Is Your Pilates Instructor Experienced? Pilates by Fitness Solutions to Conduct 18-Hour Power Pilates Mat Certification

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- Pilates by Fitness Solutions will host an 18-hour Power Pilates-approved mat certification class from September 28-30 at its central Phoenix studio. Power Pilates is the New York-based standard bearer for classical Pilates education and Pilates by Fitness Solutions is the only Power Pilates Participating Training Center in Arizona.

"There are not enough qualified Pilates instructors to meet the demand from people who want to learn the method," says Lauren Tomasulo, the owner of Pilates by Fitness Solutions. According to the Pilates Method Alliance, a non-profit organization of Pilates instructors that promotes a classical approach to the discipline, Ms. Tomasulo is right.

In 2005, the organization found that some 9 million Americans had taken a Pilates class and that more than 60% of gyms and fitness centers offered Pilates instruction. However, the group estimated that only about a quarter of Pilates instructors were adequately trained to instruct their clients safely.

As the method has gained popularity, modified versions of the classical approach have emerged, including Pilates performed in pools and on burlesque poles. Pilates classes that promise to improve sports performance have also become popular. According to Ms. Tomasulo, these trends point to the need for instructors who are very well-versed in the classical approach to Pilates.

"Pilates is a system of stretching and strengthening that engages the core, the neck, and the spine," said Ms. Tomasulo. "Pilates can be beneficial in strengthening those areas, and, for some people, even therapeutic; but those are areas of the body that are particularly vulnerable to debilitating injury. You want to ask a prospective teacher about their experience and education."

The 18-hour mat certification class will be taught by Alicia Zabrocki of Power Pilates. During the certification course, fledgling instructors will learn how to conduct a one-hour mat class which is performed on the floor without the method's signature apparatus. Besides the class, students must pass a written exam to become certified, and they are expected to have a working knowledge of basic exercise physiology.

Mat certification is the first step in completing the 600 hours of training and education that Power Pilates requires instructors to have to become fully certified to teach classical Pilates. Tomasulo is herself fully certified by Power Pilates, and maintains that certification through continuing education.

Besides training aspiring instructors, Pilates by Fitness Solutions will host continuing education classes for Power Pilates certified instructors in November 2007.

About Pilates by Fitness Solutions

Pilates by Fitness Solutions specializes in classical Pilates as developed by its namesake Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. The studio is committed to maintaining and promoting classical Pilates as part of a well-rounded fitness program. Our clients come in all shapes, sizes, and physical conditions. For more information, visit Pilates by Fitness Solutions on the Web at www.pilatesaz.com.

About Power Pilates

Power Pilates' teacher training programs use the strong foundation of Joseph Pilates to help prospective instructors learn the specifics of a balanced workout. Instructors learn the methods of dealing with special case clients and most importantly the Power Pilates teaching tools, which provide an easy-to-follow formula for success. For more information, go to www.powerpilates.com.

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