Teacher Training

PMA Recognized Teacher Training Program

PMA Recognized Teacher Training Program

Julian offers a classic apprenticeship-based training, much like the informal teacher trainings that Joseph Pilates did. This hands-on, small group approach gives teachers a broad base in the classic work yet also develops the eye and instinct of the teacher. Participants who complete the entire program will become fully prepared to become a PMA-recognized teacher, capable of teaching any client on all equipment in any environment.

Pilates for MS
May 2013

  • Join Mariska Breland, founder of Fuse Pilates, for Pilates for MS, a three day intensive teacher training covering everything from the basics of working with clients with multiple sclerosis to broader topics such as balance, gait, spasticity, weakness, neuromuscular reeducation, and the exciting field of neuroplasticity and exercise. Applications for stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and other neurological diseases will be included. $750, plus an additional $50 for materials.  To register or for more information, visit visit the Fuse Pilates website
  • Program dates: May 17 – 19, 2013 (Friday – Sunday)
  • Cost: $750, plus an additional $50 for materials.
  • Download event flyer
Julian with 3 of the students from our February Bridging program.

Julian with three of the students from our February Bridging program (left to right: Lynn Pringle, Jennifer Weiss, Julian, Kerry DePuis)

Bridging Program (Previously Certified Trainers)
June 2013

  • Program dates: June 24 – July 6 (Monday through Friday; no class July 4, finishing on Saturday July 6).
  • Cost: $3,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What sets JLBC’s training apart from the rest?


Julian offers a unique immersion apprenticeship-based classical and contemporary teacher training, much like the informal teacher trainings that Joseph Pilates conducted. This hands-on, small group approach (limited to 8 people) gives teachers a broad base in the classic work – yet also develops the eye and instinct of the teacher.

Participants can chose to participate in the syllabus-only portion of the course, or can take full advantage of J.L. Body Conditioning Inc. Pilates studio and finish the apprenticeship, self-study and observation portion during the six-week period at no extra cost. At completion, students will be fully equipped for the PMA teacher trainer exam. Julian recommends that all graduates of the immersion program take the exam as soon as possible after graduating. We guarantee that graduates will be capable of teaching any client, on all equipment, in any environment.

This isn’t a “teacher mill” where we push out a high volume of low-skill teachers. Suitable for first-time instructors and for experienced teachers looking to deepen their practice, this training is a highly personal and in-depth approach to the classic work and beyond. Trainees are truly part of the JLBC community. This training includes Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Barrel, Slant Board, Ped-o-Pull, and Mat work. Julian places importance on functionality, anatomy, and modifications for a wide range of clients. In addition, trainees will be able to interact within a dynamic studio, seeing the inner workings of the business. They also will have the opportunity to work with all types of bodies: the young and elderly, the well and recovering, men and women.

I'm already certified but would still like to attend. Is that possible?


Due to popular demand, Julian now offers a Bridging program. This program offers teachers who are certified from other teacher training programs the opportunity to study with Julian in a boutique environment. This two-week intensive program covers all apparatus, including mat, Arm Chair and Slant Board. Class size is limited to 4 people to ensure a quality-based program.

If you have any questions, please contact the studio and talk to Julian.

How many hours is the program? How long does it take to complete?


The entire program is a minimum of 450 hours. If your schedule allows full-time study, you will be able to complete the training over the 6-week period.

How often do you offer the training?


We offer the training once per year. The training sessions are over a period of 6 weeks, and practice hours and teaching practicum are available whenever the studio is open.

Who teaches the trainees?


Julian is extremely hands-on and conducts 90% of the training himself. He also uses his instructors as support staff and contracts with local experts for anatomy and other special sections.

Will I be certified?


You will receive a certificate of teacher training from J.L. Body Conditioning Inc. Pilates. We recommend that you also take the PMA Pilates Certification exam.

How much does training cost?


The full Teacher Training program is $5,000 and includes mat.
The Bridging program is $3,000.

Do I have to pay extra for sessions or teacher observation hours?


Rather than nickel and dime trainees (e.g. charging for use of the studio) we allow trainees full access to classes and session depending on space available. We believe this full access allows trainees to garner a better base of support by learning from a wide range of teacher, becoming familiar with studio operations, and client interactions while developing their teaching and Pilates knowledge skill sets.

 

What people are saying…

“Julian Littleford’s teacher training program is one of the finest in the country. It is exceptional for a number of reasons, most notably that you have complete and easy access to Julian and his wealth of historical knowledge of the method and the teachers who came before him. Julian embodies the work itself, has a long and studied history within the Pilates community and has the gift of a natural teacher; the ability to excite the questions and understandings inside of you. He leads you to understand at the deepest levels the purpose of the movements and prepares you to truly teach, because you understand.

The small class sizes and intimate nature of the class time allows one to ask questions, work with the answers and leave with critical understanding of what this work is, why we love it and why we want to teach it to others. I have experienced two teacher trainings personally and many advanced trainings and workshops. I am a 30-year practitioner of Pilates, a long-time teacher and owner of a successful studio with several teachers. I still consider my training with Julian as the most beneficial to me of all of them. There is no reason to go anywhere else and every reason to learn what you can from this extraordinary man while he is still teaching.”

— Kim Nielsen, owner of Ashland Pilates Center

“Julian showed so much care and expertise in this program, in the time he spent with me I felt well prepared, understood and fully able to ask questions and get them answered. To this day I still feel the same way. Julian Littleford is a man who truly stands behind what he does, the compassionate pride that comes from him is incredible. This program is top of the line. I was pleased at the effort and attention he gave to me as a student, because of his careful eye I was able to develop more and more of my teaching style, not just the knowledge that goes with becoming certified to teach something. Julian gave me confidence, skill and advise in becoming a better teacher. Thank you Julian.”

— Alissa Rae