Bone Health (Osteoporosis and Osteopenia): When taught by properly-qualified teachers, Pilates is recommended as a safe and effective exercise method for those diagnosed with osteoporosis and osteopenia who want to improve their bone health. Body Control Pilates currently has more than 200 teachers who hold a special qualification in this area, with another 100 teachers in training. All hold a ‘Pilates for Bone Health’ qualification awarded by Active IQ, our external Awarding Body, and ratified by Ofqual (full title of qualification: Level 3 Award in Understanding Pilates and its Impact on Bone Health). We work closely with the Royal Osteoporosis Society – please click here to view a recent online Q&A session with them.
Pre- & Postnatal Pilates: If you are pregnant or you have recently had a baby, it is important that you work with a teacher who holds a pre- and postnatal Pilates qualification, which will enable them to work safely and effectively with you. We have more than 400 Body Control Pilates teachers who hold a special qualification in this area. This is awarded by Active IQ, our external Awarding Body, and ratified by Ofqual (full title of qualification: Level 3 Award in Designing Pre- and Postnatal Exercise Programmes).
Pilates for Older Adults: Adapted exercises are a great way to maintain strength and mobility in older adults and helping with balance and with the tasks of everyday living. Teachers who hold this qualification understand how to adapt Pilates exercises – often including seated work – to ensure maximum benefit and results, even from a gentle programme of exercise. work safely and effectively with you. We have more than 250 Body Control Pilates teachers who hold a special qualification in this area. This is awarded by Active IQ, our external Awarding Body, and ratified by Ofqual (full title of qualification: Level 3 Award in Physical Activity (Pilates) and Health Considerations for the Older Adult).
Back4Good Low Back Pain Practitioner: Back pain affects more than 80% of adults at some point in their life, many suffering long-term chronic pain that has a severe physical, lifestyle, and emotional impact. The adapted Pilates exercises in our Back4Good Programme can help in the prevention and management of low back pain. Our Back4Good Practitioners have all undertaken a course that has been recognised by independent experts as meeting best practice and have passed an assessment. They are qualified to offer our extremely well-received programme of ‘Healthy Back’ classes and 1:1 sessions.
Pilates for Children and Adolescents: Pilates is increasingly in demand from schools and children’s clubs and, of course, it is never too young to start exercise. Teachers who hold this qualification know not only how to motivate and engage children and teenagers in adapted exercises, but also understand the need for safeguarding. All qualified teachers in this area hold DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) clearance. This qualification is awarded by Active IQ, our external Awarding Body, and ratified by Ofqual (full title of qualification: Level 2 Award in Planning and Instructing health-related exercise and physical activity (Pilates) for Children and Adolescents).
Specialist Teacher in Pilates for Hypermobility: Pilates can play a significant role in helping a hypermobile person manage their condition and maintain quality of everyday life and pain-free movement. Those teachers holding this qualification have attended a course created and delivered in conjunction with recognised medical experts in this area. They have then passed an assessment that demonstrates their understanding of the topic and their ability to help clients with a range of hypermobility conditions.
Matwork and Studio Equipment:
In addition to holding their Body Control Pilates matwork certification (Level 3 Pilates and Society for the Pilates Method-accredited), teachers can gain the following:
Level 4 Pilates: Pilates teachers with a this qualification have studied the biomechanics of movement to a high level and have the assessed knowledge and skills to tailor exercises specific to a client’s training and fitness agenda. As part of the qualification, they have also gained two of the ‘special populations’ qualifications detailed above. This is awarded by Active IQ, our external Awarding Body, and ratified by Ofqual.
Reformer: The Reformer is very often the first and only piece of studio equipment that clients work with – whether on a 1:1 basis, in a small studio, or in a group class. Reformers add load through the use of springs and increased resistance, so it is important that your teacher is properly trained and can ensure that you are working safely at all times. Body Control Pilates teachers who are Reformer-qualified have attended an extended course and passed a practical examination where they teach under assessment.
Comprehensive Studio: A Body Control Pilates qualification which assesses a teacher’s ability to work at a beginner’s and intermediate level with clients on the key pieces of studio equipment: Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel.
Master Studio: A Body Control Pilates qualification which assesses a teacher’s ability to work at an advanced level with clients on the key pieces of studio equipment: Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel. Master Studio Teachers will have undertaken more than 20 days of tuition and two teaching assessments across the various equipment and often spent hundreds of hours of teaching practice and self-practice in order to get to this level.
Master Matwork: A Body Control Pilates qualification which demonstrates that a teacher can perform and also safely teach Pilates matwork through to the advanced ‘classical’ level. – the ‘classical mat’, as it is often referred to, is the series of 34 exercises originally developed by Joseph Pilates to develop and challenge his early clients, who were mostly athletes and from the performing arts. A teacher will have been assessed teaching and performing these exercises in order to gain the Master Matwork qualification.
