprenticeship for the Reformer (301B) . In addition to the Mat Certification required in the pre-requisites , this course of study will certify you to teach Pilates Reformer exercises in a group or private setting.
In the 400 Level Comprehensive Equipment Certification, you will learn the pieces equipment known as the Cadillac, Chair and Barrels and the corresponding exercises. At the completion of the 400 Level coursework, you will take the final exams (402A) and the Apprenticeship (402B) . If you have completed the 300 level instruction including the apprenticeship, you’ll be tested on the 400 level equipment only.
If you decide to complete the entire 300/400 Level at the same time, the final exams and apprenticeship will be completed at the end of the whole program.Equipment Certification Pre-requisites :
Successful completion of the following is required to be accepted into the Pilates Equipment Certification Courses:- 101: Pilates Mat Certification
- 201: Anatomy and Biomechanics of Human Movement
- 1 Introductory private session and 5 private or group equipment sessions
- 10 Instructor Observation Hours
- Application
- Interview
301: Pilates Equipment Certification- Reformer
This component of the certification process is designed to enable you to train others on the Reformer including beginning, intermediate and advanced movements, safety, spring configuration and choreography for private and group settings.
Requirements for completion:- Lecture - 12 hours
- Observation - 25 hours
- Self practice - 25 hours
- Cost: $1,500

NOTE: The following 301A/B track is for the student who will not continue immediately with the Comprehensive Equipment Certification. This student will only be certified to teach Reformer and Mat movements in a private or group setting. Those completing the comprehensive certification will skip to 401.
301A: Pilates Reformer Certification Exam
During this three hour segment of the certification process you will demonstrate your knowledge of the Pilates movements for the Reformer in both a written and practical exam. Additionally, you will be required to research and demonstrate two movements not taught in the course.301B: Pilates Equipment Apprenticeship- Reformer
Upon successful completion of the Equipment Certification- Reformer and final exams you will begin the 100 hour Reformer Certification Apprenticeship. Personal Best Pilates Studio will help recruit clients for the instructor. This is a fully supervised, unpaid apprenticeship. There is no cost to you, the student instructor for this component of the certification process, other than your time and enthusiasm.
Objectives of the Apprenticeship:- Initial assessment of client
- Pilates program design
- Communication skills
- Payment collection
- Managing client schedules
NOTE : The following 400 Level Comprehensive track is for those who wish to be certified to teach on all pieces of Pilates equipment. This track includes 301: Pilates Equipment Certification- Reformer lecture hours and pre-requisites. A comprehensive exam and apprenticeship is incorporated into this component.
400 Level Comprehensive Equipment certification Pre-requisites:- 101: Pilates Mat Certification
- 201: Anatomy and Biomechanics for Movement Instructors
- 301: Equipment Certification- Reformer and pre-requisites for Reformer only track
401: Pilates Equipment Certification- Cadillac
This course is designed to enable you to train others on the Balance Body Cadillac including beginning, intermediate and advanced movements, safety, spring configuration and choreography for private and group settings.
- Lecture - 10 hours
- Observation - 15 hours
- Self practice - 15 hours
- Cost: $1,500 for Cadillac, Chair and Barrels

402: Pilates Equipment Certification- Chair and Barrels


- Lecture - 10 hours
- Observation - 10 hours
- Self practice - 10 hours

402A: Pilates Equipment Certification Exams
During this segment of the certification process you will demonstrate your knowledge of the Pilates movements for the Cadillac, Chair and Barrels in both a written and practical exam. Additionally, you will required to research and demonstrate three movements (one for each piece of equipment) not taught in the course.- Two 3 hour practical exams- one for Reformer and one for Cadillac, Chair and Barrels. If Reformer exam is complete only the Cadillac, Chair and Barrel exam is required.
- Cost: $225 for each exam listed above.
- Written exam sample questions
- Requirements for practical exam
402B: Pilates Equipment Apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the Equipment Certification- Comprehensive and final exams you will begin the 300 hour Comprehensive Certification Apprenticeship. Personal Best Pilates Studio will help recruit clients for your apprenticeship. This is a fully supervised, unpaid apprenticeship. There is no cost to you for this component of the certification process, other than your time and enthusiasm.
Apprenticeship Education Goals:- Initial assessment of client
- Pilates program design
- Communication skills
- Payment collection
- Managing client schedules
(Apprenticeship will only be 200 hours if Reformer Apprenticeship has been completed.)
Personal Best Pilates Instructor Academy™
6600 College Boulevard - Suite 210, Overland Park, KS 66211
Phone: 913-345-8787 Fax: 913-345-8789.
Email Us: info@PilatesInstructorAcademy.com
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