The AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor – Mat Level II Certification Program is designed for instructors who have previous experience with classical Pilates Mat exercises. It is strongly recommended that participants have prior knowledge of anatomy, experience in teaching a related form of movement and/or exercise, as well as have completed the AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor – Mat Level I Certification Program, or similar thereof.

Students will learn how to teach the full progression from Beginner to Super Advanced Classical Mat Pilates exercises, inaddition to learning how to incorporate various apparatus. Instructors who pass this course are fully prepared and certified to teach the most popular and effective group and private Pilates training in the world to various populations and those with stability & balance limitations!

In addition, you will be instructed on how to make your Pilates mat class more interesting and enjoyable by introducing accessories that expand your Pilates mat exercises. You will learn the unique characteristics of a variety of props: the Pilates circle, the foam roller, and the elastic exercise band. Learn step by step through photo sequences of specially designed exercises as well as variations on traditional Pilates movements.

If you are considering operating your own Pilates business, you will be introduced to a hands-on approach that tackles issues such as how to make your teaching healthier and more ergonomic for you, how to handle different types of clients, how to juggle the demands of being healer/helper/cashier, and much more. It is packed with information, humor and advice from top studio owners and educators who share their life philosophies and approaches to Pilates.

You will start with the foundation for all the Pilates exercises, then progress to an in-depth treatment of mat work thru challenging exercise sequences. Following mat work, in depth instruction and photo illustrations are applied to the full range of Pilates apparatus: Reformer, Cadillac, Step and ladder barrels, Magic circle, Wunda chair, Ped-a-pul, Arm chair. Teachings regarding the larger Pilates apparatus are so that instructors can become aware of the exercises, form and technique, but not to be tested on this equipment.

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 II Program:

• Mind and Body Enhancement
• Posture, Alignment, and Movement
• Powerful Pilates Practice
• Classical Joseph Pilates’ method for: basic, intermediate, advanced & super advanced workouts Universal Reformer
• Advanced Universal Reformer series of exercises on the Mat
• Small Apparatus Usage:
  
  Pilates Body Ring: Effective, efficient moves for core muscles and lower body
  
  Elastic Body Band: Intermediate-to-advanced level movements
  
  Pilates Body Roller: Movement sequences for optimal alignment for balance & stability
  
• Cadillac
• Wunda Chair
• Barrels
• Arm Chair
• Ped-a-pul
• Fundamental Sequences
• Intermediate Sequences
• Advanced Sequences
• Classical Pilates modified mat levels to help facilitate safety and stability of the neck and back
• Special focus on classical Pilates for children and teens:
  Safe and effective Pilates exercises for children ages 5-12, and 13-17, which help improve Personal Body Image, Mental Concentration, Injury Prevention, Strength & Flexibility, Weight Management, Self-Esteem & Confidence, Coordination & Balance.
  

What is included with the Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level II:

• 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 – 1Pilates Instructional Textbook, 1 Pilates Workbook, 7 Instructional DVD's, Pilates BodyRing, Pilates BodyBand, Pilates Body Roller and Pilates Fitness Instructor - Mat Level II certification examination.
• 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 II". 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 for the AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification - Mat Level II:

• 18 years of age; High School Diploma or equivalent
• AFPA Pilates Fitness Instructor Certification – Level I, or similar thereof
• Familiarity with the teachings of Joseph Pilates
• Study in basic anatomy and physiology
• Experience in a related form of physical activity
• Teaching experience is recommended

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

• 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 II exam. The written exam includes short answer, identification and case evaluation questions, and at home practice sessions.
• Complete the Class Participation Log Sheet - you are required to participate in 20 Pilates style classes in/around your geographical locations. If you are an instructor and have been teaching for 2 years or more you may documents 20 classes that you teach yourself.
• 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.
• 90% is required to pass your certification exam. AFPA holds the highest level of standards.
• If you do not pass your certification examination the first time, you may retake the exam for a one t ime $50 retest fee.