I have just sent my pilates certification exam. I wanted to let you know that the information provided in your package was extremely informative and helpful. I studied with my trainer at his gym and he and I were both impressed by the amount of educational information and tools given. Thank you for aiding me in my quest for certification. Your program was wonderful.
K. Rodebaugh

Pilates is the fastest-growing trend in fitness today, with millions enjoying its muscle strengthening and body toning benefits. Pilates has been indorsed by physicians for nearly a century. Pilates is truly the ultimate mind-body exercise for anyone how wants to strengthen, streamline and realign their body! The AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I program was designed for fitness professionals who desire to learn more about the teachings of Joseph Pilates and how to implement the teachings into a group or one on one setting.

Top athletes, performers and fitness enthusiasts alike are practicing the Pilates' technique, making it one of the hottest exercise trends for men and women. The teaching techniques you will learn combine key elements of yoga, stress reduction and bodywork. These techniques focus on strengthening the core muscles of the body, while increasing overall flexibility, as well as lengthening, defining and sculpting muscles.

The AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I program is designed to instruct beginner and intermediate students. You will learn excellent teaching skills, how to plan a class, how to create confidence in your students and how and when to provide posture corrections. The Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification program is designed to educate participants about the Joseph Pilates techniques and variations, and how to incorporate them into an individual and group setting. This course will enable you to formulate your own personal teaching style.

Career Options for AFPA Certified Pilates Fitness Instructors:

• Teach Pilates style classes at your local health facility or community center
• Teach at private Pilates Studios, wellness centers or hotel facilities
• Teach stress reduction and wellness programs in public and private venues
• Work as a consultant with other health care practitioners and wellness educators
• Open your own private Pilates instruction/wellness center
• Teach Pilates and present workshops at universities, community colleges and other schools
• Create your own Pilates and Wellness business as a consultant or entrepreneur (some recent graduates have utilized their training to open their own original businesses, see above testimonial).

Topics Covered in the Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I Program:

• Joseph Pilates theory and philosophy.
• Anatomy and Physiology as they relate to Pilates practice. Effects of Lifestyle and Stress on the Body
• How We Establish Faulty Movements
• Mental Control Over Physical Movement
• The Eight Principles of Joseph H. Pilates' Method
• The Importance of Posture & Establishing a Pattern of Muscle Control
• Body Awareness & Posture
• How to Make Your Pilates Workout Effective and Safe
• Pilates Exercise Routines - Basic, Intermediate and Advanced
• Pilates Exercise Routines for Lower Back Pain and Weak Abdominals
• Two 70-minute-plus audio CDs containing eight complete classes.
• 2 Instructional DVD's.
• 70 full-color instructional cards with photographs of each pose with breathing and techniques tips.
• 64-page workbook with a 20-page journal.
• A record-keeping section to track progress.
• More than 300 photographs of each exercise for each level of intensity.

Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I Includes:

• No travel is necessary. Complete your certification program in the convenience of your home.
• All materials & examination are sent to you at the same time - 1 Instructional Certification Textbook, 2 Instructional DVD's, 2 Instructional CD's; 70 flash cards; 64 page workbook; Certification exam.
• Study Suggestions.
• There are no extra or added fees for course materials and examination.
• Upon successful completion and passage your certificate will read "Certified Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I". AFPA does not distinguish between "home study" versus "in person" certificates as both programs are equally evaluated.
• AFPA Membership packet with wallet size laminated member ID card.
• Toll-Free technical support during and after examination, or email AFPA any time.
• Access to the Members Only section on the web with job listings and career enhancement tools
• Updates on new and exciting programs to advance your career.
• Free monthly email newsletter with updates, event postings and job listings.
• Continuing Education opportunities with courses and AFPA Fitness Education Conferences.
• AFPA offers many fitness specialty and advanced certification programs when you are ready to expand you're your career options in the fitness field.

Minimum Prerequisites:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent
• Basic understanding of anatomy.
• CPR not required to take examination but will be required by employer and to obtain liability insurance.

Requirements for AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level I:

• Complete the online order information, mail in application or phone in your order.
• Receive and review all your materials.
• Complete the AFPA Pilates Fitness Certification - Mat Level I exam. The written exam includes 80 short answer questions, various case studies and at home practice sessions.
• Complete the Class Participation Log Sheet - you are required to participate in 10 Pilates style classes.
• Complete the practical demonstration of a conditioning program of your choice. The practical demonstration may be accomplished through photographs, DVD, CD or informal VHS presentation. Detailed instructions will be included with your certification program.
• You have up to 3 months to complete your Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification program.  You may submit your exam once completed anytime prior to the 3 months.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam. AFPA holds the highest level of standards.

Re-testing:

• You must receive a passing grade of 90% or better to receive certification.
• If you do not meet this minimum requirement you will be mailed your exam with the questions you missed indicated in red. You will be given the opportunity to correct your answers one time, within a 60 day time period.
• You will not be issued your certificate until you have fully met this requirement.

How to Order, Shipping & Handling:

• You may place your order online anytime with VISA, MasterCard, AMEX and Discover. AFPA has a secure online system 24 hours a day. You will receive confirm via email once your order has been received. Your order is processed for shipping within 24 business hours.
• You may place your order by phone with a major credit card by calling 1.800.494.7782, M-F 9:00am-5:00pm EST.
• You may mail check or money order, along with completed Order Application to AFPA.
• Standard shipping is USPS Priority Mail. Please allow 3-5 business days for delivery.
• Optional Shipping is 2 Day FED EX or Next Day FED EX for an additional fee.
• All international orders are shipped Economy Fed EX to insure delivery.
• Select your shipping option upon check out.
• All sales are final. No returns. Orders are processed immediately and shipped w/in 24 business hours.