Education

Immersion
Six-Week Intensive Training

Immersion is a pre-professional program, designed to fulfill the prerequisite of the Teacher Training Program at Push Pilates.

Immersion is also recommended for those interested in deepening their Pilates knowledge and is required for open studio workouts.

As a student in Immersion, you'll:

Learn the essentials of the Pilates repertoire on the mat and equipment
Rapidly build strength, increase flexibility and improve alignment
Gain confidence and proficiency with the equipment and the exercises so that you can assess if you are truly ready to participate in Teacher Training become more familiar with basic anatomy, kinesiology and the Pilates repertoire through reading assignments and quizzes (required reading not included in tuition costs)
Immersion includes:

8 private sessions
10 mat classes
14 hours with Master Teacher in group labs

Pricing

Immersion Program*
$250 non-refundable deposit required
$1600 total cost of program

Full payment is required by first date of attendance.
Payment plans are available at an additional charge ($100 administrative fee).
A $50 monthly fee plus a 15% annual interest fee will be charged for late payments.

*The full Immersion Program must be completed in six weeks. Extensions are available at an additional charge.

Immersion Expenses* (outside of regular tuition costs)
Anatomy of Movement by Blandine Calais-Germain — $30
Pilates' Return to Life Through Contrology by Joseph H. Pilates — $30

*Prices are approximate and may be subject to change.

Teacher Training Completion Requirements

Completion of the Formal Lecture Series (80 hrs)
30 hrs observation
400 hrs practice teaching
260 hrs personal workouts
30 hrs Groups Class Assist
1 final written exam (covering history, philosophy, anatomy, and pedagogy)
3 Written Level Exams (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)
3 Performance Level Exams (Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced)
1 final performance exam
1 final practical teaching exam
Completion of reading list
Completion of Case Study
Completion of personal Pilates journal

Pricing

Teacher Training Program*
$500 non-refundable deposit required
$3600 total cost of program

Full payment is required by first date of attendance.
Payment plans are available at an additional charge ($150 administrative fee).
A $60 monthly fee plus a 18% annual interest fee will be charged for late payments.

*The full Teacher Training Program must be completed in a one-year period with the exception of the last 200 hours of teaching as a full trainer. Extensions are available at an additional charge.

Teacher Training Expenses* (outside of regular tuition costs)
Complete DVD set — $375
Pilates Instructor Insurance (through K & K) — $300
Muscles: Testing & Function, with Posture and Pain — $80
Final Testing Fee — $300
*Prices are approximate and may be subject to change.

Program Instructors

Val Russell

Val Russell is a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor. She began her Pilates training in 1998 at The Ellie Herman Studios in San Francisco, CA. She furthered her education in rehab Pilates with Lizz Roman, and has studied at the Pilates Center in Boulder.

Val's yoga training is through OM Yoga in New York with Cindi Lee and Midtown Yoga in Memphis with Sarla Nichols. Val has also studied with Hart Lazar, Richard Freeman, Jennifer Brilliant and Shiva Rea.

Program FAQ

Q: What is included in the 800-hour program and how long do I have to complete it?

A: The 800 hours include 400 hours of teaching, working at student, apprentice and full trainer levels. The other 400 hours are devoted to self-practice, observation, assisting, group lab time and testing. Self-practice can include taking equipment classes or training with another person from your teacher training group.
The program takes students an average of one year to complete, depending on the level of commitment and availability. Be prepared to devote an average of 10 hours a week to being in the studio, plus a few hours of outside study.
Push Pilates reserves the right to ask you to leave the program if you are not moving at a suitable pace.

Q: Will I need to purchase other books, equipment or supplies?

A: Yes, and Push Pilates will usually make these supplies available to you in-studio. Certain books and instructional DVDs are required, and the cost is outside of your tuition. These will serve as extremely helpful tools for your self-practice and teaching skills. You also may choose to supplement your experience with other literature, videos, props, etc., which are not required. Please see the price list for specific information.

Q: When do I start teaching? Am I guaranteed a job at Push? Do I get paid?

A: You may have the option to begin teaching after the beginning level test, which usually falls about 3 or 4 months into the program. You must perform satisfactorily on the test, be evaluated by Val Russell (program and studio director), and exhibit that you are in fact ready to teach others.
Push Pilates cannot guarantee a position in the studio until you prove that you are committed, ready and able. If you are, then we'd love to have you!
You must complete 200 hours of student teaching before receiving compensation for your teaching. From there, pay is based on experience, teaching hours and/or your level of commitment to the studio and continuing education.

Q: Will I be certified upon completion of the program?

A: You will receive a certificate when you satisfactorily complete the program's requirements, which includes the 400 teaching hours. You may choose to take your Pilates certification test outside of the studio, and our program is designed to help prepare you for this test.

Q: I have a full-time job. Can I still participate in the program?

A: Yes! Almost everyone that comes through the program has other jobs and commitments. The important part to remember is that you can always make the program work for you if you are determined to do so – try to stay flexible and focused.

Q: What happens if I have to miss a part of the program or if I have to leave the program?

A: As we all know, life happens. If for some reason you have to miss a segment (large or small) of the program, you will have the opportunity to return if you have been consistent and hard-working.
If you have to miss only a group lab or other specific meeting, you are required to make it up through private sessions at a discounted rate outside of the tuition costs.
When you sign your contract, you are obligated to finish paying for the program, even if you decide to leave.

Q: What if I can't pay for the program up front?

A: We'll be happy to work out a payment plan for you, spreading the payments out for up to a year. Be aware that there is an additional fee of $100 for the payment plan. Additional charges may also be applied if you are unable to make payments at your scheduled date. Please see the price list for specific information.
You also may have opportunities to work off part of your tuition by working for the studio (office work, cleaning, special events, odd jobs, etc.).

Q: I am already a personal trainer/dance instructor/physical therapist/etc. and know about Pilates. Do I have to work with the rest of the group, or can I work ahead?

A: The program can be tailored somewhat to fit specific needs, depending on the situation and level of student's commitment. However, since the program is designed to be comprehensive, we cannot quick offer certifications in only beginning mat, for example. You are required to attend the group labs and other specific group events in the program, but you may be able to work ahead in your teaching hours if your schedule allows.

Q: Is this the right certification program for me? How does the Push Pilates Teacher Training program compare to other programs?

A: Our program is comprehensive and covers all levels of not only the mat repertoire but also of the various equipment. We also cover anatomy, kinesiology, special issues, rehabilitation and other topics that other programs may not. When you finish this program, you should be prepared to teach at just about any Pilates studio or gym and to take and pass the Pilates certification test.