Here you will find key information on the training courses conducted by the Pilates Institute of Australasia using the Menezes Method which is fast becoming the foremost style of Pilates Training.
We run a range of courses meaning there is an instructors training course for everyone! Ranging from Floor 1, an introductory course breaking down the basics of the Pilates method for those wanting to become Pilates Instructors all the way up to advanced Floor courses (Floor 2/3) along with Practitioners and Reformer Courses to cover all ranges of experience.
Click on the plus buttons below to find out more information. “What is the Menezes Method? ” “To be terrific – be specific!” – ALLAN MENEZES.
In 1998 Menezes wrote the bestseller, “The Complete Guide to the Pilates Method”. (Published in the USA as “The Complete Guide to Joseph H. Pilates’ Techniques of Physical Conditioning” 2000, 2004) which became a training manual for trainee pilates instructors for the Institute for the Pilates Method (USA) and the Pilates Institute (UK). This established Allan as one of the leading thinkers and promoters of Pilates in the world. This book is still used as a basis for Pilates Theory as well as an inspiration to many of those deciding whether to pursue a career in the Pilates Method.
Menezes has also produced 17 DVD titles on the Pilates Method. Allan’s specific style is a basis of, not only perfection in movement, but also a requirement for the next step into exercising for physical rehabilitation. The training is far more bio-mechanical that other forms of Pilates and the cueing is also vastly different.
As Allan points out, “If you are counting, repeating the instruction of the movement that the subject is doing or telling them to ‘breathe in, breathe out’, then you are not a teacher, you are a robot. A great teacher will focus on the details of what the client is NOT doing, rather than telling them to do what they are already doing.”
See Allan’s Bio HERE.
Click here for more detailed information on course requirements and content
Pilates Floor Level 1 is the entry-level course for those wishing to commence a career in the Pilates method. This essential course gives you all the theory for future courses. This gives you all the tools to enable you to become the best. It is a four day highly intensive course designed to create an in-depth understanding of pilates theory, over 20 stretches and exercises to instruct and teaching and presentation skills.
EACH EXERCISE HAS 2 TO 3 VARIATIONS TO SUIT YOUR DIFFERING CLIENT BASE, this gives you up to 60 versions of the exercises!! Other courses only give you one version. Theory and practical exams on the third day are competency based.
It is recommended that instructors do a full Level 1 workout each day for 30 days before starting classes – once a logbook of these hours are received by the PIA, a Certificate of Accreditation will be sent to successful participants.
This course includes a 12 month PIA membership.
There are 2 parts to the Floor 1 Exam: Theory and Practical:
The Theory Exam is on the last day for the Floor Course – Pass mark 75%
The Practical Exam is by DVD submission. All course workbooks and manuals are sent electronically and workbooks are to be printed and brought to the courses.
Pilates Floor Level 2/3 (Intermediate/Advanced) is a three day highly intensive course involving more muscle mechanics than Level 1. The first half of the first day is a refresher of you teaching Level 1 – and brushing up all your skills at that level – “invaluable” is the response from this review. This course includes exercises to the next level: intermediate for more challenging routines for your clients.
Practical competency (exam) is required at the end of the course, then a 100 hour log at Level 2/3 is required with video submission. Successful completion of the video assessment is required prior to commencing “Muscle Mechanics for Menezes Pilates”
Pilates for Pregnancy One of our most popular courses! Discover how to exercise an essential section of the population. Vital information necessary to cope with the three trimesters of pregnancy ( we don’t go according to tri-mester alone – we also go by size):
* what to look out for while exercising
* how to cope with ‘hot flushes’
* how to effectively engage the pelvic floor
* what precautions to take when the relaxin starts to kick in
* which muscles to use for pelvic stability and balance
* how to use the lateral abdominals for use during labour
* how to increase lung capacity as the bub gets larger and you feel out of breath
* how to work those ‘flabby’ muscles and stay toned during this exciting time
* how to use biomechanics and our Safety Scales to get the best results
* how the “healthy body – healthy mind” adage is so important
There will be a warm-up section of 7 stretches and an exercise section of 15-20 exercises specifically geared towards the pregnant mum – you will practice with balloons – even the guys, so you know what is similar to (but still a long way from it)!
Each exercise will have either a pre-fit, normal or super-fit version so you can change it according to your clients requirements.
If you have not completed a PIA course prior to this, then it is recommended to purchase “The Pilates Theory Bible” as all the theory for this course is in this essential e-Book.
Pilates on the Ball 1& 2. These popular courses combine the Pilates floor routine on the Swiss Ball. There are two levels in this course: Ball 1 consisting of one-day and Ball 2 also 1 day. Come prepared to learn a whole new routine which will challenge both you and your clients to any level, beginners to advanced! Bring your own ball – we will blow it up for you!
100 hours of teaching Ball 1 must be logged before commencing Ball 2.
