Home / Certification / Pilates Teacher Training Program
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.
