The Vineyard Pilates Center Teacher Training Certification Program is intended to be one of the more extensive and intensive teacher training programs available in the Pilates Method. Trainees will learn every exercise on every piece of equipment and receive in-depth instruction on how to teach, at all levels of difficulty and for all body types, in order to be safe, effective and inspiring. This Program includes a series of Lectures and an Apprenticeship. A certificate is awarded to those who complete the entire Lecture series (100 hours), the 650 hours of Apprenticeship, and pass written, performance and practical exams.
The goal of the certification program is to provide you with a foundation to begin a career that is as interesting, powerful and fulfilling as you want it to be.
750 Hours
•6 Symposiums (included in program price).
• 2 Teaching clinics (also included)
Note: Pre-Lecture minimum
• All mat classes are included.
• 10% discount on all private and semi-privates
• Use of the studio for personal workouts
• Use of the studio for practice teaching
Required for Completion:
• A passing score of 85% or higher on all exams:
2 written exams covering history, philosophy, anatomy & pedagogy
2 performance exams
2 practical teaching exams
• Completion of two teaching clinics.
• Completion of reading list.
• Completion of Case Study.
Price $3,900 (does not include private and semi-private sessions required for completion of the program)
Lectures Over the course of four weekends (two and a half days each weekend) we will cover every classical exercise on every piece of equipment in the Pilates Method. We will discuss Pilates philosophy and history. In addition, we will look at some contemporary and archival versions and variations as well. In total more than 500 exercises. We will also explore modifications, use of props and safety issues and spotting.
Symposiums At least bimonthly, we’ll dig deeper into some important topics including breath, spinal and other joint mechanics, the 3 cores, general anatomy and biomechanics.
Observation Watch experienced instructors teach Pilates to students of varying body types, physical abilities and ages. This can be here at the VPC or another approved studio. You’ll learn and understand the importance of the Method’s teaching structure and have the opportunity to ask the instructor questions after the session or during trainee meetings or symposiums.
Practice teaching You will teach Pilates to volunteer clients and fellow trainees in order to work out the kinks and develop your skills without the pressure of being paid.
Personal workouts To experience the work in your own body as you learn and solve the riddles that this program will pose, you’ll continue your own practice throughout. Together, we develop a muscle memory of the Pilates so that it becomes more automatic over time.
Lessons Sessions taken either at Vineyard Pilates or at an approved studio will consist of 50 private lessons (at least 20 with Stefan), 50 duets, trios, Quartets and or mat classes.
~Included in the program fee:
Miscellaneous You may take approved outside workshops in the field of Pilates, bodywork and movement that add value and depth to your experience. This segment of the program can also be fulfilled through the Pre-certification package.
Trainee Session Price List:
As trainees you receive a 10% discount on all sessions.
~Sessions & Packages~
Privates $68ea. 10 privates $630
Duets $45ea. 10 duets $410
Trios $40ea. 10 trios $360
Quartets $35ea. 10 Q’s $310
Mat classes…………..FREE included
~ Package prices are available only when paying in advance.
Pre-Lecture minimum- $1,250
Trainees, in order to be admitted to the program must complete at least 10 privates, 15 duet or trios and 25 mat classes by the first day of Lecture cycle. This is important to ensure that we take our conversation in lectures to the highest level possible and that the exercises can be demonstrated by attendees safely and as closely to the intended form as possible.
• We will count this as the 50 hours of miscellaneous portion of your training.
Payment towards program can be in advance, monthly or quarterly. Individuals must also remain current with sessions taken as they go. Payment in full is needed for final certification.
Extensions
If for some reason the program cannot be finished in 14 months then, a 4-month extension can be purchased for $400
On hold
If an unforeseen personal obstacle should arise during the course of your program, you may go on hold for up to 6 months for no additional charge. This is a one-time offer.
Additional lecture topics
Anatomically we will explore the major muscles and their function both visually and experientially through movement and palpation. We will also cover muscle, tendons, bones and their related connective tissues including fascial anatomy.
