

Pilates Teacher Training in Victoria BC
Here is a video testimonial from Kimberly Loeb.
We are one of three Pilates Method the Alliance approved schools in all of Canada and are also approved to deliver the BCRPA pilates fitness leader course. This means we have the highest possible international and regional credentials to deliver Pilates teacher training programs. Taking the program with us means that you will have the widest spectrum of possibilities (in terms of further education and work opportunities) open to you upon completion of the program. Over time, if you decide to pursue further training on the mat and the apparatus, you will be eligible to take the PMA teacher certification exam (after 450 hours of a combination of training, practice hours, observation and apprenticeship hours). Completing the PMA teacher certification exam is an internationally recognized and highly regarded accomplishment in the world of Pilates.
Pilates Teacher Training - Mat Level 1
This is the course required by the BCRPA to become a fully registered Pilates Fitness Leader.
Pilates Fitness - Mat Level 1 - Spring 2012
Schedule: April 20-22 plus May 4-6, 2012
| Fridays | 5:30 - 9:30 PM |
| Saturdays and Sunday | 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (Break 12:30 to 1:00) |
Instructor: Laura Phelps
Pre-requisite
For BCRPA pilates certification: Fitness Theory, 1st Aid and CPR
40 hours of pilates classes is recommended .
Price
The program cost for the two weekends is $ 599 plus tax - early bird $ 499 plus tax. The application fee to save your spot is $250 and can be paid online or at the studio. The balance for the program is due before the start of the program.
Required Course Literature
- "The Anatomy of Pilates", by Paul Massey (2009) - (not included)
- Feel Good Yoga & Pilates Pilates Teacher Training manual (included in the price) - see some of the Pilates Exercises from the manual.
Course content
This course includes the history of pilates, the evolution of the pilates method, current applications, philosophy and principles, breathing techniques, leadership and communication skills, basic teaching methodology, adult learning tips, class design and instructor self care, as well as the primary intent, biomechanical principles, fundamentals, modifications and variations for all of the exercises.
This course can be taken alone or in addition to our yoga teacher training program. Taken in conjunction with our yoga teacher training program, teacher training graduates will be able to teach a wide variety of yoga, pilates, yogilates and fusion classes that their students will love. Learn to teach the most bio-mechanically sound classical Pilates exercises along with modifications and variations so that you can teach a safe, fun class to a wide variety of fitness levels. An introduction to the use of Pilates props to vary and modify exercises will also be included.
We are very proud of our teacher training graduates and hire almost exclusively from our own teacher training programs. Participants learn to teach a wide variety of fun, safe Pilates classes. Our graduates always have an excellent understanding of body mechanics, creative choreography, modifications, variations and therapeutic applications for each exercise.
What can I do with this course upon completion
- Purchase insurance to teach pilates classes.
- This course is approved by the BCRPA as the Pilates Fitness Leader course.

