Pilates Equipment Instructor training
Hearts and Bones Pilates® Equipment Instructor course trains you to teach classes using the full range of Pilates equipment.
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About the Equipment Instructor course
Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor course trains you to teach classes using the full range of Pilates equipment.
Subjects covered
Subjects covered include:
- teaching beginner to advanced level Classic equipment exercises with modifications and variations
- assessing and addressing postural, muscle strength, and flexibility imbalances using Pilates exercises on equipment
- using best practice for teaching and structuring classes
- cueing and language use for clients of differing ability
- safe teaching for older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with the most commonly seen back, hip, knee, ankle, wrist, neck, and shoulder conditions.
The course (and modules) also provides comprehensive, fully illustrated manuals.
Training options
Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor training offers you the choice of studying individual modules to extend your teaching skills or completing the entire course and qualifying as a Pilates Equipment Instructor.
Course outline
To become a fully qualified Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor, students must complete the course content outlined in the table below.
Read the course content descriptions for more information about subjects or other course content.
Content | Learning method | Hours | Requirements to qualify |
Introduction to Anatomy Exemptions may apply – find out if you qualify | Self-study | 20 – 30 | Study; pass written examination |
Essentially Pilates Movement Principles module | Class | 18 | Class attendance; proof of hours |
Reformer 1 | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other | 80 | ||
Reformer 2 | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other | 80 | ||
Reformer 3 | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other | 80 | ||
Cadillac and Wunda Chair | Class | 18 | Class attendance; completion of observation, self-practice, and student teaching hours; pass written and practical tests |
Other | 80 | ||
Observation | Observing classes | 60 | Proof of hours |
Self-practice | Practising | 60 | Proof of hours |
Student teaching | Teaching | 120 | Proof of hours |
Final examination | Exam | | Pass written and practical tests |
Total hours to complete course: 410 (excluding Introduction to Anatomy) | |||
∗ Other: additional hours spent observing classes, practising Pilates exercises, and student teaching.
Course content descriptions
Introduction to Anatomy
This self-study subject introduces you to the primary muscles that are involved in movement, joint structure, and function, which are targeted in Pilates exercises. You are given texts and study guidelines to direct your own learning.
Prerequisite: None.
Exemptions: Students who have already passed a tertiary level anatomy course (or equivalent) can be exempted from this subject. Such students would include licensed health care professionals (eg physiotherapists, doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors etc) or personal trainers. Please prove your eligibility for this exemption by sending us a copy of your academic transcript or certificate with your registration information.
Cost: $200 including test.
Test: Sent out to you with the subject's booklet.
Essentially Pilates Movement Principles
This is an essential foundation module for all Hearts and Bones Pilates instructor training.
The module introduces you to the biomechanical movement principles of the Pilates method. Understanding these principles is essential for assessing and correcting body alignment, and improving flexibility and strength. Other topics studied include breathing, functional core strength, scapulae and pelvic stabilisation, and spinal and hip mobilisation.
Prerequisites: 25 hours equipment class attendance, and passing Introduction to Anatomy (or equivalent).
Reformer 1
This course introduces you to the Pilates Reformer. Topics studied include: set-up and safety, teaching beginner-level exercises, and sequencing exercise programmes. Lectures also cover: assessing posture, muscle flexibility, and strength; teaching principles; class structure; and contraindications to movement.
Prerequisites: Introduction to Anatomy (or equivalent); Essentially Pilates Movement Principles; attendance at 30 Pilates equipment classes.
Extra requirements: 20 hours each of observation and self-practice, and 40 hours student teaching.
Reformer 2
Learn how to teach intermediate-level Reformer exercises and modifications. Lectures focus on teaching people with different levels of ability and physical limitation. You will also learn how to evaluate common injuries with the Pilates repertoire in mind.
Prerequisites: Reformer 1.
Extra requirements: 20 hours each of observation and self-practice, and 40 hours student teaching.
Reformer 3
Learn how to teach advanced-level Reformer exercises. Lectures also cover programme tips, and strategies for teaching advanced level clients safely while challenging them.
Prerequisites: Reformer 2.
Extra requirements: 20 hours each of observation and self-practice, and 40 hours student teaching.
Cadillac and Wunda Chair
Find out how to apply the principles you have already learned, to the Cadillac and Wunda Chair to add variety and challenge for clients. Lectures also cover Cadillac and Wunda Chair safety and set-up.
Prerequisites: Reformer 1–3.
Extra requirements: 20 hours each of observation and self-practice, and 40 hours student teaching.
Observation
This part of the course requires you to spend time watching experienced instructors teach group or private classes. Watching other instructors work will help you understand verbal cueing, how to structure exercise programmes, and will expand your overall teaching skills.
Self-practice
Practising your Pilates skills and knowledge is essential to become a competent instructor.
The required hours for this part of the course can include time spent attending Pilates classes or practising Pilates on your own.
Student teaching
Student teaching hours can include teaching Pilates at a fitness centre or Pilates studio, or to family and friends.
Final examination
Once you have completed the other required course content, your last step is to sit the Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor final examination. This examination includes written and practical tests that assess your knowledge of theory as well as your teaching ability.
To be eligible to qualify as a Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor, you must sit your final examination within a year of the start date of your first course subject or module.
Examinations are held at Hearts and Bones Pilates host studios. In some cases, we can arrange for you to complete the tests remotely by video.
Written test
The written part of the Hearts and Bones Equipment Instructor final examination includes multiple choice, short answer, and short essay questions. The questions cover anatomy, teaching practices, exercise prescription, and safety in the Pilates studio.
Practical test
The practical test evaluates your teaching knowledge and skills. The test assesses whether you can:
- understand and apply movement principles
- chose appropriate exercises for a client or class
- initiate, execute, and sequence exercises correctly
- keep clients safe
- use effective cueing and communicate clearly.
What if I don’t pass?
If you do not pass the final examination on your first attempt, Hearts and Bones Pilates will discuss what aspects you need to work through in order to pass. We will then schedule some tasks to prepare you for your next attempt.
Register now for training
To register for Hearts and Bones Pilates Equipment Instructor training:
- check the training timetable to find out when our next instructor training is scheduled, then
- register for training.
We look forward to having you on our Equipment Instructor training.
Any questions?
Contact the Hearts and Bones Pilates Centre if you have any questions or need more information about our Equipment Instructor training.
