Is SPRING. Movement’s Teacher Training Program PMA/NPCP approved?

The PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) is a Professional Association for Pilates Teachers. The PMA Certification Program is now referred to as the NPCP (National Pilates Certification Program).

East River Pilates’ Comprehensive Teacher Training program successfully meets the minimum requirements as set by the NPCP. We are also currently in the process of becoming a PSAP school through the PSAP (Pilates School Approval Program), which involves a two year application process in which our curriculum, facilities, teachers, the way we keep student files, safety and maintenance etc are assessed.

Once completing our Comprehensive Teacher Training program, we encourage students to apply to become NPCP certified, which involves an exam and is available to any candidate who meets the following eligibility requirements:

• 18 years of age

• Verification of having completed comprehensive training in Pilates

Comprehensive training must be minimally 450 hours in length and cover mat and the following apparatuses:

• Reformer

• Trapeze Table

• Wunda Chair

• Ladder Barrel

• Spine Corrector

• Magic Circle

For more information, visit NPCP’s website.

Who is eligible for our Comprehensive Teacher Training Program?

Whether you are looking to begin a new career, enhance your current position in the wellness industry, or deepen your personal Pilates practice, all people are welcome to participate in SPRING. Movement’s Teacher Training program. Course participants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the course start date. No applicant will be denied on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, and local laws or ordinances.

How much Pilates do I need to have done before becoming taking a Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training?

We recommend students have a minimum of six months of Pilates experience prior to commencing our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Program, and to be familiar with the exercises. This not only helps you better understand the teaching material as it is presented, but also helps you to have a better understanding of what you are going to be teaching your future clients. We will teach you all you need to know to become a confident, versatile, and accomplished Pilates professional, therefore no prior teaching experience is necessary, though any and all experience is helpful.

I love Pilates! Does that make becoming a Pilates teacher the right career choice for me?

Having a passion for Pilates is certainly a great start to your career as a Pilates teacher. Before signing up for SPRING. Movement’s Teacher Training Program, we recommend you also take into consideration the many factors that contribute to becoming a Pilates teacher. Here’s what ERP believes are important character traits in order to ensure this career choice is right for you:

• a passion for working with people,

• exceptional communication and interpersonal skills,

• patience,

• kindness,

• a desire for ongoing learning,

• and a love for being active.

Please also consider that depending on your studio’s work environment, you’ll potentially be working early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Do I have to come from a dance background to become a Pilates instructor?

No, you do not need any dance experience to be a world-class Pilates instructor! Dance experience can help enhance your understanding of how the body moves, however, this can also be gained with various other movement styles and exercise, including yoga, gymnastics, swimming, and martial arts etc. If you have noticed a large number of Pilates instructors also have backgrounds in dance, this is typically due to the fact that Pilates is part of their training, and teaching Pilates is often a great supplement to their careers, offering flexible working hours, which allows for performing, auditioning, and studying.

Can I work full-time as a Pilates teacher?

Absolutely! Like with any new venture, however, it can take time to build a clientele that supports your work on a full time basis, especially if you are transitioning from another career. Typically, new graduates will build their weekly class schedule to supplement their primary work, and when they reach the point where they’ve established enough consistent classes and privates, they will make the transition over to full time teaching. At ERP, we have a number of instructors who work full time (25 hours per week or more), balancing a mix of group classes and privates.

What is the maximum number of students for each course?

Our Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Programs permit no more than 20 students for each course intake.

Can Pilates instructors receive health benefits and retirement savings?

Health benefits and retirement savings are typically not available to instructors who teach at multiple studios, or less than full time hours at one workplace. Depending on the studio or workplace, instructors may qualify for health benefits and retirement savings. If you wish to receive benefits from a workplace, this should be discussed at the time of employment to ensure you make the right choice when accepting a teaching position or professional opportunity.

How long is a typical in-studio training day?

All Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training in-studio/virtual learning days are typically 4-7 hours, depending on the program.

What are the attendance policies?

