Teacher Training

FitWise Pilates Teacher Training Program

When: TBD 

Intensive lab / lectures on the second weekend of every month over the course of 7 months. 

Where

FitWise Pilates, 38 Miller Ave., Suite #19, Mill Valley, CA

Your Instructors

Ronda Priestner
PMA-CPT, Movement Therapist
Owner / Director FitWise Pilates

Lori Winslow
Senior Instructor and Rehab Specialist, Movement Therapist

Jennifer Raby 
Senior Instructor, Athletic Specialist, Movement Therapist

Who We Are

Ronda Priestner, owner and director of FitWise Pilates and Wellness, has worked as a movement therapist, wellness practitioner, Master Pilates Instructor, GYROTONIC® Trainer, Personal Trainer, group exercise leader, and exclusive specialty chef and nutrition advisor for private citizens and celebrities alike throughout the world for over 20 years. Ronda did her initial comprehensive Pilates training in Brazil and then with Polestar Pilates Education. She is certified through Pilates Method Alliance and has worked/studied with Elizabeth Larkam since 2006, as well as several other prolific educators including Jean Claude West. Ronda is a successful entrepreneur in the field of Pilates and currently runs a magnificent contemporary 5-star studio.

After decades of working as a Master Pilates Instructor, Ronda and her team will re-commence with her signature Pilates Teacher Training program this fall! She has put together a unique, creative, curative, intelligent, and highly-nuanced teacher training curriculum that reflects her vast experience with various movement techniques and principles, all of which have proven to be effective with a diverse clientele. Over the course of her extensive career, Ronda has become an expert in her field. With strong influences from the training styles of Polestar Pilates, Elizabeth Larkam, John-Claude West and more, her knowledge of Pilates and other movement modalities is unparalleled. Her practice is in contemporary Pilates, which applies scientific research to practices in biomechanics, rehabilitation, and athletic performance enhancement.

Comprehensive Pilates Program

Master Pilates and movement therapy exercises across a full spectrum of apparatuses, including Reformer, Trapeze Table, Chair, Arcs and Barrels, and props. By learning thoroughly a vast collection of movement techniques and modalities, you will have the knowledge and tools to provide and refresh your clients with new and innovative methods of movement, curative programs, and athletic conditioning that better serve them and their individual goals.

The series consists of seven, two-day modules that allow you to evaluate the practical applications of Pilates exercises, develop assessment techniques, understand movement sequences, and modify and progress exercises and programs for individuals.

What To Expect

The teacher training program at FitWise will provide you with an incredibly rich and comprehensive education in Pilates, as well as so much more. At FitWise, ours is a Pilates practice infused with many other movement modalities, all of which have been incorporated into our teacher training curriculum. In particular, there will be a strong emphasis on Movement Medicine and rehabilitation, Dance Medicine, and the latest research on fascia fitness.

Upon completion of our teacher training, you not only will walk away with advanced skills in the practice of Pilates and other forms of movement, but you also will leave with a deep knowledge and understanding of the human body and it’s movement in space. You will enter the field with a superior education that will set you up for certain success as an instructor. It is our goal here at FitWise to empower and instill confidence. Additionally, you will receive expert guidance on how to become a successful entrepreneur; you will gain the expertise to succeed in whatever capacity you choose. We hope that by the end of our teacher training you will be the most capable, qualified, and successful candidate on the market.

Course Content Includes

  • Master Classes on the Reformer, Springboard, Cadillac, Barrels,Chair and Mat
  • Repertoire Flow, Dissection of moves for a deeper understanding
  • Postural Analysis and Curative Strategies
  • Functional Anatomy & Alignment
  • Sequencing for your repertoire for success
  • Hands-on Assists & Tactile Cueing
  • Finding Your Voice- Your most effective tool
  • Pilates for Chronic Pain & Injuries- Understanding Contraindications and Precautions
  • Pre- and Postnatal Pilates
  • Pilates Entrepreneur Strategies

Pre-Requisites

  • Participation in 30 hours of group or private Pilates classes. We offer discounts to achieve this at our FitWise studio if needed.
  • STRONGLY RECOMMENDED – Completion of one semester of basic anatomy/physiology or equivalent study.
  • Completion of suggested pre-requisite reading and online lectures.
  • 2 years of movement experience- related movement.

This course is appropriate for aspiring teachers, as well as for intermediate and advanced students who wish to deepen their practice and understanding of the Pilates method and movement therapy.

 

Program Requirements / Comprehensive Hours

In addition to the time commitment necessary to attend the weekend courses themselves, additional hours to be completed outside the studio are required in order to graduate from the training. These additional hours include observation, online lectures and reading assignments, observed/apprentice teaching, and self-practice and mastery. It is the responsibility of each student to complete these hours independently and outside of class. Some of these hours can be completed in the studio or online but require approval from your instructor first.
Program RequirementsComprehensive Hours
Online Lectures10Assigned
Studio Training Labs / Lecture100In FitWise Studio
Observation100In Fitwise or approved studio
Self-Mastery (Practice)100
Apprentice Teaching140In Fitwise or approved studio
TOTAL450

 

Self Practice & Observation Hours

Can be completed by all Graduates for $98 per month for unlimited self-practice and observation hours at FitWise OR can be completed at another approved studio. Graduates can also apply to be a Group Class Assistant to help develop their confidence as teachers. Assistants will support experienced Instructors with their group classes; hours doing so go towards total Observation Hours.

Attendance Requirement

100% attendance is required in order to receive a Certificate of Completion. Makeup sessions for the rate of $120 per hour per person to complete material missed with completion of sign off of instructor.

Tuition Costs

  • Pricing starts at $4950.
  • If you would like to take the final exam for certification of completion, cost is $350.
  • Discounts on class packages available.
  • Manuals are included in tuition price but additional required reading is not.

Contact info@fitwisepilates.com to set up payment plan. A non-refundable deposit of $500 is due upon registration. Space is limited to 12 trainees.

Refund Policy

After the first Training Session, payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. NO EXCEPTIONS. 30 days prior to the first Training Session date, refunds are available minus the $500 deposit.

Contact info@fitwisepilates.com to sign up and or inquire about our teacher training program.

Announcing our GYROTONIC® Pre-training Course!

Dates: September 20-22 & 27-29
Taught by Danielle Holder at FitWise Pilates, Mill Valley, CA

This course is appropriate for all aspiring Gyrotonic instructors or students who are looking for a deeper understanding of the Gyrotonic movements.

Prepare to become a GYROTONIC® Instructor or participate in the course to deepen your understanding of this amazing system! This is the first step in your journey to become a GYROTONIC® Teacher OR to practice this movement system for 6 days in order to understand the basic principles, movements while honoring yourself with any modifications you might need with the overall goal of getting stronger, and deeper into this beautiful movement system.

Sign up!

To be the first to receive a listing of upcoming courses, and to learn more about our comprehensive teaching training this fall, please sign up for our student mailing list.

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