What is Comprehensively Pilates Certified?

What is Comprehensively Pilates Certified?

The topic of Pilates has changed drastically since 2008 when I (Cara) started in this industry.  Back then not everyone even knew what Pilates was, fast forward to now where there are studios all of Northern New Jersey. So what makes us different? What sets us apart? How do you choose as a member what studio fits you best?

Here is the insider scoop, first thing find out what YOU are looking for. Is it good smart instructors? Is it a small group experience? Is it a large group experience with an unlimited financial option? Is it Classically based pilates (Joseph Pilates original order), or is it Pilates Fusion?  Find out first what is most important to you and start your search from there. 

Our studio, CS Fit Pilates prides ourselves on having Fully Comprehensively Trained Pilates instructors from reputable Pilates schools, but what does that mean? A level 1 comprehensive trained teacher has been through 20 hours of pre course work, 80 hours of in person training with a Master Instructor and 120 hours of observing, taking classes, and practice teaching. After those hours are complete the instructor then has to test out with a written exam and also a practical exam where you teach and also perform all of the exercises in the level you are training for so the Pilates school is confident that the instructor can do the exercises so they can teach them effectively and safely - That's just for level 1! 

A pilates "weekend training" is exactly what it sounds like, 2 full days (16-18 hours) of training. The PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) have yet to become success with getting proper licensing in place for studio owner to have properly certified instructors on staff, as a result it is up to you as the member to find out how the instructors are certified if this is what is important to you! 

At CS Fit Pilates chose to go with the small group method (6 participants in a class) - Why? We chose this because we want to give the best pilates experience and when we teach 6 people in the class YOU get personalized attention on how we program design and proper technique cues for you to get the most out of the class. Did you know we monitor all classes to see who is coming in and to plan our classes around YOU!  A larger class experience will give you a different Pilates experience, larger classes will sometimes come with unlimited membership options, the more reformers in a room make it easier for a business to offer that option, however it makes it harder to monitor who is coming into that class so it may turn into a very open level experience with everyone getting less attention. An instructor teaching a bigger class will most likely omit some exercises because they will not be able to cue, spot, or evaluate the strength of all in class quick enough in a larger class setting. Not better or worst just different than a small group experience.

CS Fit Pilates offers 3 class options because we do see the benefit of all approaches. The Classic Class sticks to Joseph Pilates order, transitions, and principles.  The FitCore Class is a class Peak Pilates developed that has classical elements but is driven by music and variations to challenge the body in different ways. Lastly, we offer Pilates Sculpt that is an athletic spin on Pilates, all classes have Comprehensively trained instructors teaching them.  

We care about our quality, we believe that Pilates is best done in a small setting where you can thrive as a member. All of our instructors have worked very hard to be the type of instructor they are and I as an owner value them as instructors.  I am thrilled to have each and every one of them represent the CS Fit Pilates brand as we are keeping the Pilates small group experience alive.