Apparatus Training

Pilates Apparatus Certification Program

Modules: Chair, Cadillac/Tower, Barrels and Small Apparatus

BBU Pilates Apparatus Certification completes the full Pilates instructor certification program. Included is the complete repertoire on the Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, the Pilates Chair, the Barrels and small equipment. Completing the additional apparatus training gives you a great variety of tools to use when working with clients and, in conjunction with the Mat and Reformer modules, qualifies you to take the national PMA Pilates certification exam.

• Cadillac/Tower  - 18 hours
• Chair - 12 hours
• Barrels and Small Apparatus - 6 hours

Our Apparatus Certification program includes:

• Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Trapeze Table/Cadillac/Tower, Pilates Chair and Barrels and Small equipment is included
• A comprehensive manual for each piece of equipment consistent with current national standards
• Cueing, coaching, safety and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
• Program sequences for classes and personal training sessions
• Equipment safety and set up

Cadillac/Trapeze Table/Tower (18 hour)

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

The BBU Trapeze Table/Cadillac certification provides a thorough introduction to Trapeze Table exercises as well as applications for beginning, post-rehabilitation and advanced clients. This training is appropriate for students working with the Allegro Tower of Power, Half Trapeze and Wall Unit as well as those working with full Trapeze Tables. Sequencing programs using multiple pieces of equipment are covered as well as equipment set up, safety and maintenance.

Pilates Chair (12 hours)

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

The BBU Pilates Chair certification includes exercises and variations for both the original Wunda chair and the split pedal Combo chair. The chair is great for doing strengthening work with athletic clients and as an addition to group programming in combination with the Mat. This course includes exercises and programming for both personal training sessions and classes.

Pilates Barrels & Small Apparatus (6 hours)

Prerequisite: Reformer II or Reformer certification

The BBU Barrels certification includes exercises and variations for the Ladder Barrel, Step Barrel, Arc Barrel, Ped o Pul, Magic Circle, Foot Corrector, Toe Corrector and much more!  The Step Barrel and Ladder Barrel add variety to personal training sessions or classes, the Magic Circle adds a challenge to wide variety of exercises and the other small apparatus are useful for working with clients with particular issues.

Download a Balanced Body University brochure

Registration for these courses is done through the Balanced Body University online or by calling 877-PILATES (877.745-2837).

BBU Pilates Instructor Certification

Requirements for Completion

To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements:

• Anatomy (BBU Anatomy in Clay or college level course required)
• BBU Mat Instructor training or equivalent
• BBU Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
• BBU Cadillac/Tower- Course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
• BBU Chair- Course work, written and practical test (14 hours)
• BBU Barrels and Small Apparatus- Course work, written and practical test (6 hours)
• 45 Personal practice hours and 105 Teaching hours or
• 35 Personal sessions, 20 observations hours and 95 teaching hours
• Practical test

Total hours for completion of Apparatus: 188 hours

Total hours for completion of full program: 488 hours

Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor will be issued.

Students who have completed a Pilates certification program through other organizations and are interested in obtaining a BBU certification should contact the BBU office to inquire about our bridge program.

Reformer and Other Apparatus Final Exam and Certification

Once instructors have completed all of the Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability. Exams will be regularly scheduled in different areas of the world. If instructors are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, testing out by video can be arranged. If a student is completing both the Reformer and the Apparatus sequence, they will not need to test out separately on the Reformer and the Apparatus.

The final test out consists of:

Observation of a session with a client or an apparatus class. The specific requirements will be determined prior to the testing.

During the exam we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills in the following areas:

• Correct set up and execution of the exercises
• Client safety
• Appropriate sequencing
• Appropriateness of the exercises to the client or class
• Understanding and application of the principles
• Cueing and the ability to communicate with your client or class

If the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a timeline for completion.