Program Testamonials~
Stefan and the staff at the Vineyard Pilates Center provided me with an invaluable experience while studying with them to become a classically trained Pilates instructor. The process was all encompassing with regard to learning Joseph Pilates’ methodology and philosophy through lectures, private and group lessons, observation, discussion based symposiums and practice teaching. Stefan Knight is one of the most passionate people I have ever met concerning total body wellness. His background as a certified Rolfer, massage therapist, and Pilates instructor instilled in me a deep desire to understand the body both practically and functionally. He is extremely generous as a healer and as an individual which makes him a gem in this very personalized field.
During my training I observed many transformations within myself. As a professional dancer and motor development practitioner, I came to understand body mechanics in a whole new way. My approach to teaching became much more informed and presently I feel very confident in my abilities to instruct clients who seek both physical fitness and pain relief through the method. My own body came to learn completely new paths in which it could work and express. Limitations soon became new challenges; these were my physical and emotional breakthroughs and where I am personally so grateful to have discovered and now embrace. As an individual, I became more compassionate and patient with myself and others.
Collectively, the process one must go through in order to enter the Pilates field with confidence, knowledge, and experience are supplied in abundance at The Vineyard Pilates Center. Whenever I attend a Pilates continuing education seminar, I am reminded that I was trained by knowledgeable professionals. The choice I made to do my program at The VPC was hands down one of the best I have ever made for me. Jil, Class of 2004
~The teacher training program at the Vineyard Pilates Center more than prepared me to become a confident and well educated Pilates instructor. Through Stefan’s personal experiences of learning about the human body through Rolfing, massage therapy, and personal training, he was able to offer us a deeper understanding of the Pilates Method. Teaching us the repertoire of exercises was only a portion of my experience. I learned how to learn and how to be taught. Stefan urged me to explore all possibilities and to be flexible and willing to stray from what I think I know is right. His charismatic personality, sense of humor, and passion for Pilates is absolutely contagious. I am very proud to be one of the first students to have gone through his program, to have had the opportunity to teach beside him in his studio, and to know him as a friend. Julie, Class of 2004
Vineyard Pilates Center Episode 1 Teacher Training from Film-Truth Productions on Vimeo.
Monday: 5:30pm Mat- Intermediate
Tuesday: 9am Mat- Inter./Advanced
Wednesday: 5:30pm Mat- Intermediate
Thursday: 9am Mat- Beginner/Inter.
Friday: 9am Mat- Inter./Advanced
Saturday: 9am Mat- Beginner/Inter.
Monday: 7am Mat Intermediate/Advanced
Wednesday: 7am Mat Beginner/Intermediate
Thursday: 7am Tower All Levels
Friday: 7am Mat Intermediate/Advanced
Saturday: 9:00am Mat Beginner/Inter.
Sunday:…. BREATHE! Book your class online!
*Some experience is required for Reformer classes
What class is right for me?
FundamentalsThis class will help you build your foundation for a successful understanding of your body and the Pilates method. It provides a gentle exploration of correct movement skills with particular emphasis on synthesizing breath control, abdominal support, and pelvic/spinal alignment. Perfect for starting off right, developing the Pilates vocabulary and initiating rehabilitation.
BeginnerA review of the fundamentals coupled with the basic Pilates exercise vocabulary in a well-rounded workout to develop coordination, breath capacity, precise control, concentration and “moving from your center.”
Beginner/IntermediateIntroduction of new exercises as you grow more proficient at performing the flowing Pilates movements with increased breath capacity, mental control and strengthening your core, or “Powerhouse.”
Intermediate/BeginnerStudents experienced with the beginning Pilates exercises challenge themselves with more complicated skills, and more dynamic, flowing movements, all at a faster tempo.
Intermediate/AdvancedFor students experienced and strong in their Pilates practice, who are now honing pelvic and shoulder stability, oppositional energy, spinal articulation and overall uniform development.
AdvancedA vigorous opportunity to explore the full sequence of Pilates exercises executed “at tempo”. Not for the faint of heart!
