TEACHER TRAINING
MODULES & PreREQUISITES

Prerequisites:
INTRODUCTION TO ANATOMY AND ITS ROLE IN PILATES PRINCIPLES
Taught by Angela Stevenson (see bio), this 10-hour course will focus on the basics of anatomy – and the language needed – to provide a better understanding of the Pilates principles.
We will cover the skeletal anatomy necessary to participate in the more comprehensive ‘Experiential Anatomy’ being offered by Jane Ellison (details here) as well as the anatomy of the ‘core’, essential to the Pilates Movement Principles.
This course will be an interactive, hands-on weekend, complete with detailed handouts and visual aids.
Suggested Reading: Anatomy of Movement
EXPERIENTIAL ANATOMY
This workshop will employ an approach to learning anatomy through the living experience of our own physical structures. Rather than simply memorizing names, we use physical sensation to locate and investigate the body’s tissues and systems for an embodied knowledge of anatomy and function. Primary focus will be on the skeletal and muscular systems, with reference to the other systems (organs, fluids, endocrine and nervous system) and their interconnectedness. Tools for learning to embody anatomical information will include awareness, movement exploration, visualization, and hands-on work as well as reference to a human skeleton.
Course instructed by: Jane Ellison (Certified Pilates Instructor) Jane has been teaching movement and experiential anatomy for over thirty years. Her work has been particularly influenced by Body-Mind Centering®, Body-MindPsychotherapy, and other awareness based movement and meditation practices.
Students and clients use her work for both personal and professional development in applications which include Pilates, acting, voice, dance, yoga, psychotherapy and sports.
She has worked in Vancouver out of the artist-run-centre, Western Front, and EDAM dance studio since 1975 and was on the faculty of Studio 58, the Langara College professional theatre training programme, for nineteen years.
BBU Modules:
BBU Mat Instructor Training | Modules: Mat 1 and Mat 2
Pilates Mat work is the foundation of Pilates and provides a great full body workout. The BBU Mat program includes the full repertoire of Pilates exercises, along with modifications and variations designed to make your program successful for a wide range of clients.
By focusing on the principles underlying the Pilates method, we give you the power to be a creative, inspiring and transformative teacher.
The BBU Mat Instructor Training Program includes:
Mat 1 - 16 hours
Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisites: 2 years movement experience; 1 year Pilates Mat personal practice; Introduction to Anatomy (or equivalent anatomy training).
Mat 1 includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, pre-Pilates, beginning and intermediate level exercises with modifications, lectures on class order and programming in a group setting and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre/post natal classes.
Mat 2 - 16 hours
Intermediate/Advanced Exercises
Prerequisites: Mat 1; Experiential Anatomy
Mat 2 includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises, as well as tips for creating great group classes. Pilates programs for specific sports are also covered.
Requirements for BBU Mat Instructor Certificate of Completion:
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Mat Instructor, students must complete the following:
Total hours for completion of Mat program: 102 hours (not including Anatomy)
Upon completion of all requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University® Mat Instructor will be issued.
BBU Reformer Instructor Training
Modules: Reformer 1, Reformer 2, Reformer 3
The Pilates Reformer is an extraordinarily flexible piece of exercise equipment allowing resistance and support for exercises involving every part of the body. Our program gives you a thorough understanding of how to use the Reformer to develop core and extremity strength, stability, flexibility, coordination and balance. The wide range of exercises provides a stimulating and fun workout for clients at any level of ability.
The BBU Reformer Instructor Training Program includes:
Reformer 1 - 18 hours
Introduction to the Reformer & Beginning Exercises
Prerequisites: 1 year Pilates Reformer personal practice; Mat 1 & 2
Reformer 1 includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer including set up and safety, beginning exercises, program sequencing and teaching tips for group classes. By the end of the course you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer group class or personal training session.
Reformer 2 - 16 hours
Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisites: Reformer 1
Reformer 2 includes intermediate exercises and modifications designed for group and individual instruction. Teaching successful classes to clients at different levels of ability and clients with physical limitations are emphasized. Sample programs for a variety of clients are included.
Reformer 3 - 14 hours
Advanced Exercises & Sports Specific Programs
Prerequisites: Reformer 2
Reformer 3 training includes the advanced Reformer exercises plus sports specific programming tips and strategies for teaching the more challenging exercises safely and effectively. Advanced level programming is included to challenge any client.
Requirements for BBU Reformer Instructor Certificate of Completion:
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:
Total hours for completion of Reformer program: 198 hours (not including Anatomy)
Total hours for completion of Mat and Reformer program: 300 hours
Upon completion of all requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University® Reformer Instructor will be issued.
For information on the course offerings and requirements, please contact us at the studio and we will be happy to provide you with an information package.