More pictures from Class of 2011
Upcoming Pilates Courses
Core Courses |
Price |
Early bird |
Hours |
2012 Dates |
110 - Anatomy for Pilates |
$449 |
$399 |
14 |
TBD |
201 - Mat Level I |
$599 |
$499 |
40 |
Apr 20-22 & May 4-6 |
202 - Mat Level II |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
May 18-20 |
301 - Reformer I |
$599 |
$499 |
16 |
TBD |
302 - Reformer II |
$549 |
$449 |
16 |
TBD |
303 - Reformer III |
$549 |
$449 |
16 |
TBD |
311 - Trapeze Table |
$549 |
$449 |
16 |
TBD |
312 - Arc |
$549 |
$449 |
16 |
TBD |
313 - Chair |
$449 |
$399 |
14 |
TBD |
314 - Barrels |
$349 |
$299 |
7 |
TBD |
315 - Auxiliary Equipment |
$349 |
$299 |
7 |
TBD |
Advanced Courses |
Price |
Early bird |
Hours |
2012 Dates |
210 - Mat & Ball |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
TBD |
211 - Mat & Band |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
TBD |
212 - Mat & Ring |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
TBD |
213 - Mat & Roller |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
TBD |
Additional Courses |
Price |
Early bird |
Hours |
2012 Dates |
401 - PMA certification prep-course |
$499 |
$399 |
16 |
TBD |
Early bird prices are available for full payment up until two weeks before the course start.
Course outlines
Anatomy for Pilates (110) – 14 hours
Strongly recommended for 200 level and required (or equivalent) for 300 level courses
This program includes an introduction to the key elements of the musculoskeletal system, including the bones, joint structure and function, and the primary muscles involved in movement. Specifically geared toward Pilates and includes practical exercises on the functions of the muscles and joints allowing you to embody the information more effectively.
Required Course Literature: TBD
Mat I (201) – 40 hours
Prerequisites: 20 hours of Pilates classes and Anatomy for Pilates is recommended
The Mat I course includes:
- An introduction to the history and principles of Pilates,
- Beginning and most intermediate level exercises with modifications,
- Lectures on class order and programming in a group setting,
- Comprehensive manual consistent with current standards for BC,
- Cueing, coaching and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability.
Required Course Literature:
- "The Anatomy of Pilates", by Paul Massey (2009) - (not included in the price)
- Feel Good Yoga & Pilates Teacher Training manual (included in the price) - see some of the Pilates Exercises from the manual.
Mat II (202) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat I (201) or equivalent
Course description: Mat II includes the remaining intermediate and advanced mat Pilates exercises as well as essential movement principles and training tips for advancing clients to the higher levels. It also includes safety information for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions and injuries.
Required Course Literature: Feel Good Yoga & Pilates Mat 2 manual (included in the price) - see some of the Pilates Exercises from the manual.
Mat & Ball (210) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat II (202) or equivalent
The Mat & Balls course adds fun, creative choreography, variations, and modifications to the classical mat exercises by incorporating the ball.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Mat & Ball
Mat & Band (211) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat II (202) or equivalent
The Mat & Balls course adds fun, creative choreography, variations, and modifications to the classical mat exercises by incorporating the ball.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Mat & Band
Mat & Ring (212) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat II (202) or equivalent
The Mat & Balls course adds fun, creative choreography, variations, and modifications to the classical mat exercises by incorporating the ball.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Mat & Ring
Mat & Roller (213) - 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat II (202) or equivalent
The Mat & Balls course adds fun, creative choreography, variations, and modifications to the classical mat exercises by incorporating the ball.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Mat & Roller
Reformer I (301) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Mat I – 201, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent, 30 Pilates classes on the reformer or personal training sessions on the reformer
The Reformer I course includes:
- An introduction to the Pilates Reformer including set up and safety,
- Beginning exercises,
- Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability program sequencing,
- Guidelines for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions and injuries,
- Teaching tips for group classes, and
- Equipment safety and maintenance
By the end of the course you will be able to teach a beginning Reformer class or personal training session.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Reformer
Reformer II (302) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Reformer I (301) or equivalent, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
The Reformer II course builds on the skills gained in the level I course. It includes intermediate exercises and modifications designed for group and individual instruction. Teaching successful classes and sessions to clients at different levels of ability is emphasized. Also included are a variety of programs designed to keep your clients inspired.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Reformer
Reformer III (303) – 16 hours
Prerequisites: Reformer II (302) or equivalent, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
The Reformer III course includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sports specific activities, tips for training the advanced client and programs designed for specific sports.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Reformer
Trapeze Table (311) – 16 hours
Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
The Trapeze course provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table (a.k.a. Cadillac) exercises and program sequences for classes and personal training sessions. It includes cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability, as well as applications for special needs and advanced clients. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Trapeze Table
Arc (312) – 16 hours
Prerequisite: Reformer II (302) or equivalent, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
This course provides instruction about how to instruct clients in using the Pilates Arc. The Arc course includes a series of exercises, modifications and variations to teach classes on this piece of equipment. The Pilates Arc provides greater support in some of the Pilates mat exercises and increases flexibility of the spine while providing stability.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Arc: a Detailed Guide for Practicing Pilates
Chair (313) – 12 hours
Prerequisite: Reformer II (302) or equivalent, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
The Chair course includes exercises and variations for both the original Wunda chair and the split pedal Combo Chair. The chair is great for doing strengthening work with athletic clients and as an addition to group programming in combination with the Mat. This course includes cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability and exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Chair
Barrels (314) – 7 hours
Prerequisite: Reformer II (302) or equivalent, Anatomy for Pilates or equivalent
The Barrels course includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel and Step Barrel. The barrels add variety to personal training sessions or classes. The course includes cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability.
Required Course Literature: Balanced Body University Manual* - Pilates Barrels
PMA certification prep-course (401) – 16 hours
Prerequisite: Mat I and II, Reformer I, II, and III, Trapeze, Tower, Chair, Barrels, and Auxiliary Equipment or equivalent (advanced courses are not required) and 80 personal practice hours, 80 observations hours, 80 apprenticeship hours and 30 supervised teaching hours.
This course is a review of the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the Pilates Method Alliance test. Preparation for the PMA Exam should include a minimum of 450 hours of lecture; observation; personal Pilates practice; apprenticeship; and supervised student teaching, covering Pilates exercise repertoire in Mat, Reformer, Trapeze Table, Barrels, Chairs, and Ped-o-Pull.
Required Course Literature: The PMA Pilates Certification Exam – Study Guide, Pilates Method Alliance
Notes
Unless otherwise noted course literature is not included in the price.

Literature from BBU can be purchased from the on-line store at www.pilates.com
*Please note: Feel Good Yoga & Pilates offers its own certificate of completion. We do not offer a Balanced Body University (BBU) certificate with our program
Course examination
For each course there will be a written 30 exam. It will consist of multiple choice questions and short answers. Students will have one hour to complete the exam. To study for your exam, please refer to your course material and notes pertinent to that module. You will also take a one-hour practical exam where your teaching skills will be evaluated while you are teaching a one-hour session to a client or class of students. You will be evaluated based on client safety, appropriate sequencing, understanding and application of the Pilates principles, appropriateness of the exercises to the class or client, effective cueing techniques and correct set-up.
If you have any questions email us!

See the pilates teacher trainee testimonials