Fee Schedule
~ Pilates ~
Private$75 ea. or 10 sess. /$700 ·
Duet$50 ea. or 10 sess. /$450 ·
Trio’s$45 ea. or 10 sess. /$400 ·
Quartet’s$40 ea. or 10 sess. /$350 ·
(Sessions are scheduled for 50 minutes but, usually run longer.)
Mat Classes $20 per class, $90 for 5, $150 for 10
~ Rolfing Structural Integration ~
Individual session $125/hr, $150/1.25hrs, $175/1.5hrs
Ten Series $150 per session (1 ½ hours each)
~ Rolfing Movement Integration ~
$75 /one hour session
~ Please honor our 24 hour cancellation policy~
2009 Workshop Schedule:
There are no workshops scheduled at this time!
Stefan is happy to come to your studio and share his passion for Pilates.
TOPICS
Demystifying Pilates: 1-3 days
Rather than learning new exercises and watering down the Pilates Method we will look at the exercises that we know and learn to use them more effectively. We’ll explore the skills of Pilates in relation to our everyday needs, habits and wants. Answering the question, ‘Why do we do Pilates?’ this workshop will break down the individual exercises to reveal the wholeness of the Method.
Anatomy and Biomechanics: 2 days
This is a post-rehab (Pilates instuctors do not legally perform rehabilitation) workshop designed to empower you as a teacher. Anatomy and biomechanics are often disenfranchised from most Pilates Teacher Training programs. Lets take a look at how the Pilates Method honors these principles and reveals the powerful rehabilitative nature of the work. We will cover spinal mechanics, all major joints and the purpose and mechanics of the breath.
Exploring flow: Finding the fluid matrix in Pilates 1-2 days
“Internal shower, circulation, pump, roll, squeeze, and breathe.” Mr. Pilates spoke (in Return to Life) of countless fluid qualities. All of our cells, nerves, glands, organs and muscles are fluid filled pumps. We are hydrostatic beings who pressurize ourselves based on our world view. This system is essential for natural movement to occur and holds the key to healing. We’ll look at how the exercises relate to the person and how the person relates to the exercise. Then, we’ll explore how each exercise relates to the next, how each “rep” relates the next and the relevance of transitions.
Pelvis, pelvis, pelvis: 1-2 days
It’s 10 a.m., do you know where your pelvis is? Let alone where it’s supposed to be? Because the ideal pelvis position is thought to be elusive, we’ll explore ‘spinal decompression’ and what the spine needs from the pelvis to allow power and decompression to take place. We’ll learn how to articulate this in our own bodies and in others. Through Pilates we’ll discover that it’s natural not neutral.
From the consumer standpoint finding a Pilates instructor can be tricky business. For one, anyone can go online and get “certified” in Pilates. On the other end of the spectrum one could engage in a nearly 1000 hour program like I was fortunate enough to do at The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. The vast [...]
Posted On: April 20, 2009
Muscle health and tone!
One of the essays that I was required to write during the training to become Certified Rolfer was on “tonus”. In its most simple sense we are speaking about muscle tone. In our culture, through our influence from the fitness industry we are led to believe that the more muscle tone the [...]
Time to check in on all those New years resolutions. One of the most important things to make sure that is in place is a support system. I know that this sound a little corny but, read on. The New year comes along and with it a renewed sense of commitment to all the things [...]
Mr. Pilates talked about a concept called “uniform development”. What did he mean and what is the significance to us. First, I would like to acknowledge that when a person, like myself, tries to interpret someone else’s work we run into the fact that it is simply making conversation. To expect that I could sum [...]
Why Pilates?
With so much information out there in “physical education” ,magazines and people who are supposedly in the know, why Pilates. With the morass of opinions about exercise and how to pursue it, how do we sort through this information? Who do we trust?
There are certain laws of the universe that hold true for all [...]
By Julian Wise - February 15, 2007
From Martha’s Vineyard Times
Since opening the Vineyard Pilates Center four years ago, Stefan Knight has introduced many Islanders to an exercise program that he sees as a balance between weight training and yoga. When Stefan Knight made Pilates instruction his business, it was more than a commercial pursuit; it [...]
