Mbodies Pilates Instructor Training Academy

  Introduction At Mbodies Training Academy, we specialise in providing high-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for Pilates Instructors, advanced Fitness Instructors, and Medical Movement professionals.  Our training is divided into two main categories: Pilates Apparatus disciplines (Reformer, Tower, Chair, Barrels) and Pilates Special Populations areas (e.g., Breast Cancer, Female Pelvic Health Dysfunction, Menopause, Osteoporosis).  Many people ask how our training fits into the UK National Framework and who accredits it.  This article provides and overview: Types of Pilates Teacher Training Qualifications In the UK, the landscape of Pilates teacher training is split between regulated and non-regulated programs.  Regulated qualifications, certified by Ofqual-regulated bodies like Active IQ and YMCA Awards, cover only Matwork Pilates, created as a Level 3 National Standard in 2005.  All other Pilates apparatus education remains unregulated.  While regulated programs offe

 In 2024, students at Mbodies Training Academy are for the first time since 2019 showing a preparedness to attend face-to-face courses, marking a significant shift from the predominantly online training necessitated by the COVID19 pandemic.  The pandemic brought face-to-face courses to an abrupt halt, pushing all training to move online. This sudden change together with financial pressures on self-employed fitness instructors left many unprepared to prioritise ongoing professional development training in Pilates, with concerns about the implications of travel, accommodation, and the increased costs associated with face-to-face training in an inflationary world driven, following COVID19, by the Ukrainian war. During the immediate post-pandemic period, the hospitality sector faced challenges, and inflation led to a steep rise in travel and accommodation costs.  This resulted in a significant split in preferences, with many favouring online or hybrid training over face-to-face sessions. 

Introduction The concept of "scope of practice" is standard in professions where client safety and well-being are paramount.  It defines the boundaries within which professionals can operate based on their qualifications, training, and the standards set by regulatory bodies.  Although this concept is often associated with medical practitioners, it holds equal weight in the fitness industry, including among Pilates instructors and fitness professionals. This document explores the scope of practice for these roles, drawing comparisons to medically trained practitioners to highlight its impact on professional accountability and client safety. Scope of Practice in Medicine For medically trained practitioners, scope of practice includes all the activities they are trained and legally permitted to perform.  This encompasses diagnosing patients, prescribing treatments, and performing specific medical procedures.  Regulatory bodies ensure that practitioners only undertake t

Introduction The launch by Mbodies Training Academy of specialised courses such as "Pilates for Midlife Health and the Menopause" has sparked discussions in the fitness and Pilates communities. Some critics view it as unnecessary specialisation in an already well-established field.  This blog post aims to address criticisms that such courses are merely pandering to "wokeness," by demonstrating the tangible benefits these targeted programs offer to clients undergoing menopausal transitions.  In this article we will explore how hormonal and psychological changes during perimenopause and menopause can significantly influence exercise efficacy, and why tailored Pilates programs are essential if an instructor is to maximise exercise and mental health value to their clients. Understanding Menopause and Exercise Menopause marks a significant change in a woman's life, accompanied by various hormonal adjustments that affect the body physically and mentally. These c

    The debate surrounding the most effective method of Pilates Apparatus instructor training in the post - COVID19 era – whether face-to-face, online, or a hybrid approach – has become a topic of much discussion and analysis.  The pandemic has undeniably transformed the landscape of professional development, particularly in specialised fields like Pilates apparatus disciplines.  This shift has prompted us at Mbodies Training Academy to critically evaluate the efficacy and accessibility of various training methods to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our instructors and, by extension, their clients. Pre-COVID, the notion of online instructor training was met with scepticism, if not outright dismissal, by traditional training academies.  Similarly, the idea of conducting Pilates classes remotely seemed far-fetched to many experienced instructors.  However, the global pandemic necessitated a swift and comprehensive pivot to online platforms, with virtually every physioth

For Pilates Instructors, Medical Movement Professionals and Advanced Fitness professionals the pursuit of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in specialised populations is not just a testament to an instructor's commitment to their craft, but also a reflection of their dedication to the well-being and safety of their clients.    At Mbodies Training Academy, we often receive inquiries from instructors eager to broaden their professional knowledge and expertise, particularly in the realm of special populations.    A recurring question that arises is: "Which of your courses would you recommend I take first?" This question, albeit simple, underscores a significant gap in the traditional Pilates training narrative.  The majority of these instructors come with a solid foundation in Pilates Matwork qualifications but may not have taken Pilates apparatus training.  Regardless of their background, our advice remains consistent, emphasising the importance of understanding

As the year 2023 draws to a close, we at Mbodies Training Academy and Chris Onslow Pilates Consultancy wish to share our achievements and plans with you and extend our warmest season’s greetings to all. Adapting to the Evolving Pilates Landscape This year marked a significant phase of adaptation and growth for us.  Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the modern fitness world, Mbodies Training Academy has continued to pivot our offerings to meet these changes. Our efforts have been geared towards addressing the challenges posed by substandard Pilates products and integrating the needs of the contemporary fitness market into our curriculum. Growth in Online Learning and CPD Our shift towards high-quality, flexible Pilates CPD, initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, has strengthened this year.  By choosing Thinkific as our learning portal, we've seen a notable 30% increase in participation in our Special Population CPD courses.  This approach aligns with the current trends in medical