The Pilates Method Alliance

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is an international, not-for-profit, professional association and certifying agency. The PMA describes its mission thus: "to foster community, integrity, and respect for diversity; establish certification and continuing education standards; and promote the Pilates method of exercise."

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.

One of the most significant projects the PMA has undertaken is to establish the only third-party professional certification exam in the Pilates industry, which it did in 2005. The exam is meant to provide a standardized credential for teachers of the Pilates method and to help establish the teaching of Pilates as a profession.

The PMA certification program was launched in 2005 and accredited by the NCCA in 2012.

Pilates Certification Explained
Details from the PMA on the certification exam
Pilates Education Certification Basics

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 an extensive exhibit/vendor area.

See photos and notes from the 2010 PMA conference.

In addition to working to maintain high standards in the Pilates industry, the PMA supports members by listing them on their website studio and member finder feature, providing discounted pricing for the PMA conference and exam certification, offering affordable liability insurance, and offering a quarterly newsletter. Members also have voting privileges and hold offices in the organization.
The American Council on Exercises (ACE) includes PMA certified teachers on their approved credentials list. These teachers can offer ACE CECs at their workshops and do not have to be ACE certified to get ACE CECs.

Individual membership in the PMA costs $150.00 per year. Student membership costs $50.00 per year.
Details from the PMA about PMA membership

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

For a detailed description of the essential functions of the PMA and the organization's plans for the future, read Inside the Pilates Method Alliance, an interview with executive director, Elizabeth Anderson.