Last updated 19-10-08

Body Control Pilates® Press Release

For immediate release: February 2006

 

 

Is your Pilates Teacher up to Standard?

 

Within the space of ten years, Pilates has gone from being the exclusive preserve of the rich and famous to becoming one of the most popular exercise regimes in the world today. It is estimated that 25 million people now take regular Pilates classes in the US and that more than 1 million people do the same here in the UK.

 

With this massive increase in demand for classes, leading Pilates groups and government bodies working with the exercise industry have recognised the urgent need for a formal national standard that ensures the quality and safety of Pilates teaching and which helps Pilates enthusiasts check that their teacher is properly qualified. This standard, which is endorsed by SkillsActive and the Register of Exercise Professionals, came into effect in August 2005. It is increasingly becoming the benchmark for Pilates teaching.

 

The national standard, which sits within the National Occupational Standards framework) covers the teaching of Pilates matwork in groups or on a ‘one to one basis’ and requires that all student teachers are given comprehensive training in the theory and background of Pilates; that they undertake an extended period of practical, supervised training; and that they are also able to assess clients and adapt exercises to the particular needs of that client.

 

The goal is simple: to ensure that your Pilates teacher has the knowledge and skills to teach classes in a safe, enjoyable and effective way so that everyone, regardless of their level, can benefit from Pilates exercises.

 

It is strongly recommended that, when starting or even when continuing with Pilates classes, you check that your teacher is a member of an established Pilates organisation and that their training is recognised as meeting the new ‘level 3’ Pilates standard – you can do this by checking the Pilates Register maintained by the Register of Exercise Professionals at www.exerciseregister.org

 

Lynne Robinson, a director of the Body Control Pilates Association and a member of the Standard Working Group, said: “This standard is a major milestone for Pilates worldwide. Pilates organisations in the UK have spent several years helping to develop its content and the result will be hugely beneficial for Pilates enthusiasts across the country. This standard, and the list of qualified teachers on the Register, will significantly help to ensure the quality, safety and effectiveness of Pilates teaching. I wholeheartedly support this important initiative.”

 

This is an extract from the press release supplied by the Body Control Pilates^® Association.