Pilates Method Alliance and the National Pilates Certification Program

The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the not-for-profit professional association dedicated to the Pilates field. Since its inception in 2001, Pilates teachers form around the world have worked together to create a unified community, to share knowledge and information, and most importantly, to establish the practice of teaching Pilates as a profession. (www.pilatesmethodalliance.org)

The National Pilates Certification Program (NPCP) is an autonomous certification program within the PMA. It was developed by the PMA in 2005, and it offers the only third-party certification in the Pilates field. Accredited by the Nation Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) in 2010, The NPCP joins a group of more than 250 programs from 100 organizations that have received and maintained NCCA accreditation. By establishing this credential, the PMA put into place an essential component required for any established profession. (www.pilatesmethodalliance.org)

The purpose of the NPCP is to establish, maintain and promote professional standards, and to award the title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) to the comprehensively educated Pilates teacher who has provided evidence that they meet these established professional standards. For the public, employers, government agencies, and other professionals in allied fields, the NCPT credential provides assurance that the Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher is competent in the provision of services. (www.nationalpilatescertificationprogram.org)

The Pilates Method

Pilates was designed by Joseph H. Pilates during the 1920's to restore and maintain physical fitness. The ultimate goal of the Pilates Method is a uniformly developed body and sound mind.

The Pilates work involves refined, purposeful movements requiring concentration and physical awareness eliminating the need for excessively repetitive or ballistic movements. Pilates works the body form the inside out by focusing on proper breathing, proper body alignment and working deep intrinsic and core muscles in coordination with larger muscle groups.

The benefits of Pilates include increased flexibility, physical strength, physical and mental stamina, mental clarity and improved posture and balance.

Pilates is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is a great addition to any exercise program.

Fletcher Pilates®

Fletcher Pilates® evolves from the original method Ron Fletcher learned directly for Joseph and his wife, Clara Pilates. Following Pilates' death in 1967, Ron Fletcher continued to develop the Pilates Method with Clara's encouragement and support. He further added to classic Pilates by developing the Fletcher Towelwork®, Fletcher Floorwork®, and the Percussive Breath™ technique, all utilizing Pilates' principles. (www.fletcherpilates.com)