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Pilates Certification

Assessment Requirements

To be awarded the YMCA Level 3 Diploma in Instructing Pilates Matwork, you must successfully complete five (5) assessment tasks. Assessments are designed to progressively build your knowledge and practical teaching skills and must be completed in the order listed below.

A detailed Assessment Guide is provided within the course and outlines the specific requirements for each assessment.

Assessment 1: Knowledge Quiz
Test your understanding of the theory covered throughout the course.
Includes two parts:
Part A: Anatomy and Physiology
Part B: History and Fundamentals of Pilates, Health Awareness and Lifestyle Management, Health Screening and Risk Stratification, Customer Experience, and Teaching Pilates

Assessment 2: Pilates Presentation
Develop and deliver a professional presentation demonstrating your understanding of Pilates and its benefits.
Includes three parts:
Plan a presentation
Deliver the presentation to a small group
Participate in a professional discussion with an assessor

Assessment 3: Matwork Pilates Practice Portfolio
Demonstrate your practical understanding and analysis of Pilates matwork exercises through a portfolio of evidence.
Includes:
Personal practice log and reflective evaluation
A 60-minute video recording of your personal practice
Exercise Analysis Workbook
A 20-minute professional discussion with an assessor

Assessment 4: Practical Teaching Assessment
Show your ability to confidently plan, deliver and evaluate a Pilates Matwork class.
Includes:
Planning a 60-minute group Pilates Matwork session
Delivering and evaluating the session
A 20-minute follow-up professional discussion with an assessor

Assessment 5: Pilates Matwork Program Portfolio
Create and implement a progressive Pilates program for a client.
Includes:
Pre-exercise health screening and lifestyle assessment
A progressive 10-session Pilates program (including one detailed session plan)
Evidence of delivering the planned sessions
Program evaluation and development of a business plan
Professional discussion with an assessor

Assessment Progression
This course is designed to be completed at your own pace, allowing you to work through the learning materials and assessments in a way that suits your schedule.
If you are enrolled in the Zoom delivery option, we strongly encourage you to complete all theory-based assessments and portfolio components before attending your scheduled Zoom training sessions. This allows you to maximise your live learning time with your educator and focus on developing your teaching skills.
Your practical teaching assessment will be completed during the scheduled Zoom training, where you will plan, deliver and evaluate a Pilates Matwork class under the guidance of your assessor.
You will receive guidance and support from your assessor during each stage of the assessment process.

Assessment Overview

To be awarded the YMCA Level 3 Certificate in Instructing Pilates Studio Reformer (Groups), you must successfully complete three (3) assessment tasks. Assessments are designed to progressively develop your knowledge, practical skills and confidence as a Reformer Pilates instructor and must be completed in the order listed below.

A detailed Assessment Guide is provided within the course and outlines the specific requirements for each assessment.

Assessment 1: Reformer Pilates Presentation
Develop and deliver a professional presentation demonstrating your understanding of the history and fundamentals of Reformer Pilates.
Includes two parts:
Plan a presentation
Deliver and record the presentation to a small group

Assessment 2: Reformer Pilates Practice Portfolio
Demonstrate your practical understanding and analysis of Reformer Pilates exercises through a portfolio of evidence.
Includes:
Personal practice log and reflective evaluation
A 60-minute video recording of your personal practice
Exercise Analysis Workbook
A 20-minute professional discussion with an assessor

Assessment 3: Practical Teaching Assessment
Demonstrate your ability to confidently plan, deliver and evaluate a group Studio Reformer class.
Includes:
Planning a 2 x 60-minute group Studio Reformer session (One beginner and one open level class)
Delivering and evaluating the session

Assessment Progression
This course is designed to be completed at your own pace, allowing you to work through the learning materials and assessments in a way that suits your schedule.
If you are enrolled in the Zoom delivery option, we strongly encourage you to complete all theory-based assessments and portfolio components before attending your scheduled Zoom training sessions. This allows you to maximise your live learning time with your educator and focus on developing your teaching skills.
Your practical teaching assessment will be completed during the scheduled Zoom training, where you will plan, deliver and evaluate a group Studio Reformer class under the guidance of your assessor.
You will receive guidance and support from your assessor during each stage of the assessment process.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of anatomical principles as they relate to Pilates, covering the muscular and skeletal systems, and the planes of movement.
• Learn about the anatomy of the shoulder complex including the muscles and bones. Then how to apply this knowledge to teach exercises that promote scapular stability.
• Learn about the muscles and bones of the torso, and how to teach exercise that focus on core engagement and spinal alignment safely and effectively.
• Learn about the anatomy of the hip including teaching clients exercises that focus on  proper alignment and joint safety.
• Learn about the bones and muscles of the knee and ankle and how to teach Pilates leg exercises focused on safe alignment and mobility.

• Develop an understanding of proper alignment, starting with a neutral spine and pelvis.
• Learn to instruct clients through targeted mobility exercises by developing  both clear verbal instructions and effective hands-on adjustments (non-verbal cues) to enhance flexibility.

• Develop your understanding of the origins of Pilates and its consequent evolution where we will dive into  exploring original exercises and then adapting them to teaching in a more modern and contemporary way.

• Learn not only the principles of Pilates and breathing but also how to incorporate them into your instructing.

• Develop your understanding of sequencing and class planning so you’re able to create effective, adaptable classes for both group and one-on-one clients.

• Cover Work Place Health and Safety, hygiene issues and risk minimisation by learning how to prep your class space,  and effectively communicate with your clients.

• Learn from the best in real-world settings. 
• Develop your own style by remembering the things you like so you can incorporate them into your own teaching practice.

• Complete at least 20 hours of self master practice, whereby you would practice the exercises yourself, learning the setup, movement, breathing and muscle focus of each exercise.
• Practice teaching friends and family, and then when you’re ready, teaching in a Matwork setting on actual clients.

• Learn how to market yourself as a new instructor, find a job, build a client base, and turn your passion for Pilates into any vision you have for yourself.

• Demonstrate your understanding of the online theory by completing an online quiz.