COVID protocols have brought extra challenges to any Pilates studio. Training student teachers has been more difficult in some ways, but there are ways to make it work. Because Pilates is a physical activity, teaching student teachers remotely has limitations. While around 150 of the 450 hours required to complete the training program can be lectures or observation, the other hours do require hands-on learning and practice.
Studio Protocol Updates
At my studio, given current COVID restrictions, we require everyone to wear masks. We also adjusted the schedule so no more than 3 people can be in the studio at a time. We added 15 minutes in between classes for cleaning and opening the doors to clear the air. Everyone in the studio, student teachers and clients alike, has appreciated these protocols. Luckily, we also installed 11 HEPA filters with UV long before the pandemic began – a coincidence that has made everyone feel that much safer.
Equipment
The biggest challenge to remote learning is equipment. Few student teachers have access to all the necessary equipment for teaching or practicing Pilates at home. Some students have the Pilates mat or Magic Circle at home or can buy them without breaking the bank. For the larger and much more expensive pieces of equipment, though, there’s no substitution for practicing in the studio.
Remote Learning
Because of their strength and dedication, I have found that my Pilates student teachers are intelligent and thoughtful about how to stay safe and healthy. They understand the dangers of an airborne virus and pay attention to the precautions of a studio. They’ve also been flexible in how they learn remotely or in person.
Lectures work over Zoom, though it’s imperative that students also find time to practice on the actual equipment. Students can take quizzes and practice giving cues remotely. They can study at home, particularly since they can log onto the online Pilates training platform from anywhere. I can track their progress remotely over the online learning platform as well.
Nothing Can Completely Replace In-Person Practice
While student teachers can complete so much of their training independently or over video calls, there comes a time when they simply need to be in the studio. My student teachers practice with regular clients (after the client has given their consent) under my supervision, and there is no remote replacement for that work.
As COVID regulations have shifted over the past two years, it has become more and more important for myself, my clients, and my student teachers to be flexible. We’ve seen restrictions appear suddenly that interrupted our teaching schedule, and we’ve had to make do. Luckily, I have built strong relationships with my student teachers, and we can work together to refine our schedules and figure out what will work best for everyone while keeping safe. Remote Pilates teacher training is a challenge and presents many roadblocks, but with a strong community devoted to their own and each other’s health, students can flourish in a Pilates teacher training and complete their program successfully.