Full attendance is required at all Teacher Training course days. Missing any number of hours due to lateness, prior commitments, or leaving early will require students to make up the time privately. For every hour missed, students are required to schedule private tuition hours with the teacher trainer at the price of $85 per hour. Scheduling makeup private sessions is subject to instructor availability. All hours must be completed before the Test Out dates.

How long will I have access to the Online Video Portal?

All participants will have access to the Online Video Portal for twelve (12) months from the start date of the course.

What are the policies for Self-Practice hours?

Self-Practice hours are a requirement of our Teaching Training courses, and can be completed by:

• reviewing your course manual,

• studying the instructional videos and voice-overs on the Online Video Portal,

• or practicing the exercises yourself at home, another Pilates studio, or the designated studio locations as listed in each course module manual.

You are required to complete and document the required number of Self-Practice hours prior to the Test Out date.

What are the policies for Observation & Participation hours?

Observation/Participation hours are a requirement of our Teaching Training courses, and can be completed by either observing or participating in a group Pilates class at the designated ERP studio locations as listed in each course module manual, our ERP Online Platform, ERP Virtual Classes, or another Pilates studio. Please refer to what is included in your course registration for the most accurate information.

• If you are observing a class at one of our studios, we ask you to notify the instructor teaching as you arrive. We ask you to sit in our reception lounge so as not to disturb the class.

• If you are participating in a class, we kindly ask you to take notes after class, not during.

You are required to complete and document the required number of Observation/Participation hours prior to the Test Out date.

What are the policies for Practice Teaching Hours?

Practice Teaching can be completed by teaching a variety of clients the exercises you are studying in our Pilates Teacher Training Program.

• Practice Teaching hours may be completed at home, virtually, at another fitness or wellness facility, or the designated ERP studio locations as listed in each course module manual.

• All clients are required to sign a liability waiver before commencing their session.

• Please note you are not permitted to charge clients for Practice Teaching sessions.

• The Practice Teaching hours need to cover the apparatus from the Module you are Testing Out from (i.e Module 2 hours need to be teaching on the Reformer, they cannot be Mat sessions).

You are required to complete and document the required number of Practice Teaching hours prior to the Test Out date.

What is the Test Out process like?

The Test Out for each course module will involve two exams - one written and one practical, after the completion of all Self Practice, Observation/Participation, and Practice Teaching hours. The written component will be a series of online exams, and will involve a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. The practical Test Out will take place at one of our studio locations/virtually, and will involve supervised teaching and case studies. Both exams require a minimum 80% grade to pass. Included in each course is the opportunity to complete one Test Out. If a trainee fails the first Test Out, additional attempts will be charged at the following rates:

• $50 to re-sit all online exams

• $150 to re-sit all practical exams

What is the payment process for each course?

ERP is a cashless company, and accepts:

• Credit Card

• Wire Transfer / ACH Transfer

• Check

• Venmo

• PayPal

After your application has been accepted, a non-refundable deposit of $500 is required within 7 days to reserve your place. Course payment is required in full at least one week (7 days) before the course commencement date. Payment plans are available, please email hello@springmovement.com to discuss.

Early Bird rates are available up until one month before the course commencement date. Payment is required in full by the Early Bird date in order in order to receive the Early Bird rate.

What is the refund policy for each course?

Refund Eligibility

If you are no longer able to attend or choose to withdraw from the Teacher Training course you signed up and paid for, you are eligible for the following refund amounts.

Before course commences | 100% minus $500 deposit
Within first weekend of program | 80% minus $500 deposit
Within second weekend of program | 60% minus $500 deposit
Within or after third weekend of program | No refund

The student will receive a full refund of tuition and deposit paid if the school cancels a scheduled course.

All refunds will be made within 72 hours after receiving written notice of withdrawal from the course. The official date of termination or withdrawal of a student shall be determined in the following manner: 

1. The date on which the school receives written notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the training program; or

2. The date on which the student violates published school policy, which provides for termination

3. Should a student fail to return from a leave of absence, the effective date of termination for a student on an extended leave of absence or a leave of absence is the earlier date the school determines the student is not returning or the day following the expected return date.