Why Ellie Herman Teacher Training?

“Ellie Herman’s teacher training program is like no other. Her knowledge is vast. Her enthusiasm infectious. Her twenty plus years experience something to behold. Ellie guides her students through an intense and comprehensive training schedule, all the while making the material and herself 100 percent accessible. Learning the repertoire is one thing but understanding why you’re learning it, is what sets Ellie a part from all others. She presents the Pilates method in a way that builds your confidence as a future instructor. Since completing the teacher training program and working in the Pilates world, I cannot imagine having trained with anyone else. Ellie is simply the best. End of story.” -Dani Alpert, Pilates Instructor & Writer

Ellie believes that Pilates education begins with a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, posture, and basic bio-mechanics.  Ellie uses the fundamental exercises not only as an introduction to the Pilates repertoire but also as a teaching tool to reveal clients’ postural habits and muscular imbalances. From the first hour of working with a client, a Pilates instructor should be analyzing and actively involved in the particularities of the individual client’s body. It’s Ellie’s goal to teach instructors-in-training to develop their eye, to be able to see the particular needs of their clients, and to apply specific exercises accordingly rather than put clients through a “Pilates protocol”. Ellie is committed to teaching students the overarching applications of all the Pilates exercises, most importantly the contraindications, so that when students graduate they are confident that they can apply their Pilates knowledge to all populations.  Our programs offer in-depth study of the Pilates Method with step-by-step training by a master teacher, teaching assistant opportunities to work side-by-side with a certified instructor, and a fully equipped studio available to teachers-in-training for practice and student teaching.

Prerequisites: 2 years Pilates or related movement experience. Minimum of 24 hours on the equipment including a minimum of 10 hours of private sessions. See the sidebar to the right for details on the Pilates Immersion program, an 8-week, 24 hour preparatory program designed for those interested in enrolling in the Teacher Training Program. The Immersion is the most inexpensive way to gain the required hours. Audition is the first step, and at that time your instructor will recommend the best course of action to prepare yourself. Ellie and all auditioning instructors reserves the right to require more than the minimum hours to ensure each student is prepared for the rigor of the Teacher Training program.  Email Ellie to audition: ellie@elliehermanpilates.com

Comprehensive Certification Requirements: 500 Total Hours:96 hours lecture demonstration with Ellie Herman (9 modules), 104 Self-practice hours, 200 total teaching hours (100 Student Training Hours, 100 Apprentice Hours), 100 observation hours.

To get certified by one Module at a time:

Mat: 24 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 25 hours Self-Practice, 25 hours Teaching, 25 hours Observation

Reformer: 36 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 36 hours Self-Practice, 36 hours Teaching, 36 hours Observation

Springboard: 12 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 12 hours Self-Practice, 12 hours Teaching, 12 hours Observation

Trap Table: 6 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 6 hours Self-Practice, 6 hours Teaching, 6  hours Observation, plus all requirements of the Springboard Module.

Chair: 12 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 12 hours Self-Practice, 12 hours Teaching, 12 hours Observation

Arc, Barrels: 6 Lecture & Training hours with Ellie, 6 hours Self-Practice, 6 hours Teaching, 6 hours Observation

Private Pilates Certification: Ellie Herman is available in Brooklyn and specially trained instructors in Oakland are available to do Private Pilates Certification. This option is perfect for anyone who travels from abroad and needs to do their training at a specific time or anyone who can’t fit the module schedule into their own. Also, if you want to join the group training, but have missed the earlier modules, you can make up one or all the module privately. This option is a bit more pricey, but depending on your level and your abilities, is not always cost prohibitive. Email education@elliehermanpilates.com to figure out a plan of action.

Observation At Ellie Herman Studio: Students have a unique opportunity to observe experienced trainers at work. Observation will reinforce the material being presented in the teacher training modules and offer perspective on how to put it all together, taking into the account the needs of each individual client. Students are welcome to observe at other studios pending approval. 100 Observation/Assistant Hours required.

Studio Use Fee: $600/year or $100/month. If you choose to do your practice and teaching hours at Ellie Herman Studio, there is a fee to cover the rental of the space, at a highly discounted rate. This fee allows you to have shifts, be on the webscheduler, and schedule yourself clients and self-practice hours. The studio will also schedule clients for you when you’re ready.

Self practice: Students are required to complete self-practice sessions to reinforce the material being presented and to perfect their technique. Students who choose to do their practical hours at Ellie Herman Studio will workout with partners and must pay the studio use fee (above). 100 Self Practice Hours required.

Teaching: A critically important aspect of the program is learning how to be a safe, effective, inspiring teacher. Intensive students who choose to do their teaching hours at Ellie Herman Studio may begin as soon as their Instructors grant permission, and will follow the format listed below:

Student Teaching Hours: While students are honing their skills they will see clients at a drastically reduced rate (just enough to cover studio costs). These hours are unpaid and based on studio availability. 100 Student Hours required.

Group Class Assistant Hours: Available only to those participating in the Full Certification Program, students will assist experienced trainers with their group classes. Students will learn important skills, gain confidence and become integrated into the studio.

Apprentice Teacher Hours: After completing the Student Teaching hours, students can audition to become an Apprentice Teacher at EHS based on availability,or any fully equipped Pilates studio. These additional hours are an important part of transitioning from a student to an experienced professional. If hired at Ellie Herman Studio, you will be paid for these hours. 100 Apprentice Hours required.

Required Materials:  Ellie Herman’s Professional Manuals, Pilates Props Workbook, Anatomy of Movement, Muscles: Testing and Function. All books can be purchased on Amazon. Ellie’s manuals and books and Anatomy of Movement can be purchased at the studios.

Questions? Email ellie@elliehermanpilates.com