Balanced Body is a leading provider of Pilates equipment and education. The company began in 1976, when its founder, Ken Endelman, manufactured his first piece of Pilates equipment—a refined version of the Reformer. Endelman continued to design Pilates equipment throughout the ‘80s, and interacted with many of the industry’s leaders, including Ron Fletcher, along the way.[i] In 1991, Endelman received a cease-and-desist letter regarding his use of the term “Pilates.” When he refused to desist, he became part of a trademark lawsuit against Pilates, Inc. The lawsuit ended in 2000, when the United States District Court in Manhattan ruled that “Pilates” could not be trademarked as it was a form of exercise.[ii] In addition to Pilates equipment, Endelman’s business began to provide Pilates and CoreAlign instructor training, continuing education courses, conferences and more. Today, Balanced Body holds 28 US patents and maintains 156 approved studios around the world. Teacher Training Balanced Body offers three Pilates teacher training programs, which provide instructors with assessment-based certification, as recommended by the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA):
- Pilates Mat Instructor Training
This 102-hour program includes instruction in the Pilates mat repertoire, exercise modifications and variations, teaching tips for clients with different fitness levels, safety information for elderly adults, pregnant women and clients with various health conditions, tips for teaching group classes and an introduction to movement principles.
- Pilates Reformer Instructor Training
In addition to the subjects included in mat training, this program also includes instruction in the Pilates reformer repertoire, equipment safety and maintenance, class design for clients at all levels and sports-specific lessons. Students must complete 198 total hours of coursework, personal practice, observation and teaching.
- Pilates Apparatus Instructor Training
This 188-hour program completes the comprehensive Pilates certification program by covering the entire apparatus repertoire, including modules on the Pilates Chair, the Trapeze Table/Caddillac/Tower and Barrels. Students who complete this level of training are eligible for the national Pilates certification exam.[iii]
There are 488 total hours required for completion of the comprehensive Pilates education program above, which includes mat, reformer and apparatus training. In addition to Pilates, Balanced Body studios also offer teacher training in Core Align, Balanced Body Barre and Anatomy in Three Dimensions.
Balanced Body Pilates Insurance
NACAMS offers a customized liability insurance program to Pilates students and professionals, including Balanced Body instructors. PIP includes professional, general and product liability insurance, $2 million per occurrence, $3 million annual aggregate, $2 million product aggregate; $100,000 rental damage coverage; and $1,000 stolen Pilates equipment coverage. In addition to receiving complete coverage upon completion of a brief online application, each Pilates instructor receives access to all of NACAMS’ Plus benefits, including a complimentary business website, monthly newsletter, directory listing and exclusive member discounts on fitness products, training programs and more!
For more information or to enroll, call