What is the Pilates Method Alliance?:
The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is a not for profit professional association dedicated to the Pilates method. Their stated mission is: "to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates professionals".
(PMA Position Statement: On Pilates)
Below is a brief profile of the Pilates Method Alliance which highlights some of their projects as well as the ways PMA membership benefits Pilates professionals and students.
The PMA Certification Exam for Pilates Instructors:
One of the most significant projects the PMA has undertaken is to establish an international Pilates certification exam. The exam is meant to provide a standardized credential for teachers of the Pilates method.
Though there are many high-level Pilates teacher training programs with their own certification requirements and exams, The PMA certification exam is a response to a lack of industry standards which has lead to vast discrepancies in the quality of Pilates teacher certification programs.
Details from the PMA on the certification exam
Pilates Certification Basics
Issues in Pilates Instructor Certification
The Pilates Method Alliance Conference:
The annual PMA International Educational Conference is a large Pilates event with classes and workshops on everything from Pilates exercises and equipment, to running a studio and working with medical concerns. The conference traditionally features many well-known
Pilates instructors, as well as
Pilates Elders and influential members of the industry. It also hosts and extensive exhibit/vendor area.
The
2009 conference was canceled due to economic concerns. The next PMA Conference is scheduled for November 4-7, 2010 in Long Beach, CA.
Support and Promotion for Pilates Professionals:
In addition to working to maintain high standards in the Pilates industry, the PMA supports members by listing them on their website where they have a studio and member finder feature, providing discounted pricing for the PMA conference and exam certification, offering affordable liability insurance, and sending members a quarterly newsletter. Members also have voting privileges and hold offices in the organization.
PMA Membership Cost:
More PMA Projects:
Two other projects of the PMA that deserve special mention are the annual Pilates Day Celebration and the Pilates in the Schools Program. Both enhance public awareness of the benefits of Pilates.
See my blog,
Pilates Day 2008
