Pilates Instructor Training

​Training modules are led by Jennie Brooks and Diana Reynolds who was trained by and apprenticed with Nora St. John, the creator of the
Balanced Body University (BBU) Pilates Training Certification.
Balanced Body is the world’s leading provider of Pilates equipment and education. Master Instructors from all over the globe are intentionally selected as some of the most innovative, highly educated and creative teacher trainers in the field. 

Jennie Brooks leads the Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Training Program from Longevity Fitness: a Balanced Body Authorized Training Center (ATC). Jennie was trained by and apprenticed with Nora St. John, the founder of the Balanced Body University (BBU) Pilates Training Certification and program director of the entire education division. Aspiring instructors spanning the southeast region participate in the various training modules that are semi-annually hosted and taught by Jennie. 

Our Pilates Instructor Training program offers three levels of education: Mat, Reformer, and Comprehensive. Levels are offered in affordable modules so you can take your first course now and continue your training next week, next month, or next year. Each module is designed to allow you to start teaching quickly and to continue learning as you progress.

PILATES INSTRUCTOR TRAINING TESTIMONIALS:

"Going through Balanced Body teacher training with Jennie Brooks at Longevity Fitness has been such a rewarding and fulfilling learning experience. Jennie is so patient, kind, insightful and brings such a depth of knowledge, in all things Pilates, to her training. Jennie makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of their own Pilates background and experience. Her facilities are incredibly beautiful, clean and comfortable. I am so looking forward to working with Jennie on additional Balanced Body modules!" -Lindsay

"I was really impressed with the subject matter expertise of the instructor and the helpful exercise suggestions to integrate within our clients." -Katherine 

"I am so thankful to have found Jennie and Longevity Fitness. Prior to my week retreat I didn't have a super strong Pilates background, I mainly focused on reformer and had zero mat experience. I learned an incredible wealth of knowledge that week! So much so that it inspired me to take my Pilates journey further and ended up being interested in all apparatuses. I feel that we have been so lucky to train under Jennie and her incredible Studio. Thank you for the start of a wonderful journey!" -Kate
​REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION​
To become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Pilates Instructor, students must complete the following requirements:
  • Anatomy (required)
  • BBU Mat Instructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Reformer Instructor training or equivalent
  • BBU Cadillac/Tower – course work, written and practical test (18 hours)
  • BBU Chair – course work, written and practical test (12 hours)
  • BBU Barrels – course work, written and practical test (6 hours)
  • 45 personal practice hours and 105 teaching hours OR 35 personal sessions, ​20 observations hours, and 95 teaching hours
  • Practical test​​
    ​
Total hours for completion of Apparatus: 186 hours
Total hours for completion of full program: 486 hours
Students who have completed their Mat or Reformer certification through other organizations can take the BBU curriculum and receive a certificate of completion from BBU. Students will need to provide proof of completion of a comparable Mat or Reformer program before being accepted into Balanced Body University.

​REFORMER AND OTHER APPARATUS FINAL EXAM & CERTIFICATION
Once instructors have completed all of the Reformer and/or Apparatus course work and hours, they must pass a practical exam demonstrating their teaching ability. Exams will be regularly scheduled in different areas around the world. If instructors are not able to test out due to geographical challenges, testing out by video can be arranged. If a student is completing both the Reformer and the Apparatus sequence, they will not need to test out separately on the Reformer and the Apparatus.

The final test-out consists of an observation of a session with a client or an apparatus class. The specific requirements will be determined prior to the testing. 
 
During the exam, we will be observing and rating the instructor’s skills in the following areas:
  • Correct set up and execution of the exercises
  • Client safety
  • Appropriate sequencing
  • Appropriateness of the exercises to the client or class
  • Understanding and application of the principles
  • Cueing and the ability to communicate with your client or class
 
If the instructor does not pass on the first try, we will discuss what they need to focus on in order to pass and set up a timeline for completion.
“Jennie Brooks is a talented, dedicated fitness professional with a strong background in both Pilates and fitness techniques. I have worked with her for many years as an instructor and, more recently, as a master instructor for Balanced Body and have always found her to be an excellent instructor, insightful person, and a true professional in everything she does.”
Nora St. John, M.S., PMA-CPT
 
PERSONAL SESSIONS
Students can count any classes or Pilates personal training session they have already taken. Developing and committing to a personal Pilates practice is an essential part of becoming an effective and inspiring teacher.
 
STUDENT TEACHING HOURS
Teaching hours include any Pilates teaching either as an employee at a fitness center or Pilates Studio or for family and friends.
 
OBSERVATION HOURS
Observation hours include watching experienced instructors teach group classes or private sessions. Observation is a great way to understand verbal and manual cueing, program sequencing, and to hone your teaching skills. 
 
THE MODULES
  • Comprehensive
  • Anatomy for Pilates
  • Balanced Body Pilates Mat Certification Program
  • Balanced Body Pilates Reformer Certification Program
  • Balanced Body Apparatus Certification Program
 
TEST OUT
Please follow these steps to schedule and complete your Test Out: