Clarifying Roles and Expectations in Pilates Training at Mbodies Training Academy

 

Introduction

At Mbodies Training Academy, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive and tailored educational experience in the areas of Pilates Apparatus Instructor qualifications and Special Populations based CPD (Continuing Professional Development).

We use in our course descriptions terms like Instructor Trainer, Tutor and Mentor to mean different things and this can cause confusion to students, who may have different perceptions of these terms than we have.

Therefore, this article is to help in the understanding of the different roles within our training academy and our Satellite Training Centres.   Instructor Trainers, Mentors and Tutors can be engaged or used to a greater or lesser degree by students as they decide, and an appropriate decision of how best to engage may significantly enhance the learning for our students beyond purely completing a course.

Here we seek to clarify these roles and set clear expectations for everyone involved.

Defining the Roles

  1. Instructor Trainers:

Our Instructor Trainers are akin to university professors in the Pilates world.  They are highly qualified, possessing deep knowledge and extensive experience in Pilates and in education. They not only teach but also create curriculum and examine students.  Their role is pivotal in shaping the broader educational content and ensuring that our courses remain at the forefront of Pilates training.  Instructor Trainers may lead larger, more comprehensive modules and are involved in the strategic development of course materials.


  1. Tutors:

Tutors at Mbodies Training Academy are like personal academic advisors.  They work closely with students in smaller settings, providing personalised guidance and support throughout the learning process.  Tutors are tasked with managing and checking the safe learning of pre-set curricula in small group workshops or one-on-one sessions, making them crucial in the day-to-day educational experiences of our students.  Students can choose to use tutors in a formative way (throughout the learning process) or in a summative way (purely to check the final outcome of the learning and judge it as safe and complete).

     3. Mentoring

Mentoring is a personalised development pathway that extends beyond the structured curriculum of our courses.  Both our Instructor Trainers and Tutors can serve as mentors, depending on the needs and goals of the student.  This role is crucial for students who are looking to deepen their understanding, improve their performance or teaching and the application of Pilates in professional settings that may not be directly covered by the course materials.

Mentors work closely with students to understand their long-term professional aspirations and personal goals.  This relationship is tailored to foster growth beyond standard course objectives, addressing broader career development, including transitioning into specialised Pilates roles, opening a studio, or advancing into leadership positions within the fitness industry.

A mentor helps to clarify the student’s vision for their Pilates career, offering guidance on how to navigate the path from where they are to where they want to be.  This process involves strategic planning, identifying skill gaps, and setting achievable milestones that extend beyond the immediate scope of the initial training and certification.

Through mentoring, students gain access to the enriched experience and wisdom of their mentors, which helps them apply their learning in more complex, real-world scenarios.  Mentors encourage reflective practice, critical thinking, and the application of Pilates principles in varied contexts, which are essential for professional growth and development.

Our Instructor Trainers and tutors are delighted to add a mentoring component into our educational framework at Mbodies Training Academy to ensure that our students are not only well-prepared to meet the current demands of the Pilates profession but are also equipped to innovate, lead, and expand the boundaries of what is possible in their careers.  However, mentoring is not offered centrally by the company it is offered independently by our team.



Learning Pathways at Mbodies

  • Hybrid Learning:  Our academy utilises a hybrid learning model that combines online theoretical studies with a choice of one-on-one tutoring, practical tutor led hands-on small group workshops or hosted full course instructor trainer led courses.  This model is designed to cater to the needs of different learning styles and schedules, offering flexibility and comprehensive education in both Pilates apparatus and special populations.
  • Special Populations CPD:  The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for special populations is primarily conducted online or as hosted Instructor Trainer led face to face courses, allowing students to either learn at their own pace or service the needs of a particular studio or industry sector.  This format is designed to accommodate the complexities and varied schedules of our students, ensuring that learning is both accessible and effective.
  • Pilates Apparatus Instructor Training:  This training is more structured, combining online learning with practical application.  Students prepare online but also engage significantly with our tutors and Instructor Trainers through practical workshops and evaluations, providing a balanced approach to theory and practice.

The Importance of Mentorship and Guidance

While our structured courses are comprehensive, we understand the importance of mentorship in professional growth.  Mentorship at Mbodies, whether through a Tutor or an Instructor Trainer, is about enhancing the educational experience.  It focuses on developing a supportive, enriching relationship that helps students not only learn but also apply their knowledge effectively in real-world settings.

Setting Expectations

Understanding these roles and the structure of our courses helps set clear expectations for our students.  It ensures that they are aware of the resources available to them and can fully utilise the expertise of both our Tutors and Instructor Trainers. This clarity enhances the learning experience, ensuring that all students have the support they need to succeed.

Call to Action

If you're interested in advancing your career in Pilates or expanding your expertise into special populations, explore our diverse range of courses at Mbodies Training Academy.  Contact us today to find out how our dedicated Instructor Trainers and Tutors can assist you in reaching your professional goals or why not become a Satellite learning centre or organise an in-house hosted course ?


Chris Onslow

Pilates Business Specialist Consultant

Phone: +44 (0)1993 883449

Whatsapp text +44(0)7301052846 

20 Nash Lane, Freeland, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8HS, UK

Web: https://www.pilates-consultant.co.uk/  (Pilates Consultancy, Apparatus sales and hire)

Email: chris@pilatesconsultant.co.uk

Web: https//www.mbodiesacademy.co.uk/  (Instructor training)

Email: chris@mbodiesacademy.co.uk

Web: https://mbodies.thinkific.com/     (Online Training Portal)



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