I am a pilates instructor with various equipment certifications. What larger cert would help me be more versatile?
Hi Beth,
Is there a specific area or type of client you are interested working with? Is there any type of training method that you are more interested learning about than others? Is there any style you would like to teach or combine with Pilates? This would be helpful when deciding which certification and organization to go after.
IDEA is a professional organization, rather than a certifying agency. They do have a list of certifications on their site that you can use to compare various options.
There are many places that offer group exercise certifications. I have ACE, and have always found it recognized wherever I go. It would not let you teach the programs that copyright a name, such as zumba, or one of the Les Mills things, but it would let you teach cardio, step, core, strength and conditioning, …. lots of options. You already have Pilates, which is a great specialty to have, so the group ex would be really helpful to spice things up, and to allow you to do blended individualized styles.
Whichever one you decide to use I would suggest strongly considering doing one that is NCCA accredited. That is a standard I have seen before for employment.
Here is a link to that IDEA comparison tool:
Hi Beth,
if you are looking for a group exercise certification, I would suggest that you look at ACE which is widely recognized. Whatever format you choose to teach, Pilates will be a great base for many formats.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Beth,
I agree that that ACE would be a great certification to get–it will compliment your Pilates background very well. If you look into others as well, make sure the certification you choose is NCCA accredited.
Also, if you currently teach Pilates to individual clients, you may also want to think about a personal training certification where you’d also be training clients one-on-one. I’ve seen both trainers and instructors that have Pilates backgrounds and they both work well.
Good luck,
Christine
Hello Beth Maiello,
If you want to teach at a full service club, just go to that place to see what they will require of you. I am sure they would say a certification through ACE, NASM, or another NCCA accredited course. To be most rounded, the personal trainer should cover all bases, then adding another certification will be natural if and when the need arises.
Take care,
Natalie aka NAPS 2 B Fit.