Trevor Blount started teaching Pilates in 1985 and has been at the forefront of training Pilates teachers for more than 20 years. He was responsible for starting the Pilates Foundation in 1996 and was instrumental in creating the structure for the Pilates Foundation teacher training accreditation system, which started in 1999. In 2010, Trevor moved on to create a certification programme of training for his students only.
New training programme
Using all the experience he has gained from his own daily practice over the past 25 years, combined with his experience of teaching a huge range of people with widely different needs. Trevor has developed his unique Pilates teacher-training programme.
Each student is trained individually, this gives them an in-depth understanding of how to work in a way that is sympathetic to their own anatomical structure and to learn what Trevor calls the “internal-mechanism” of Pilates exercises – this is about learning how to use our bodies and to sense what is happening to them, rather than imposing on them what we think they should be doing. This teaches students the best way to work with clients.
The main objective of the TrevorBlountPilates teacher training programme is to uphold the highest standards of teaching Pilates.
TRAINING STRUTURE
There are two elements to the training course, Pre-training and the training programme.
Pre-training
Pre-training consists of 50 studio sessions to be completed in 6 months, together with an anatomy and physiology certification course at the London College of Massage.
Training programme
Training takes two years, involving 1,000 hours of training, study and lectures, divided into six terms. The final term is principally devoted to preparing for examinations.
325 hours of one to one studio sessions-practical training and lectures
500 hours of supervised teaching practice
150 hours of home study (including course work)
25 hours of lectures on conditions requiring remedial exercise
Course outline
Principles and fundamentals
Classical and modern Pilates repertoire
Movement knowledge and analysis
Comprehensive anatomy (home study)
Pilates and rehabilitation
Final examination
Course work, one self-assessment, two case studies, one essay
Practical examination
INTERVIEW
Applicants for teacher training are required to have some experience and understanding of Pilates. While a background in dance or related bodywork can be an advantage, this is by no means essential.
Applicants should send a CV, including Pilates experience, together with a letter setting out why they want to become a Pilates teacher.
Successful applicants are then invited to a session with Trevor at his studio, followed by a discussion on their suitability for, and details of, training.
Mona Russell (left)
After my career in the City ended for medical reasons, I needed a new direction. As a client at Trevor's studio, I was extremely happy with the improvements to my body.
I decided Pilates could offer me a new challenge while being both healthy and helpful to others. Trevor agreed to take me on the two-year course.
A year-and-a-half into the programme, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning with all the staff. Trevor, with his intuitive knowledge of the body and how it functions, teaches in a way that cannot be learned from books or group classes.
This is not an easy programme. It takes time to train your body while learning the theory and practical applications – but the qualification, knowledge and body refinement are worth the effort.
