The letters “BASI” may sound vaguely familiar if you’ve ever taken mat or reformer Pilates. BASI (Body Arts and Science International ™) is an industry-recognized certification for Pilates instructors. Teachers with this designation have completed an intense program designed to maintain the integrity of Pilates and ensure that students get what they expect.
Pilates appeals to moms because it targets the core and provides noticeable results, but it’s often quite expensive. Through its educational programs, BASI Pilates offers excellent pricing, with student teacher sessions ranging from $15 to $25 per hour.
Moms not only like to take Pilates classes, they find it an attractive career option. As an instructor, whether it’s in a studio or working for themselves, moms can have the schedule flexibility they need.
It was as if a light bulb went on for Mary Ruiz, an Orange County mom. She decided to become an instructor and began her certification process in 2009. With a nutrition degree and lifelong love of fitness, working as a Pilates instructor just “fits” with her philosophy of staying healthy through preventative techniques like diet, strength training and exercise.
Becoming a Pilates teacher is not easy: It takes anywhere from three to nine months to get certified, depending on how much time students can dedicate. Requirements include 72 hours of class time, 100 hours of observation, 200 hours of student teaching and 200 hours of practical work. BASI Pilates typically has about 25 students working towards certification at a time.
BASI Pilates is headquartered in Costa Mesa, and it’s a bit of a surprise to find it hidden in a mirrored office building behind La Cave restaurant. Enter the studio on the 6th floor, and suddenly you’re in a calm peaceful world overlooking the canyons and Catalina Island.
BASI Pilates was founded in 1989 by Rael Isacowitz, a world-renowned Pilates educator who saw the need for structured teacher training. Pilates classes were beginning to become popular, and there were just not enough apprenticeship training opportunities to meet the demand for instructors. Isacowitz created coursework that “preserves the legacy of Joseph and Clara Pilates, “while at the same time “integrating contemporary scientific developments and evolution of the method.”
For more information about Pilates sessions, email info@basipilates.com or call Jeanne King at 949-574-1343.
For more information about becoming a Pilates instructor, visit BASI’s website or call Jeanne King at 949-574-1343.
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