Connect With Us:
Facebook Twitter

Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training

Program Details

Balanced Body University

Balanced Body University offers a full range of Pilates instructor certification programs through Fusion Pilates Asheville. Whether you are interested in teaching Mat classes, Reformer classes or Pilates personal training sessions on the Reformer, Trap Table, Chair and Barrels, we have the resources you need to succeed.

The BBU Pilates instructor training program is designed to create thoughtful, creative and successful Pilates teachers. Our curriculum emphasizes the principles underlying each exercise. Our faculty members have a wide variety of Pilates backgrounds from classical to contemporary to fitness and bring their exceptional depth of experience to the training.

Our program is designed in modules so you can take your first course now and continue your training next week, next month or next year. Each module is self contained so you can take them as quickly or as slowly as your schedule and budget allow.

It's never too early to start planning your training. Our 2010 schedule is online now. We offer a discount for the complete Balanced Body Pilates Teacher Training for those who would like to pre-pay for all required modules.Click here for the details.

The Modules (click for details)

BBU Pilates Instructor Certification

Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements:

  • Anatomy (required)
  • BBU Mat Instructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Cadillac/Tower - Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
  • BBU Chair - Course work, written and practical test (12 hours)
  • BBU Barrels - Course work, written and practical test (6 hours)
  • 45 Personal practice hours and 105 Teaching hours or 35 Personal sessions, 20 observations hours and 95 teaching hours
  • Practical test

Total hours for completion of Apparatus: 186 hours

Total hours for completion of full program: 486 hours

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

Students who have completed their Mat or Reformer certification through other organizations can take the BBU curriculum and receive a certificate of completion from BBU. Students will need to provide proof of completion of a comparable Mat or Reformer program before being accepted into Balanced Body University.

Please contact the office for details and a list of approved organizations.

Reformer and Other Apparatus Final Exam and Certification

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 an 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 teaching.

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.

The Modules (click for details)

Test Out

Please follow these steps to schedule and complete your Test Out: