|
Teacher Training FAQs |
| Are there any requirements for entry into the program? (Most comprehensive Pilates programs require prior Pilates exercise experience or an entrance exam as a pre-requisite for entry into the program.) |
Yes. The requirements for entry into the program are:
|
| Does the training program offer instruction on Mat or exercise apparatus or just a specific piece? | Yes, the Premiere Certification program offers instruction on all pieces of exercise apparatus. We also offer Apparatus Certification only which includes the same level of instruction on all auxiliary pieces including the reformer, the Cadillac, the chair, the barrel, etc. So if you are Mat Only certified currently, you can add this area of focus through our Individual Focus Programs. See below. |
| What is the time structure for the program? Does it meet weekly or weekends, monthly, etc.? | The program meets one weekend a month for 6 months. The dates are as follows: November: 18 & 19 Lab hours are Thrusday from 3pm to 5pm (optional) *Mat Certification Focus track.
|
| How long does it take to complete the program? (For example: Total structure of the program requirements in hours/months.) | We offer several options for certification:
|
| Are lecture observation, apprenticeship, practice and lab hours involved? (Remember, a well-rounded program includes all of the above.) | Yes, lecture, observation, apprenticeship, practice and lab hours are included in the Synergy Fitness Pilates Certification Program. Additionally there are Home Study hours. See attached for hours by initiative for both our Comprehensive Certification program: Premiere Certification; and our Individual Focus Certification programs: Mat, Apparatus and Anatomy Home Study. |
| Who is the program director, and what is his/her background and training? How long has she been teaching? (The Pilates Method Alliance guidelines suggest facilitators of comprehensive training programs to have taught Pilates a minimum of 5 years prior to instructing instructors.) | Rebecca D’Amour founded Synergy Fitness in 1994 as the first Pilates Studio in the East Bay. The Synergy Pilates Philosophy is one of teaching students the customized personal adaptation - Pilates movements are adapted to individually meet clients’ needs based on their conditioned body alignment and positioning. Rebecca was an early proponent of the work ever-changing and adapting the standard exercises to individually meet clients’ specific needs. Rebecca was also the first to spread Pilates in the East Bay Area establishing the Premiere Instructor Certification Program in 1994. Rebecca has studied Pilates since 1986 and in that time has trained with some of the masters such as Diane Severino, who created the Pilates Program at CalArts, and Michael Podwal at the Ron Fletcher Company in Beverly Hills. Over the years she has continued her Pilates studies with Jean-Claude West and Anna Schmitz as well as studying other modalities with bodyworkers in the areas of Somatics, Rolfing, and Massage, all of which she integrates into her Pilates instruction style. |
| Can the program provide references with contacts of prior graduates of their program? | Yes, please feel free to call us for a current list. |
| Does the program administer a practical and written exam prior to issuing a certificate? | Yes.
Individual Focus Certifications:
Exams must be taken after all hours are completed and requirements are met and within 12 months of final lab hours. Student must also have CPR Certification prior to Synergy Fitness Pilates Certification. PMA Pilates Certified National Exam fees are additional. Please see www.pilatesmethodalliance.org for information. |
| What is the philosophy of the certification program? What are its identifying characteristics? What makes it unique or more valuable than average? | The Synergy Fitness Pilates Certification Program philosophy is to teach Pilates with a sound understanding of the Pilates repertory of exercises along with anatomy, kinesiology, functional movement patterns, and protocols for workouts focusing on different people's needs. Synergy Fitness Pilates Certification instruction takes this philosophy further into a hands-on corrective perspective and advanced level of muscle pattern dysfunction and compensations study. Synergy Fitness Pilates Certified instructors built successful programs for the treatment of pre-post back and knee surgery, scoliosis, osteoporosis, pre-post natal, RSI, MS, breast cancer rehabilitation, pain management and arthritis. We teach an incredibly personalized approach to client management, especially rehabilitative so as to be able to design the most effective programs and to ensure safety and prevent straining or injury. Synergy Fitness Pilates Certification trains students to become holistic mind-body healers who have the goal of making positive changes in people's bodies, and further enhancing their lives. Our goal is to create and grow a community dedicated to the use of Pilates as both a fitness and rehabilitative therapy. We are committed to providing students with the experience, knowledge and insight to be able to assess clients’ body health and prescribe a wellness program to meet their individual needs. |
| How long to I have to complete my total course work/hours? | Exams must be completed within 12 months of course completion. |
| Are there any studio fees for practice? | Once courses are completed a monthly studio access fee of $100 is applicable. |
| Why do we have to take privates? | This allows us to see that you have understood the curriculum by seeing how you apply your knowledge in your own sessions. Additionally it is excellent preparation for exams. |
| How much do privates cost? | We give you two options – private sessions with Synergy Fitness staff are $65 each. Private sessions with Rebecca are $75 each as she is the Master Trainer. |
| Can we take privates outside of Synergy Fitness? | No, we want you to thoroughly learn Synergy's Philosophy before adding other Pilates techniques. |
| When do we need to do our privates? | Privates are to be scheduled as needed during or after the course hours and prior to exams, to help clear up any questions about the repertoire to hlep you work on your own bodies issues. |
| Where are student teaching hours completed? | Hours are to be completed at Synergy Fitness. Weekly staff meetings are mandatory for continuing educations and mentoring. Student teaching hours are paid. |
| Which course to you recommend? | We recommend the Premiere Certification course as it is the most comprehensive and complete course offering. You will be a fully certified Pilates Instructor by this time next year! The integration of learning all three areas of focus simultaneously enables you to provide the most customized and complete client service. Additionally, it meets the requirements for the new National Accreditation Program through the PMA. www.pilatesmethodalliance.org for more information. |
| When can I start student teaching? | After all course work is completed and level 1 exam is passed. |
| How much does it cost? | Comprehensive Certification:
Individual Focus Certifications:
Fees do not include materials, private sessions or practice hours not completed by last course date. Full course payment must be received 2 weeks prior to course start date. Prices are subject to change without notice. |
| Are there any additional discounts? | No, however there are referral fees. Any current trainer at any studio who refers a student who signs up in full will receive a $100 “finder’s fee” from Synergy Fitness. |
| What is the refund policy? | 60 days prior: Deposit -5%, 45 days prior: Deposit -10%, 30 days prior: Deposit -15%. |
| What payment methods do you accept? | Cash, Check, ATM, Visa and Mastercard. |
