Common Questions About Instructor Training

  • Why choose Absolute Center?  Our favorite thing is working with new teachers!  We want you to succeed and mentor you every step of the way.  You receive our full support all during your education and beyond.  As a currently registered BBU student, you receive discounts on training and classes at Absolute and the opportunity to rent the studio to bring in your own student to practice on.  Our faculty offers a nurturing non-judgmental but frank environment for you to grow in your career.  We are always available for questions or advice and can help with placement where you can use your new skills and also offer business consulting if you are striking out on your own.
  • I haven’t met all the suggested requirements, does that mean I can’t take the courses yet?  While we want you to have the most exposure to movement in general and Pilates is particular, if you don’ meet all the requirements at the start, it is not a deal breaker.  We do expect you to make up the deficit as you go through the modules, and we can help with suggestions on how to do that.
  • I don’t have Anatomy; does that mean I can’t start the training?  Actually, that may be a bonus.  For most of our students, we suggest that you take your Anatomy in 3 Dimensions after you begin your Instructor Training.  It is very helpful to study Anatomy of Movement or Anatomy of Pilates before you begin so you know terms and have an idea of where muscles are and what they do.
  • Why are your Anatomy in 3 Dimension classes offered over 4 days instead of 2?  Anatomy is a deep subject.  We have seen too many glazed over faces after two 8 hour days moving clay around and attaching it to boney protuberances.  We think it is way more friendly to break it up into four 4 hour days.  Trust us!
  • What does it mean when BBU says “Personal Practice Hours”?  Often BBU students think that this requirement means you have to shell out lots of $$ to train privately with a Master instructor.   While this type of practice is very helpful, we don’t expect you to pull out your checkbook every time you decide you need a practice hour!  What a practice hour means is everything from taking a Mat or Reformer class, doing a private to grabbing your book and throwing yourself on the floor to run through the workouts in the book.  Don’t forget, you can take classes from the best of the best at www.pilatesanytime.com
  • Can I take modules from different Balanced Body Host site studios?  Yes you can.  While we have the closest association with Turning Point and Center of Balance, we welcome you to do what works best for you and your timing.  Just to note, pricing can vary a bit and as you get to the end of your training, you will find that some studios offer the last 3 modules in different fashions.  Make sure that the studio you transfer to is not duplicating something you already took!
  • What if I can’t finish all the modules in a row?  We have had students who have taken all the modules, every month and finished in 8 months ready to test out.  We have had students take 4 modules, take a break to work (or just absorb what they have learned) and come back a year later.  We have had students finish every module, all the hours and not test out for 2 years!  In other words, you go at the pace you feel is best for you.  We can help you decide what will work for you, your time and your wallet, just ask!
  • Will I be certified when I finish?  In a word, no.  As a Certified Pilates Teacher, you will be one of the best educated movement professionals working today.  In order for you to say you have a full "Pilates Certification", based on the recommendations (PDF) of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA).  At the completion of each BBU module, you will receive a certificate of completion.  At the end of your training after all your hours have been submitted to Balanced Body and a test out approved and past, you will receive an Assessment Based Certificate from Balanced Body.