History of the Pilates Method Alliance

What is the Pilates Method Alliance (or PMA)? The PMA is a not for profit association that regulates and sets the standard for pilates education on an international scope. It can be said that the PMA is the standard bearer of the pilates method. Since 1926, when Joseph H. Pilates and wife Clara set up their famous pilates studio on Fourth Avenue, many imitators have sought to develop competing systems.

The PMA is generally considered to monitor pilates education standards to ensure that only the most authentic and rigorous pilates training programs receive membership in their organization. Why might you seek out PMA? Because the PMA is the leading regulator of pilates standards in the United States in the world, almost all legitimate, reputable, and well-established pilates training programs are members of the PMA.

If you are seeking information regarding the experience and certification of a pilates instructor, the PMA should be your first stop for information. Furthermore, if you are looking for a reputable training program, the PMA should also be your primary source for legitimate information.

With the surging popularity of pilates, many studios and training programs have seemingly sprang up over night. Many pilates experts have noted that there is currently a lack of adequate instruction in this popular fitness routine. The PMA stands as one of the best resources for the pilates student or would be teacher to find the information they need to study pilates or to train to become an instructor.

In 2005, the PMA established a rigorous industry wide certification program and exam for teaching the pilates method. The PMA has also been responsible for creating specifics standards and goals in pilates instruction. Pilates training programs have adopted their recommendations for adequate pilates workshops and comprehensive training programs worldwide.

The PMA is strongly responsible for bringing professionalism and industry wide standards to the professional practice and instruction of the pilates method. The PMA has been instrumental in separating legitimate and reputable comprehensive training programs from those that lack adequate training and goals. To this end, one of the PMA's highest goals and achievements has been to protect the public from disreputable instructors of the pilates method, and to increase the overall expectations for what a pilates training program should achieve.

Furthermore, the PMA has been instrumental in helping to develop new generations of able and skilled pilates instructors. Without the strong guidance of the PMA, it is clear that there would be a lack of qualified trainers, and the teaching of the pilates method would begin to vary widely according to the training of different instructors.

As the popularity of the pilates method continues to grow and expand, the work done by the PMA will also continue to grow. The PMA will continue to define the standards for the pilates method and oversee the growth of an ever-expanding list of training programs and workshops that continue to open across the country and the world. As the practice of the pilates method grows, the role of the PMA will also continue to expand.