Our Program – Turning Point Studios

Designed with the dedicated student in mind.

Our Pilates instructor training program is designed to create thoughtful, creative and successful Pilates teachers.

Instructor Training Schedule

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please reach out to us so we can keep you up to date on newly added courses.

Reformer 1 Instructor Training	May 3 – 5, 2024	Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Mat 2 Instructor Training In-person and online	May 31 – June 2, 2024	Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Reformer 2 Instructor Training	August 30 – September 1, 2024	Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Reformer 3 Instructor Training	September 27 – 29, 2024	Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
Mat 3: Enhanced Mat + Props In-person and online	October 25 – 27, 2024	Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am – 3:30 pm

Have questions? Schedule a call

Each day will include a warm-up on the mat or the reformer (except for the Anatomy workshop), a short lecture, instruction in the exercises, and time to practice what you’ve learned.

Manuals must be purchased when you register.

Click the button below to go directly to the Turning Point Studios registration page at Balanced Body.

“The quality of instruction at Turning Point Studios is excellent. The instructors combine years of experience with depth of the knowledge. The material they present always reflects a passion for the work, sensitivity and humor.”

“Naomi did a wonderful job presenting the material and after 3 days I was left wanting more!”

Class Descriptions

Anatomy in Three Dimensions

Anatomy in Three Dimensions ($495 early) — A unique exploration into the anatomy of the human body

Required

Build muscles in clay on a specially designed skeleton and imprint the body’s design deeply into your mind. Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ is a compelling/effective, engaging and fun way to learn the basics of musculoskeletal anatomy. By building the muscles with your own hands you will develop a deep understanding of the structure and function of the human body.

Learn the structure and function of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, as well as the origin, insertion and action of the muscles. This 21-hour comprehensive course builds the pelvis, legs, abdominals, spine, back, shoulder girdle and upper arm. We start with building the deep muscles and work out toward the superficial musculature. This course pairs muscle function with specific exercises in order to reinforce and apply the anatomical information to movement.

Who Should Attend

AI3D is great for beginners as well as anatomy nerds! Pilates and yoga instructors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage therapists, personal trainers, athletic trainers, physical therapists, osteopaths, etc., are welcome.

Recommended Text: Trail Guide to the Body, 4th ed., by Andrew Biel, LMP. Bring your own copy or purchase it at the beginning of class.

Movement Principles

Movement Principles ($495 early)

Learn how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement patterns with the Movement Principles, the foundation of the Balanced Body instructor training system. This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion. Movement Principles is the prerequisite for the Balanced Body Pilates program and the heart of the Balanced Body Movement Specialist Certification.

The course mixes information on how the body works with basic exercises to illustrate the information in movement. Broken down into five categories: Whole Body Movement, Trunk Integration, Lower Body Strength and Power, Upper Body Strength and Balance and Dynamic Flexibility, Rest and Relaxation, the Movement Principles provide a solid foundation for training in any environment, with any equipment. You will come away with a complete tool box for effectively training clients to recover from injuries, improve their general fitness and enhance their performance. The focus on practical understanding of common movement patterns prepares instructors to be excellent at problem solving, goal setting and learning new exercise techniques with ease.

Mat

Modules: Mat 1, Mat 2, Mat 3 ($525 early) each

The Balanced Body Pilates Mat instructor training includes the complete Pilates Mat repertoire as well as an introduction to the movement principles that make Pilates such a successful exercise program. Modifications and variations are included to help you successfully teach a wide range of clients. Balanced Body Pilates Mat instructor training will empower you to become a successful, creative and transformative Pilates teacher.

Our Mat instructor training program includes:

Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Mat repertoire
A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Safety information for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
Tips on teaching successful group programs

Mat 1 (16 hours)
Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate Exercises

Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat classes. 6 months experience teaching movement and anatomy recommended.

Mat 1 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, and guidelines for teaching seniors, pre-, and post-natal classes.

Mat 2 (16 hours)
Intermediate/Advanced Exercises

Prerequisites: Mat 1

Mat 2 includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises as well as essential movement principles and training tips for advancing clients to the higher levels. Pilates for sports specific activities are also covered.

Mat 3: Enhanced Pilates Mat + Props (16 hours)

Prerequisites: Mat 1 & 2

Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body programming system is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!

Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Mat Instructor, students must complete the following:

Anatomy (Strongly recommended)
Movement Principles
Balanced Body Mat 1, 2 & 3 coursework and module test
20 Mat personal sessions, 15 observation hours and 35 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

Total hours for completion of Mat program: 134 hours (not including anatomy)

Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body® Mat Instructor will be issued.

Reformer

Modules: Reformer 1, Reformer 2, Reformer 3 ($525 early) each

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 workout for clients at any level of ability.

