I have been looking for a studio to further my Pilates training in London, and found that there are so many options and can be rather overwhelming. After much research online and visits to the different studios, I have compiled this information that may be useful for anyone who is looking at options for Pilates certification. There are many other studios out there but these were recommended to me, and they are the major players in London based on Joseph Pilates teachings.
I have compared what’s offered for a comprehensive Pilates certification.
The best way to find out what’s best for you is to visit the studios, have a chat to them, and attend some classes offered by the different studios to get a better idea of what suits you best. I’m in the midst of doing that right now. 🙂
1) BASI (Body and Art Science Institute)
STUDIO IN LONDON: The Pilates Clinic
LOCATION: 2nd Floor, 7 Elm Grove, Wimbledon SW19 4HE
WEBSITE: UK Site: http://www.basipilatesuk.com; Global Site: http://www.basipilates.com
ORIGIN: Established in 1989 by world-renowned Pilates educator, Rael Isacowitz. His early Pilates teachers included Alan Herdman, and several of the first-generation Pilates teachers who are commonly known as the Pilates Elders. To Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Romana Kryzanowska, Eve Gentry, and Lolita San Miguel, Rael owes a debt of gratitude for the inspiration and friendship that have guided his career.
He created the BASI® Block System, a unique method of categorizing Pilates exercises devised by Rael, and the AVALON® line of equipment.
BASI Pilates UK was formed in 2014.
CLASSIFICATION: Contemporary based on the studies of Joseph Pilates. A BASI education is anchored in anatomy, physiology and scientific principles, its emphasis is on the aesthetic quality of every movement.
COST: £3200 or £3400 by installments (over a deposit and 3x payments)
DURATION: 5 months; 3x 4 day sessions; 100 hours of observation; 200 hours of practice teaching; 200 hours of personal practice
EXAM: Demonstrate 4 exercises; Teach a half hour class; 2 hour written exam
2) POLESTAR
STUDIO IN LONDON: Moss Pilates
LOCATION: 103 Worship St, London EC2A 2DF
WEBSITE: UK site: http://pilatestrainingcourses.co.uk; Global site: http://www.polestarpilates.com/en/
ORIGIN: Formed in 1992 by Brent Anderson who owns and operates Polestar Physical Therapy and Pilates Center in Miami, FL, which serves as a model for the use of Pilates for rehabilitation. From his extensive background in rehabilitation and movement science, Brent has applied critical reasoning skills and supportive scientific research to Joseph Pilates’ revolutionary mind-body work.
The first Polestar education course was taught in Sacramento, California. In the U.S. Polestar supports the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA). Polestar UK was established in 1999.
CLASSIFICATION: Contemporary, driven by science and evidence based curriculum
COST: £3,840 – 12-month interest free instalment available. Need to take a gateway course that costs £249 (100% rebate if you sign up for a comprehensive certification within a month of taking the gateway course)
DURATION: 7 months
6x 2 day modules
459 hours that consist of
– 140 hours of observation and apprentice
– 175 hours of self-mastery and assignment
– 104 hours of course attendance
– 40 hours of pre-course online
EXAM: 1-hour written exam (50 Multiple choice questions); 1 case study: 1 on 1 demonstration of theoretical knowledge, exercise mastery, problem solving with oral defense
3) BODY CONTROL PILATES
STUDIO: Body Control Studio
LOCATION: 35 Little Russell Street, London WC1A 2HH
WEBSITE: http://www.bodycontrolpilates.com
ORIGIN: Co-founded in 1995 by Lynn Robinson. Lynne was a student with Penny Latey in Sydney, and has authored numerous best-selling books on the Pilates Method and presented more than ten Pilates DVDs.
CLASSIFICATION: Contemporary and adapted from the ‘classical’ exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. The belief is many of these classical exercises are often not suitable for the average person and the average body. In order for someone to work safely and effectively and to gain the full benefits of Pilates, these classical exercises should be broken down to establish good movement skills thus building the best possible foundation upon which to progress towards the classical, more advanced work.
COST: Students are required to take the Mat Certification first before moving on to Studio certification. £3,395, or £3,000 with the Advance Payment Option for Mat Certification. £3,690 for the full studio certification: £915 for Reformer (Basic to Intermediate); £700 for Reformer (Advanced); £375 for Cadillac 1 (Basic); £375 for Cadillac 2 (Intermediate to Advanced); £375 for Cadillac 3 (Advanced); £375 for Chair 1 (Basic to Intermediate); £375 for Chair 2 (Advanced); £200 for Ladder Barrel (Basic to Advanced)
DURATION: For Mat certification: 13 tuition days (spread out); Minimum 50 hours of supervised teaching; Studio certifications are scheduled throughout the year.
EXAM: One-hour assessment after the tuition days to demonstrate knowledge of the core exercises; Written Examination – answer two open essay questions; Plan a series of six progressive Lesson Plans for a group matwork class and deliver all or part of one of these under assessment; Two written exams (multiple choice)
4) THE PILATES CENTER
STUDIO: Pepilates
LOCATION: 17c Welmar Mews, London SW4 7DD
WEBSITE: UK site: http://www.pepilates.co.uk/teachers-training; Global site: http://thepilatescenter.com
ORIGIN: The Pilates Center was established by sisters Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel in 1991, with the help of Romana Kryzanowska (Joseph Pilates’ protégé) and her assistant Steve Giordano. Pepilates has been offering the Advanced Teacher Training Program since 2012.
CLASSIFICATION: Classical – The course covers the entire Pilates body of work, from beginner to advanced, on all pieces of equipment (including the matwork).
COST: £5,700 or £6,000 with payment plan (£500 per month over 12 months)
DURATION: 12 months; 950 hours throughout the year with a minimum of 15 hours per week to the internship component.
EXAM: 3x Written Exams; 5x Performance and Practical Evaluation