(Because I get it, it's a big decision!)
"Loved this training! Great detail in exercises and loved the workbooks to go along with each module. Ellen always gave helpful descriptions as to how things carry over to clinic! "
- Emily, Personal Trainer and Registered Kinesiologist
The first time I used a Reformer I became immediately obsessed. I loved how it felt, but I was infinitely more fascinated with how it could help my patients.
I spent hours searching for a Reformer Pilates course for clinicians and came up short. There were loads of crash courses teaching Pilates basics over a weekend, but nothing with the full repertoire.
In the end I fully committed and went on to become a certified instructor in certifications in Mat, Reformer, and Chair. I completed my training programs at a studio owned by a Stott Pilates Instructor who leans heavily into therapeutic Pilates, the way Joseph Pilates intended. For me it was worth it because I wanted a broad foundation that I could build upon.
Now, after nearly a decade of being a certified Pilates instructor and two decades of being a physical therapist, I've finally put together the Reformer training course that I wish I could have taken.
I've spent hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars so you don't have to.
I absolutely love the results I get with the Reformer and I cant' wait to share my passion with you.
- R.D.
"Highly recommend if you're looking to up your game on the Reformer! "
"I Watched the videos three times. The first time I didn't even have a reformer. The second time I practiced the exercises. And the third time I went back to listen to all the cues Ellen used. The online format really worked for me."
Appreciate the value of using diversity and creative imagery with verbal cueing.
Understand the benefits and physical requirements of 130+ beginner and intermediate Reformer Pilates exercises.
Critically compare and contrast Reformer exercises to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Gain insight into how Reformer Pilates can be integrated into a rehab/treatment session and modify exercises to meet individual needs.
Operate a Reformer safely and independently for self and client use.
Understand the Six Principles of Pilates and how they inherently complement rehabilitation.
Identify and understand the components and mechanics of a Pilates Reformer as well as the way they influence exercise parameters.
It is not necessary to own a Reformer before embarking on the course. And, in fact, you may find the course content beneficial in helping you choose the best Reformer model for your needs.
However, it is strongly recommended that you have access to a Reformer in order to complete the course. This is to not only understand and feel the exercises, but see just how enjoyable Pilates can be.
If space is a limitation, there are some high quality Reformers on the market that can be stored vertically when not in use. Alternatively, foldable Reformers with an elevated platform can also be found.
If acquiring a Reformer at home or at work isn't an option at this time, you may wish to find a local Pilates studio with open studio hours.
For clinic owners, A Reformer could quite easily replace a rehab-style leg press (i.e., Shuttle MVP or Total Gym) while offering a considerable number of added exercises options.
This course was specifically designed for therapeutic movement professionals including, but not limited to:
physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapy and occupational therapy assistants, massage therapists, chiropractors, athletic therapists, kinesiologists, and osteopaths.
As such, there is no educational coverage of anatomy or postural assessment as is normally found in Pilates training courses.
And unlike most other courses, there is no content about how to operate as a Pilates teacher, run group classes, marketing, or social media training. Why? because social media is not my favourite and I'd rather eat a pumpkin.
I know there are some absolutely amazing personal trainers and therapeutically-inclined fitness professionals out in the world.
Perhaps you have completed your Mat training elsewhere and you're now interested in a rehab-informed Reformer course.
If you feel that this describes you, and you have a solid grasp of functional anatomy and physiology, I welcome you to sign up or reach out with any questions you may have.
Great Question! I have personally used Reformer repertoire for ambulatory patients with orthopedic, neurological, oncological, pelvic health, and cardiopulmonary needs.
Every exercise has so much to offer that all you need to do is bring focus and intention to suit your patient population.
For those interested in certification, there is an optional exam with written and practical components for an added fee. Successful completion will provide the title of Certified Pilates Therapist vs. Pilates Instructor as this course does not have supervised teaching hours.
The honest answer is that Pilates certifications aren't currently regulated anywhere in the world at this time. There isn't a single governing body whose "recognition" would apply the way it might for, say, a physiotherapy license. The closest thing that exists is the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) in the US which is the largest institution for Pilates education recognition, but it was really set up with layperson instructor courses in mind, covering things like general teaching methodology, mandatory anatomy content, minimum supervised practice hours, and a yearly requirement for continuing education credits from accredited fitness educators.
My course is built on different foundations. It's designed specifically for clinicians and other rehab minded professionals who'll be using the Reformer as a rehab tool within their existing clinical skill set. I expect learners to apply their own professional judgement as well as clinical reasoning based on each client's assessment findings. It isn't trying to be a standalone professional license.
As such, the course is structured to meet continuing education standards for physiotherapists, and it's currently recognised for CEU credit in several provinces in Canada and across all fifty US states. So while there is no Pilates -specific regulatory body to point to, the course itself is built to the same rigour that qualifies it as legitimate continuing education.
All of that to say, my course should be viewed as professional continuing education intended to be folded into your treatment approach. For anyone seeking to work solely as a Pilates instructor within the fitness industry where international brand recognition is desired, I would suggest that they take a franchised name-brand course built for laypersons.
- Jessica
"Ellen's Ability to explain movement and the relationship between muscle groups was so helpful. Working with Ellen and finding Pilates has been life changing. "
I want to acknowledge that despite how awesome the Reformer is, learning experiences are heavily influenced by the dynamics between the learner and the educator.
So, if you join the course and I'm not the instructor for you, or the content isn't what you expected, I'll be happy to provide a full refund within 7 days of the course registration (provided greater than three modules have not been completed/downloaded).
Advanced Reformer
Pilates for Rehab
Reformer Pilates for Pregnancy and Birth Prep
Optional Pilates Reformer Certification Exam
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