Paragon Pilates & Physical Therapy offers the highest quality Pilates Instructor Training through one of the world leaders in the industry, Balanced Body Education. Our program is part of the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) Registry of Schools (can be found at PMA Registry of Schools) and teaches both the classical and rehabilitative aspects of Pilates. Paragon Pilates & Physical Therapy also holds the Private Career School Licensure designation through the State of Minnesota and all courses are approved for ACE (American Council on Exercise) credit.
Who are the instructors?
Courses are taught by Paragon’s own Balanced Body Faculty Cari Riis Stemmler, Roger Gonzalez Hibner and Tiza Wynn Riley. They bring you over 48 years of combined Pilates expertise, and are nationally renown for their use of Classical Pilates and Pilates for rehabilitation. In addition to teaching Pilates instructor training, you can find Cari on the Balanced Body podcast series for athletes here, Roger in the Winsor Pilates video series, and both of them teaching at Pilates on Tour and Pilates Method Alliance national conferences.
What will I learn at teacher training?
Students will learn how to teach a comprehensive Pilates program to clients at any level on the mat and equipment (Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Barrels, Ped-o-Pul, and ancillary equipment). We cover the classical Pilates repertoire along with specific precautions for clients with injury. We offer assessment-based certificates in either the comprehensive work, or Mat and/or Reformer alone, and the course is taught in weekend modules. Our program includes a formal anatomy lecture series, utilizing Anatomy in Three Dimensions, and apprenticeship. For full details on our Balanced Body Instructor Training Program, you can download our training packet or go to pilates.com and click on “upcoming trainings” for Paragon Pilates & Physical Therapy.
What have previous students experienced?
“I could not be happier with my entire Pilates Instructor Training experience at Paragon. Both Cari and Roger taught with such a love and passion for Pilates that it would be impossible not to have a wonderful learning experience. I am so happy that I decided to do the training at Paragon Pilates & Balanced Body!!! Cari is a patient and caring instructor. She is extremely knowledgeable in all alreas of Pilates and I know I will use her as a resource for years to come. Roger has a contagious enthusiasm for his work. He knows all about the history of Pilates and is clearly doing what he loves. I would strongly recommend anyone who is interested in becoming a Pilates instructor to complete their training through Balanced Body, especially with Cari Riis Stemmler & Roger Gonzalez Hibner.”
“Cari did a fabulous job presenting and answering our questions! She was the best teacher so far. Very enjoyable, knowledgeable presenter with good modifications for exercises. I will definitely try to attend another one of the courses Cari is presenting.”
“Cari and Roger have done an amazing job over the entire comprehensive coarse, illuminating the simplicity and power which creates Pilates and honors Joseph Pilates’ body of work. From their instruction, guidance, and inspriation I am confident I will be able to give my future clients an appropriate and safe Pilates program suited towards their needs and desires.”
What happens after teacher training?
Students will receive a certificate of completion from Balanced Body after each module, and their comprehensive assessment-based certificate after successful completion of the 450 program hours, and passing of the written and practical exams. Students who successfully complete the program graduate and are awarded an “assessment based certificate.”
How do I become a certified teacher?
Our intensive program qualifies graduates for PMA Exam eligibility. After graduation, students from our school are eligible to sit for the PMA Pilates Certification Exam. Individuals who pass the exam earn the PMA Certified Pilates Teacher designation, and are then permitted to use PMA-CPT after their name. The PMA is the only body eligible to certify Pilates professionals, thereby setting an industry-wide standard of competency, safety and professionalism in the field.
