Neutral alignment is safer in Pilates classes because it is the focus of the class. Most group exercise classes are larger than Pilates classes and only spend 5-15 minutes at the end on abdominal work and stretching.

Exhalation out of the mouth, making either a "ha" sound or as if you are steaming up a mirror, helps to enhance the contraction of the deep abdominals.

Pressing the back down onto the mat, or the carriage, is called "imprinting. Imprinting the spine is best utilized if a client cannot maintain stability. Your goal should always be neutral alignment because it is the basis for good posture. Working in neutral alignment means that you are working the body in its most balanced position, therefore working to correct muscular imbalances that can cause postural problems.

The SPIN Pilates curriculum is designed to create an instructor who understands the meaning behind each exercise and can safely create their own exercise programs. We believe that once a Pilates instructor understands where the exercise should be placed in a workout session and how to modify the exercise for participants, they are able to safely build their own class formats.

Joseph Pilates began developing Pilates in the 1920's, when there was no fitness industry and no common language for teaching exercise. His work was handed down from teacher to teacher by apprenticeships, and each instructor continued to develop Pilates using their own style of teaching. At SPIN Pilates, we have incorporated many of the common terminology from the original work with our own fitness-friendly language. We organized the exercises, principles and techniques in a user-friendly format, so that the fitness professional can easily understand and learn this wonderful exercise method.

Anyone is welcome to attend a course, however, we do recommend that a student in our courses has taught group exercise classes and has a basic knowledge of anatomy and biomechanics. If you do not have these prerequisites and still wish to attend, we recommend that you take several Pilates classes in your area before attending. In addition, you should take an anatomy course (live or online) to become familiar with the terminology that will be used in the course.

Although certifications are no required, it is important for a SPIN Pilates® student to be well versed in group teaching skills, understand biomechanics/anatomy and have a basic fitness background before attending the course. If you have either a fitness certification or college level anatomy, it will help prepare you for the anatomy review that is in the Mat Level I course.

If you have already attained your level one coursework from another educational provider or feel competent with your knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy and Pilates, you are welcome to take level two courses. However, it may be helpful to take all of the classes in the curriculum because some training may be different than what you have learned.

All of the SPIN Pilates courses give credits for AFAA, ACE and STAR points. Check the website for the most accurate and up to date CEC values.

Depending on the course that you are hosting, you may need equipment. Check the website or contact the training manger for the equipment that is needed for the courses you wish to host.

All of the certification courses (Mat Level 1, Mat Level 2, Reformer Level 1, Reformer Level 2, Tower and Chair) require purchasing the manual in addition to the course. Each manual costs $30.00 plus shipping. You can purchase the book via the website or toll free line. All 2 and 4 hour continuing education courses include an outline with the cost of the course.

After completing your initial Mat Level 1 or Reformer Level 1 course, we recommend that you complete 100 hours of teaching and observation hours for each course taken. Upon completion of these hours, take the Assessment test in the manual and mail it in, or take the test online. Once you have passed the test, you will receive your certification card in the mail. To retain this certification, you must complete 14 STAR points within 2 years from the initial certification date.

You can request a new card via email or calling customer service.

No refunds will be applied to your account, however, you are able to reschedule for another training date. Please note there is a $50 rescheduling/no show fee.