2024 Balanced Body Pilates Teacher Training & Continuing Education

Movement Principles (16 hours) - March 8th to 10th

The foundation of our education program, Movement Principles shows how to recognize, improve and teach fundamental movement.This course is designed for both new and experienced instructors to refine their understanding of the body in motion. It provides the foundational knowledge necessary for you to understand fundamental movement and become a truly transformative instructor. Movement Principles is a program requirement for our Pilates Instructor Training and Integrated Movement Specialist certificate.

Mat 1 (16 hours) - April 5th to 7th

Introduction to Pilates & Beginning / Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisites: Movement Principles, 10 Mat Classes (recommended), 6 months experience teaching movement and anatomy (recommended)
Mat 1 forms the foundation of the Pilates method. This course includes an introduction to the history and principles of the Pilates method and the beginning and intermediate level exercises. Each exercise includes training on modifications, challenges, the purpose of the exercise and any precautions for injuries and special populations. How to design and teach group classes and guidelines for teaching seniors and pre and post–natal classes are included.

Mat 2 (16 hours) - May 3rd to 5th

Intermediate / Advanced Exercises
Prerequisites: Movement Principles and Mat 1
Mat 2 teaches the remaining intermediate and advanced level Mat exercises for a complete understanding of the Pilates Mat program. Lectures include progressive skill development to achieve the advanced exercises, programming for intermediate and advanced classes and creating successful Mat classes.

Mat 3 (16 hours) - June 14th to 16th

Enhanced Mat and Props

Prerequisites: Mat 1 and 2, or successful completion of comparable Pilates mat program.

Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the Mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body Programming System is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!

Anatomy in Three Dimensions™ (16 hours) - May 31st to June 2nd

Comprehensive, Hands-on Anatomy Course
Learn the structure and function of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and the origin, insertion, and action of the major muscles of movement, by building them yourself on our skeleton. This course covers the torso, hip, thigh, shoulders, upper arms, and spine. Includes full color manual with video support.

Reformer 1 (16 hours) - July 12th to 14th

Introduction to the Reformer & Beginning Exercises
Prerequisites: Movement Principles and 20 Reformer classes. 1 year experience teaching movement. Anatomy required prior to testing out.
This course introduces the Universal Reformer, the center piece of the Pilates equipment studio and an invaluable training tool. Reformer 1 includes an introduction to safely using the Pilates Reformer for a wide variety of supine, seated and standing exercises for the beginning to intermediate student. Movement Principles include improving lower body alignment, creating balanced muscle development and learning a protocol for effectively training the upper body.

Reformer 2 (16 hours) - August 2nd to 4th

Intermediate Exercises
Prerequisite: Reformer 1
Reformer 2 expands the potential of the Reformer with intermediate and advanced exercises and modifications along with programs designs for special populations including pre–and post–natal clients and clients with osteoporosis and lower back injuries. Class design, dynamic assessment and correcting common dysfunctional movement patterns are also included.

Reformer 3 (16 hours) - September 6th to 8th

Advanced Exercises & Programming
Prerequisite: Reformer 2
Reformer 3 is the pinnacle of the Reformer work and includes advanced and super advanced exercises to challenge clients to achieve their best. Progressive sequences designed to teach students advanced movement skills are included along with an introduction to the revolutionary Principle Based Programming System helping you to create successful classes for clients at any level.

All Workshops Take place in REAL life, no internet connection needed!! Masks may be worn in studio.

Training with Shelly Stephenson

Shelly has been training Pilates instructors for over 20 years. She offers the full, comprehensive Balanced Body Curriculum. Classes are small allowing for maximum personal attention and a more personalized learning environment. Mat modules will be limited to 8 students, and equipment modules will be limited to 4 students. *

Specific questions can be directed to Shelly Stephenson at info@shellystephenson.com

*All trainees are offered 15% off of class packages at bodymechanics for the duration of their training. Email info@pilatespdx.com for more information.