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Video:Who Should Get a Pilates Mat Instructor Training

with Audrey Laurelton

Pilates mat instructors are passionate about the Pilates method, but also have excellent people skills and an interest in how the human body moves. Watch this About.com video to learn more about who should receive Pilates mat instructor training.See Transcript

Transcript:Who Should Get a Pilates Mat Instructor Training

Hi, my name is Audrey Laurelton and I'm the owner of Equilibrium Pilates in Montclair, NJ. I'm here for About.com to describe who should get a mat certification in Pilates.

Pilates Instructors Need People and Communication Skills

First of all, if you're interested in becoming a Pilates instructor, it's important to be a people person, as you will spend most of your day interacting and working with others. You're also going to find yourself in a supportive role, you'll want to help people, and if helping is your main interest, that's wonderful.

Pilates Applies the Science of Exercise and Anatomy

Pilates can be a very effective tool throughout the life cycle. It can be a nice complement for professional and different athletes, to different types of exercise such as cardio work, as well as pregnancy, both pre and post natal.

Another important trait is a love of movement and an interest in anatomy and physiology. It's important to be able to apply the Pilates method to different body types.

Benefits of a Mat Certification in Pilates

A comprehensive instructor training program will enable you to teach on all the apparatus, including the reformer, mat, Cadillac, and wonder chair. In contrast, a mat certification will only allow you to teach mat classes.

If you are interested in a mat certification, it may be because you are experiencing a career change or you're not quite committed to doing the comprehensive program.  A mat certification will enable you to get your feet wet, practice teaching in your community, and develop relationships with other studios.

Thank you for watching. For more information, go to: exercise.about.com

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