Hi everyone,
I'm planning to start a one-year pilates certification course in September and am looking for tips to get the most out of it as possible. I'm looking for advice on the specific issues below, but also welcome other input as everyone here seems much more experienced than me!

1. Best strengthening moves to prep for advanced exercises?
I currently attend 3-4 pilates classes a week, but can see that I'm going to need to increase my core and arm strength to successfully perform and teach some of the more advanced exercises. Unfortunately it is quite rare that group classes perform these exercises, so I'm looking for a few things I can do on my own each day to build up strength in advance of starting my training.

2. What are the best reading materials for anatomy, classical exercises and history of pilates?
The reading list for my program seems fairly light, so I'd love to do some initial reading over the summer to enhance my knowledge.

3. How to turn teaching models into clients?
As word is getting out that I will be training in the near future, there seems to be an overwhelming response for teaching models. How do you gracefully convert these models into paying clients - especially when moving to a different studio from where the certification took place.

4. Finding a job with local studios and gyms?
I don't anticipate working at the studio I will be training at, so any advice on where to look for jobs, how to approach owners to bring on additional teachers and fair compensation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hi Pilates Student,

I've been thinking about starting a Pilates certification program in the fall as well, and was wondering how long you've been practicing. I'm fairly new to the practice about 4 months), but even though it's only been a few months, I know I want to teach. I'm actually amazed at the strength I've gained over the past few months, but do realize I still have much work to do. As for entering a program, I'm not sure if I'm jumping the gun by enrolling so soon and if I should practice another 6 months or so, or if I should just go for it. Just wondering what your experience is/has been :-)

As for some reading material, my Pilates instructor recommended the following:

http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Rael-Isacowitz/dp/0736056238/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272051905&sr=1-4

http://www.amazon.com/Pilates-Return-Life-Through-Contrology/dp/0961493798/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_10

http://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Moving-Body-Second-Muscles/dp/155643720X/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272052198&sr=1-8

Hope that helps ... and good luck!

All the best :-)