KO Pilates Teacher Apprentice Training Program
The program starts with the basic system training workshop, and this is when you will begin a minimum of three days apprenticeship at the studio. The program consists of three stages: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Training seminars are the cornerstones of the three stages of the program. During workshops, students learn the exercises, how they are taught, and the modifications for body types and injuries. In addition, the student is required to attend 1-2 private or semiprivate sessions per month and attend open studio sessions and observation hours each week. Students are required to complete the program within 12 months from the start of the apprenticeship. An extension may be granted upon request. The apprenticeship consists of approximately 10 hours of in-studio and home study training a week.
Students practice workshop seminar material with other students, observe sessions and classes, read, and study material, and take sessions in the studio. You will begin to assist Karin with open studio sessions in the Intermediate stage of the program. Taking sessions is an important part of the program, and a minimum of 3 sessions per week is required for certification. This can be a combination of private, semi-private lessons, the workshops and open studio sessions. Attendance is mandatory on Mondays from 2 pm – 5 pm and practice can occur during pre-approved hours Karin is in the studio. If you have a conflict with a particular date, please let us know. You are expected to have a consistent level of attendance because full participation is essential to the successful completion of the program. It is preferred that a minimum of two students is required for each part of the program.
Participation in the Program
The KO Pilates Teacher Apprentice Program is selective and based on the program’s ability to meet the needs of the applicant and the applicant's potential to benefit from our demanding training program. An applicant's potential is evidenced by being proficient in the Foundational level mat and reformer Pilates method, a desire to practice, learn and teach the Classical Pilates method, physical activity background, and commitment to the demanding apprenticeship schedule. A maximum of four students will be chosen to participate in the program. If you are not a current client of KO Pilates, please follow the application guidelines below. If you are a current client, disregard this step.
Are you already a Certified Classical Pilates Instructor?
Email Karin at info@kopilates.com to set up a consultation about joining the KO Pilates team.
How to apply
1. Submit your resume with a cover letter describing your intentions behind your goals of participating in the program.
2. Email the above to info@kopilates.com and your availability to schedule an assessment with Karin.
The deadline for applying is three weeks before the start of the program. Your resume and cover letter should be emailed to info@kopilates.com or delivered to the studio located at:
KO Pilates 29533 Auberry Road, Suite 99, Prather, CA 93602
Teacher Certification Curriculum
The KO Pilates Teacher Apprentice Program consists of three stages: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Each stage is comprised of workshops, practical training, personal Pilates sessions, classroom instruction, and practical tests.
The program consists of a total of:
60 hours of workshops
300+ hours of apprenticeship (practical training) and personal Pilates sessions (minimum of 2 sessions per week)
160 hours of observation
80+ hours of teacher training
3 practical tests
Workshops
Workshops are the cornerstones of the three stages of the program. The focus is on the technique of the basic, intermediate, and advanced systems. During seminars, students learn the exercises, how they are taught, and the modifications for body types and injuries. Students also learn how to create Pilates workout systems for different clients. All aspects of the Reformer, Mat, Chairs, Barrels, Cadillac, Pedi-Pole, and other supporting equipment are covered.
Stage 1 — Basic System Seminar
Overview of the Pilates philosophy
Techniques of the Foundational/Beginner system
Modifications for injuries
Basics of communicating, pushes and pulls
Total of 30 hours
Stage 2 — Intermediate System Seminar
Techniques of the Intermediate I and Intermediate II system
Modifications for injuries
Progressing clients along the series of exercises
Total of 30 hours
Stage 3 — Advanced System Seminar
Techniques of the Advanced system
Applying precision and control of the exercises and transitions
Applying the principles of the Pilates method
Total of 30 hours
Apprenticeship - practical training
The apprenticeship consists of a minimum of 10 hours per week of practical training. These hours will increase as you move on to assisting Karin and teaching clients in the mid- and latter parts of the program. You will use your training time to practice workshop material with other students, observing sessions and classes. Students receive ongoing feedback and guidance from Karin as appropriate.
During each stage students are expected to meet the following requirements:
Basic Training – 200 hours
Workshops – 30 hours minimum
Practicing seminar material — 100 hours
Observing – 70 hours
Intermediate Training – 200 hours
Workshops – 20 hours minimum
Practicing seminar material — 100 hours
Observing— 40 hours
Teacher training assisting Karin — 40 hours
Advanced Training – 200 hours
Workshops – 20 hours minimum
Practicing seminar material — 100 hours
Observing – 40 hours
Teaching clients — 40 hours
Pilates Sessions
An important part of the program is becoming proficient in the Pilates method yourself. Teachers need to have a deep awareness of their own bodies in order to understand what their clients' needs are and how best to tailor a Pilates session for each client. A minimum of three sessions per week is required for certification. This can be a combination of private, semi-private, workshops and open studio sessions. Karin may recommend additional privates or sessions based on her observations.
Workshops - Apprentice Meetings
Workshops are held throughout the course of the program on a weekly basis. We will use these times to discuss the material and for any Q&A’s. These workshops are mandatory and intended to augment seminar teachings with application to real-life clients. As we progress through the training, we will also be adding case-study discussions which will help prepare students for practical exams. Attendance at 85% of the apprentice workshops is required.
Tests
Practical tests are given at the completion of each stage of the apprenticeship. Failed tests must be re-taken for a fee of $150 per test.
Teacher Certification Tuition and Fees
The total tuition cost for the KO Pilates Teacher Apprentice Program (including the registration fee) is $4,500. A minimum of 1-2 private or semi-private Pilates sessions per month is also required for certification. The minimum cost of this requirement over the 12-month program is approximately $1,800.
Cost Breakdown
Registration Fee: $150; applicable to the student’s tuition fee if accepted to the program.
Stage 1: $1,500
Stage 2: $1,500
Stage 3: $1,500
Personal Private or semi-private Pilates sessions: $1,800.
The registration fee is due upon acceptance into the program.
Each stage's tuition is due two weeks before each stage begins.
Personal Pilates sessions should be purchased throughout the program: students can take advantage of the various packages and promotions offered at the studio.
The first package of private sessions must be purchased before the first workshop.
Payment can be made by check, Visa, or MasterCard.
Upcoming Teacher Certification Dates
Upcoming Teacher Certification Dates
Basic System
August 26, 2024 – November 16, 2024
Workshops: Mondays: 2pm-5pm from August 26 – October 28, additional dates/times may be added throughout the program dates.
The week of September 2 workshop will be on Wednesday, September 4.
Practical Testing: Week of November 18, 2024
Intermediate System
December 2, 2024– March 7, 2025
Workshops: Mondays: 2pm-5pm from December 2 – February 24, additional dates/times may be added throughout the program dates.
No class on December 16, December 23 or December 30, 2024.
Practical Testing: Week of March 10, 2025
Advanced System
March 17, 2025 – June 13, 2025
Workshops: Monday’s: 2pm-5pm from March 17 – May 19, additional dates/times may be added throughout the program dates.
The week of May 12 workshop will be on Wednesday, May 14.
Case study due June 2, 2025, and we will meet from 2 pm – 5 pm to review as a group.
Practical Testing: Week of June 16, 2025