After several life events that nudged me to consider teaching Pilates as a profession, I began looking for a program that not only taught the vast repertoire, but also intertwined the detailed biomechanics.

After scouring over several programs, I found the Balanced Body Education at Park Meadows Pilates & Physical Therapy through a chance meeting with our lovely Ann Crammond, MsEd.  Before the training program, I looked into Balanced Body's website and was eager to see their vast amount of trainings. Balanced Body is world wide and offers trainings in Mat, Reformer, Chair, Trapeze Table, Barrels, Core Align, Orbit, Anatomy in Clay, several continuing education workshops and a traveling Pilates on Tour conference. Similar to other programs, the Balanced Body curriculum is taught in modules. Each piece of apparatus is split into 2-3 weekends of 12-18 hours of training.

However, unlike other programs, Balanced Body provides the option for students to take one module at a time or take all modules of all pieces of apparatus for a complete "Comprehensive" teacher training. Furthermore, in order to take either the full Reformer or Comprehensive instructor certification exam, the instructor must have completed the full Balanced Body anatomy course, proof of college level anatomy, or a Bachelor's degree or higher in physical therapy, athletic training, kinesiology, biomechanics, dance, physical education or a related field.  The Balanced Body curriculum also meets the national guidelines for the Pilates Method Alliance certification exam.

After taking the first Reformer 1 training module in April 2011 with Lindy Royer, PT, CPP, I was hooked.  We spent the weekend diving into the principles, beginner exercises, and the biomechanics of Pilates. With her combined background in Physical Therapy and Pilates, Lindy is an incredible instructor. Instead of simply learning to move this or move that and inhale/exhale cues, we learned the why behind each exercise.  Why does this movement pattern occur? Why is there compensation during this portion of the exercise? How can we then use the combined knowledge of anatomy & movement to understand how a client may benefit from this variation?

Since starting the Comprehensive program in April, I've completed all modules in Mat, Reformer, Chair, Trapeze Table, & Barrels. From start to finish, I've been amazed by how much the Balanced Body education program has expanded my knowledge. In addition to Lindy's expertise, modules are also taught by Jamie Morgan, MSPT, CPP, & Ann Crammond, MsEd, CPP. As a student, I thoroughly enjoyed having three mentors. Similar to Lindy, both Jamie & and Ann are overflowing with knowledge. Jamie is also a Physical Therapist and Ann is a Level 3 Franklin Method Educator with a background in Physical Education.

If you want to dive deeper into the repertoire or begin a career teaching others about their body while helping them gain strength and eliminate pain I highly recommend the Balanced Body Education. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of us here at Park Meadows Pilates & Physical Therapy and we'll gladly answer any questions you may have.