Pilates for the Foam Roller is all about core stability. This one day workshop, for those who have good experience of the Pilates method, will take you through more challenging routines for those clients who require more challenging workouts. The unstable nature of the Pilates roller is ideal for those who require more core stability while performing the exercises from the Pilates floor routine. Foam Roller provided or bring your own.
Pilates Reformer Level 1 is a four-day intensive course for those who have completed MENEZESpilates Floor 1. (Practitioners are excused from this requirement) Suitable for fitness instructors as well as physiotherapists, this course teaches you how to identify specific movements on the reformer and how to obtain the maximum benefits whether for fitness enthusiasts or rehabilitation. This course opens your eyes to the importance of the Pilates equipment and how to use it correctly for the appropriate person. It will help you teach your floor routines more effectively! This is a prerequisite for the Pilates Reformer Level 2, the Intermediate/Advanced 3 day course providing you with more challenging routines. Theory and practical exams at the end of each course.
Pilates Reformer Level 3 is for trainers, athletes and sports enthusiasts. The first of its kind, this course identifies and coaches trainers and athletes in how to improve their sports performance, and those of their students, and increase their stamina while improving joint mobility without reducing muscle strength. The is a demanding course! You must be fit to attend this one!
Pilates for Kids. This course is the only Pilates course of its kind in Australia. This course will be restructured and be mainly by correspondance. Pre-requisite is the PIA Floor 1 course. Details will be available by emailing the PIA Education Department.
Pilates for Practitioners is a 2 day course designed to introduce and enhance the Pilates essentials for all practitioners involved in rehabilitation as their profession. Whether you have undertaken previous Pilates courses or not, this course is an eye-opener in all aspects ranging from how to the identify weaker muscle groups, to how important foot posture is in relation to back pain. There will be a series of 12 exercises designed for rehabilitation and how to apply these to your patients. New techniques in joint mobilisation and core stability will be introduced on this course! You will be surprised at how simple it is to apply theory into everyday practical use. This course is very strongly based one of practical aspects of the Pilates method and how to teach them. If you have completed the PIA Floor 1, you will only be required to attend the second day of the course. The MENEZES Pilates Floor/Mat Level I is designed for those who:
- Have a minimum 1 year personal training teaching (prereq: Registered Fitness Leader Certificate IV),
- Are physically fit,
- Are Senior First Aid certified
OR have - A minimum RAD Advanced Certificate and 2 years of dance teaching to adults or similar
OR - Higher qualifications (such as physiotherapy, sports science, human movement degree + 12 months experience
OR - Who are approved by interview.
Currently registered Physiotherapists and other practitioners automatically qualify for the course – please make sure your are fit to be able to demonstrate the exercises. PIA members agree:
- To abide by the PIA Code of Conduct and Ethics
- To teach no more than 20 people in any group class
- To cease use of all PIA Intellectual Property (incl. teaching style) if membership is ceased and revert ‘regular/classical’ style of teaching.
See PIA Terms and Conditions
Click here to read the code of ethics
Note: You will be provided with this code of ethics as well as the T&C’s to sign at the commencement of any course. A PIA membership must be maintained to continue to use the PIA’s Intellectual Property. For more information, email us. “Refund/Cancellation Policy” 8 weeks notice: $100 cancellation fee for courses over $1000, $50 for courses under $1000
Between 4-8 weeks notice: $300 cancellation fee for courses over $1000, 50% for courses under $1000
Between 2-4 weeks notice: $500 refunded for courses over $1000, 50% for course under $1000
Less than 2 weeks: No refund
LATE BOOKINGS:
Bookings/payments made less than 2 weeks prior to the course/workshop date incur an administration charge of $50 to cover the cost of rushing study materials to participants.
COURSE CANCELLATIONS:
ALL COURSES WILL BE SUBJECT TO MINIMUM NUMBERS ATTENDING. IF THE MINIMUM NUMBERS ARE NOT ACHIEVED 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THE COURSE, THE PIA HAS THE OPTION TO CANCEL THAT COURSE.
The PIA does not accept responsibility for loss of deposits/monies paid by applicants due to course cancellations. Full refunds will be made if the PIA cancels the course.
If you’d like to host a course in your town or city that isn’t Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, you can earn your course for free!
SIMPLY:
- PROVIDE THE VENUE (including desks and chairs for the exam) Area must be open plan space of at least 50 sqm.
- SUPPLY THE PIA WITH THE NAMES, email addresses and contact details of at least 8 attendees (for Floor 1 AND ball 1) or 10 attendees for 1 or 2 day workshops.
THE PIA WILL COVER:
- All materials for the course to be sent to the attendees
- Processing payments for attendees
- Cost of flights and accommodation for the Course Trainer
Contact the education department of the PIA either by Email or call (02) 9410 0274 for more information.