Our Reformer instructor training program includes:

Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Reformer repertoire
A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Guidelines for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
Program design for clients at every level including sports specific lessons
Equipment safety and maintenance

Reformer 1 (16 hours)
Introduction to Reformer & Beginning Exercises and Pilates Principles

Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 20 Reformer classes and 1 year experience teaching movement. Anatomy required prior to testing out.

Reformer 1 includes an introduction to the Pilates Reformer including set up and safety, plus 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 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 and sessions to clients at different levels of ability is emphasized. Included are a variety of programs designed to keep your clients inspired.

Reformer 3 (16 hours)
Advanced Exercises &
Sport Specific Programs

Prerequisites: Reformer 2

Reformer 3 includes advanced exercises plus modifications for sports specific activities, tips for training the advanced client and programs designed for specific sports.

Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor, students must complete the following:

Anatomy
Movement Principles
Balanced Body Reformer 1, 2 & 3 coursework and module test
30 Reformer personal sessions, 30 observation hours and 90 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

Total hours for completion for Reformer program: 214 hours (not including anatomy)

Total hour for completion of Mat & Reformer program: 332 hours (not including anatomy)

Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body® Reformer Instructor will be issued.

Apparatus

Modules: Apparatus 1 ($495 early), Apparatus 2 ($475 early), Apparatus 3 ($475 early)

The Balanced Body Pilates Apparatus instructor training program completes the full Pilates instructor certification program. Included is the complete repertoire on the Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, the Pilates Chair, and Barrels. Completing the additional apparatus training gives you a great variety of tools to use when working with clients and qualifies you to take the national Pilates certification exam.

Our Apparatus Certification program includes:

Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Pilates Chair and Barrels is included
A comprehensive manual for each piece of equipment consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Program sequences for classes and personal training sessions
Equipment safety and set up

Apparatus 1 – (14 hours)

Prerequisite: Movement Principles, Mat 1 and Reformer 1, 20 Pilates studio sessions, 1 year work experience in related field recommended.

Apparatus 1 introduces the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels to provide a complete education on the Pilates system. Apparatus 1 includes beginning and intermediate level exercises on each piece of equipment along with safety, set up and their role in the Pilates studio environment. Each piece of equipment provides a unique training environment to create a well rounded experience for a client or class.

Apparatus 2 – (12 hours)

Prerequisite: Apparatus 1

Apparatus 2 includes intermediate exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels as well as information on class design in the Pilates Studio environment. Information on working with special populations including lower back and shoulder problems included.

Apparatus 3 – (12 hours)

Prerequisite: Apparatus 2

Apparatus 3 completes the comprehensive Pilates teacher training program with intermediate, advanced and super advanced exercises on the Trapeze Table, Chair and Barrels. The Balanced Body movement principle programming system is applied to the apparatus to create clear guidelines for class design.

This series of classes provides the following:

A through introduction to Trapeze Table exercises as well as applications for beginning, post rehabilitation and advanced clients. This training is appropriate for students working with the Allegro Tower of Power®, Half Trapeze and Wall Tower as well as those working with full Trapeze Tables. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance.

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 exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.

Exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel, and Step Barrel. The Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel add variety to personal training sessions or classes.

Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training Certificate

To become a Comprehensive Balanced Body® Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements:

Anatomy
Movement Principles
Balanced Body Mat 1, 2 & 3 coursework and module test
Balanced Body Reformer 1, 2 & 3 coursework and module test
Balanced Body Apparatus 1, 2, & 3 coursework and module test
20 Mat personal sessions, 65 Reformer and Studio personal sessions, 65 Observation sessions, 220 student teaching hours
Final written and practical test

Total hours for completion of full program: 520 hours (not including anatomy)

Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University® Pilates Instructor will be issued.

More Info

Reformer and Other Apparatus Final Exam and Certificate of Completion

Once instructors have completed all of the Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability. Exams will be regularly scheduled in different areas of the world. If instructors are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, testing out by video can be arranged. If a student is completing both the Reformer and the Apparatus sequence, they will not need to test out separately on the Reformer and the Apparatus.

The final test out consists of:

Observation of a session with a client or an apparatus class. The specific requirements will be determined prior to the testing.

During the exam we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills in the following areas:

Correct set up and execution of the exercises
Client safety
Appropriate sequencing
Appropriateness of the exercises to the client or class
Understanding and application of the principles
Cueing and the ability to communicate with your client or class

If the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a timeline for completion.

Personal Sessions

Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training session they have already taken. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring teacher.

Observation Hours

Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes of private sessions. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing and to hone your teaching skills.

Student Teaching Hours

Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center of Pilates Studio or for family and friends.

Cancellation Policy

Please contact Balanced Body for cancellation information (800) 745-2837.

For more information about our teacher training classes contact us.