Why the PAA has different categories of members and welcomes all well-trained Pilates teachers
The PAA welcomes all well-trained Pilates teachers. We have deliberately and strategically pursued an approach that recognises a wide range of qualifications, and values different training and teaching methods. We have a list of course competency criteria (“CCC”), with quality content, instruction and on the job training the key requirements.
Pilates for everybody
At the PAA, we want as many people as possible to do Pilates because we know how good it is and how it can change lives.
Some people love group Pilates classes in the gym, the local community centre or at work. Others need, want or can afford more personally tailored sessions in a specialist Pilates studio or their own home. There are athletes and dancers, office workers and retirees, expectant mothers and school groups, and people living with chronic illness, recovering from injuries or managing degenerative conditions.
Others just want to exercise wisely and more mindfully. For many people, the cost is a real constraint and they may only be able to afford a larger format class. Nevertheless, everybody deserves a safe and effective Pilates class.
We are committed to ensure they are all safe and are learning healthy movement, regardless of the format of the class, because they are guided by well qualified and skilled teachers who:
- have completed a course through Training Providers that meet our thorough CCC
- continue their education to remain current with best practice
- adhere to our code of conduct and teach only within their competency
Group class Instructors
Group Instructor members are an essential part of our Pilates community. Many members of the public prefer group exercise classes for the sense of community, the energy/motivation of the group, the lower cost and maybe just the option to hide in the back on a bad day. A well-taught and structured Pilates class is safer and more educational than most Boot Camps and group fitness classes.
We respect the choice of people to attend a group class, and so we encourage fully trained Mat and Reformer Instructors to join us and uphold the highest standards of their craft.
We aim to have PAA group instructors recognised as the gold standard of group mat and reformer Pilates classes.
Practitioner Instructors
PAA Pilates Practitioner Instructors are comprehensively trained in all aspects of Pilates practice and on all equipment and have an ASQA recognised Diploma (or equivalent if their training is older). Although the industry is yet to be regulated, this level would be required to meet any external evaluation of a vocational occupation. Therefore, we need to distinguish this level of qualification to build the reputation of Pilates as a movement therapy as well as for fitness.
Many of our Professional members work with clients with complex issues who need a personalised approach and have invested in education into remedial strategies. We aim to ensure the public (and the medical profession) understands when they need this personalised professional Pilates rather than a group exercise class. We continue to work on our advocacy and communication in this area.
Studio Instructors
We created the PAA Studio Instructor membership category to embrace comprehensively trained teachers who fall outside the ASQA framework. Many are teachers who have had thorough equivalent training and experience outside Australia and bring valuable diversity to our community. Some of the major international training organisations are not ASQA recognised but otherwise meet our thorough CCC. The studio instructor level also recognises teachers trained in Classical Pilates which is relatively small scale in Australia, making ASQA registration prohibitive. The PAA highly values the continued heritage of the Pilates Method honoured by Classical Pilates training and practice.
What the PAA does not approve
The PAA does not recognise a Pilates qualification that is simply a minor component of another fitness, movement or allied health qualification. We do not recognise express 20 hour courses, the equivalent of a long weekend, or online only courses. Teaching Pilates is a specialised expertise that takes time and focused work to develop as well as an ongoing dedication to the craft.
We also note that Pilates teachers are often also qualified in other movement modalities, (eg yoga, barre, dance, Gyrotonics, DNS) or disciplines, such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology or osteopathy. These teachers will bring a Pilates perspective to teaching other forms of movement, but this work is outside the purview of the PAA.
In summary
It has become a cliché to claim to be “inclusive,” however, the PAA is seeking inclusion with quality. We want to find a way for anyone to do Pilates how they want to – but safely and effectively. Therefore, in the absence of external regulation, we have designed a membership structure that supports the different available pathways to becoming a fully trained, knowledgeable, quality Pilates Instructor so there are the best teachers to meet the needs of our public today and tomorrow.
Comments are closed.