Teaching Standards
 Within the space of tweleve years,
Pilates has gone from being the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous to
becoming one of the most popular exercise regimes in the world today. It is
estimated that 25 million people now take regular Pilates classes in the US and
that more than 1 million do the same here in the UK.
With this massive increase in demand
for classes, leading Pilates groups and government bodies working with the
exercise industry have recognised the urgent need for a formal national standard
that ensures the quality and safety of Pilates teaching and which helps Pilates
enthusiasts check that their teacher is properly qualified. This standard, which
is endorsed by SkillsActive and the Register of Exercise
Professionals, came
into effect in August 2005. It is increasingly becoming the benchmark for
Pilates teaching.
The national standard, which sits
with the National Occupational Standards framework covers the teaching of
Pilates matwork in groups or on a 'one to one basis' and requires that all
student teachers are given comprehensive training in the theory and background
of Pilates; that they undertake an extended period of practical, supervised
training; and that they are also able to asses clients and adapt exercises to
the particular needs of that client.
The goal is simple: To ensure that
your Pilates teacher has the knowledge and skills to teach classes in a safe,
enjoyable and effective way, so that everyone, regardless of their level, can
benefit from Pilates exercises.
The Body Control Pilates Association
has led the way in the process with its teacher training course becoming one of
the first to be formally approved against the standard. The majority of its
existing teachers have also undertaken additional training to meet the
requirements of the rigorous standard.
It is strongly recommended that,
when starting or even when continuing with Pilates classes, you check that your
teacher is approved against the new 'level 3' Pilates standard - you can
do this by checking the Pilates Register maintained by the Register of
Exercise Professionals at www.exerciseregister.org
Lynne Robinson, a director of the
Body Control Pilates Association and a member of the Standard Working Group,
said: "This standard is a major milestone for Pilates Worldwide. Pilates
organisations in the UK have spent several years helping to develop its content
and the result will be hugely beneficial for Pilates enthusiasts across the
country. This standard, and the list of qualified teachers on the register, will
significantly help to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of Pilates
teaching. I wholeheartedly support this important initiative."
Background
The Body Control Pilates
Association is Europe's largest professional body for Pilates
teachers with more than 700 members. All have completed a comprehensive training
in, at a minimum, Pilates matwork and are governed by a Code of Practice
related to teaching and to professional ethics. All Body Control Pilates
teachers undertake continued learning courses each year to retain their
membership.
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