Join the NEW Movement of Positive, Compassionate Pregnancy & Postpartum Pilates Specialists
Pilates teachers who are gaining the CONFIDENCE & EXPERIENCE needed to SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY teach, and positively impact the lives of pregnant & postpartum (perinatal) women.
PILATES Teachers:
A study in the UK showed that 54% of women felt more negative about their body after pregnancy, then they did before pregnancy.
Another study in the USA found that pregnant women felt worse about their bodies after just 5 minutes of reading a celebrity magazine, with unrealistic portrayals of pregnant women.
Imagine taking a stand against the negative effects of the "fit mom" culture, and unrealistic media portrayals of pre and postnatal women
And winning,
by playing an active role in dismantling
the negative, shaming beliefs
that too many pregnant and postnatal women struggle with
on a daily basis.
Imagine having the ability to make a MORE positive impact on pre and postnatal women
to develop a STRONG, RESILIENT body
AND self-image,
rather than obsessing over whether their body will "bounce back" or not
.
Join the NEW movement of positive, compassionate
Pre and Postnatal Pilates Teachers
who are
gaining the CONFIDENCE & EXPERIENCE needed
to SAFELY and EFFECTIVELY teach
and POSITIVELY Impact
pre and postnatal women..
Pilates teachers who are helping women develop the life that
Joseph Pilates originally intended -
to build a life full of ZEST and HAPPINESS,
regardless of how their body looks,
to be the BEST versions of themselves, giving her the strength and energy to 'parent' from a place of love and compassion.
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β§ APPROVED for 14 NCPT-CEC's - Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher Credits (Originally PMA-CEC's)β§
The Pregnancy Pilates Impact Academy | Pre & Postnatal Pilates Teacher Training
100% On-Line, In-Depth Training for Pilates Teachers
A research-based curriculum, supported by the most recent findings in the area of pre and postnatal health and wellness.
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This is NOT a "done-in-a-weekend" training.
This training is designed to get you applying what you learn in the very first lesson, rather than sending you into a situation where you are struggling to remember what you learned.
In this self-paced course, you have the option of getting through the lessons as quickly or slowly as you would like - depending on your life and learning style.
Your Path to Becoming a Perinatal Pilates Specialist
Becoming a Pregnancy and Postnatal (Perinatal) Pilates Specialist through the Pregnancy Pilates Impact Academy, will equip you with the unshakeable confidence and certainty you want and need when working with this very special population. Keep reading to find out what you will learn
Pilates Exercise Variations
- Safely and effectively teach Mat, Reformer, Trapeze, and Chair exercise variations for pregnant and postnatal period including how to create variations for special circumstances such as:
- Diastasis Recti,
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
- Invitro Fertilization - IVF
- Pain
- 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Trimester
- 4th Trimester (early postnatal)
Everyday Movement Education
- Incorporate functional, everyday movement education and exercises that apply to the individual client’s everyday life such as:
- driving
- laundry
- kitchen duties
Client Education
- Educating clients on common concerns and experiences of the pre and postnatal journey, such as:
- how to help prevent pelvic organ prolapse,
- healing from diastasis recti,
- dealing with body image and weight,
- baby blues and postpartum depression, and moving through pain.
Full Session Design
- Incorporate the movement principles, goals and benefits of Pilates as they relate to pregnancy and postnatal, including environmental elements such:
- as taking sessions outside in the sunshine,
- teaching from a positive, uplifting, compassionate perspective.
Pilates Teacher Personal and Professional Development
- Trusting your self as a teacher through self-reflection, and developing an intuitive frame of reference to keep pre and postnatal clients feeling safe, respected, and empowered.
- Addressing your discomforts and concerns around teaching this population.
- Promoting your services, and sustaining a clientele, including options for on-line services.
Marketing
In marketing, times have changed!
Women are constantly bombarded with information via social media, tv, etc., competing for their attention.
We will teach you the NEW ways of marketing to find your clients, starting with getting to know them and their needs, inside and out! And how to do it EFFECTIVELY in-person and on-line!
Click Here to Read 3 Ways to Effectively Market Your Pre & Postnatal Services from the Profitable Pilates Blog
How the PPI Academy is Delivered
Delivered 100% Online - When you enroll in The Academy, you will receive 2 or 3 separate courses. For Mat teachers only, you will receive the Fundamentals and the Mat Exercises. For Mat and Equipment Teachers, you will receive The Fundamentals, The Mat, and The Equipment. β β β β β β
Course 1: The PPI Academy - Fundamental Concepts
In this extensive, in-depth course, you will learn the concepts necessary to make a positive impact in the lives of pre and postnatal women, and boost your confidence in teaching this special population.
Click Here to See the Curriculum Outline
Course 2: The Pilates Exercises: Mat & Props
In this section you will find the Contemporary and Classical Mat lessons for pregnancy and postnatal, including diastasis recti healing variations.
Course 3: The Pilates Equipment
For teachers who are equipment trained, In this section you will find Contemporary and Classical Reformer, Trapeze, and Chair exercises for pre and postnatal women.
Thank you for your interest in the PPI Academy!
Approved for 14 NCPT-CEC's Please click the button below to be the first to know when the Academy is accepting students again.
The Pregnancy Pilates Impact Academy Curriculum
We are in the final stages of completing the curriculum of the course. This outline shows what is currently in the course, and what is going to be added over the next couple of months, which will be titled with 'coming soon.'
The PPI Academy Fundamental Concept Lessons:
These lessons will give you a well-rounded understanding of the physical and psychological experiences and needs of pre and postnatal women, and build your confidence in teaching this special population.
Introduction Chapter β§ Welcome to The Pregnancy Pilates Impact Academy - Pre & Postnatal Pilates Teacher Training β§
- Welcome Video
- Your Pre and Postnatal QUICK START Teaching Guide with 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester, and postnatal goals and session focus. PDF Download - Printable
- Audio downloads
- Boost your confidence
- Your most common questions answered
- The Quick-Start Guide Audio version - Intro and becoming an IMPACTER
- Lateral Thoracic Breathing benefits
- Breathing Cycles
Chapter 1 | THE Pregnancy Pilates Impact and YOUR Impact
1.1 THE Pilates Impact on Pregnancy
1.2 Safety and Effects of Pilates During and After Pregnancy
1.3 The Importance of Helpful, Positive Thoughts and Words in Teaching Pre and Postnatal Women
1.4 Skills Inventory- YOUR Personal and Professional IMPACT
Chapter 2 | Anatomy of Pregnancy and Postnatal, Fascia Focused
- Pre and Postnatal 101 Terms and Definitions PDF
- Directional and Movement Terms
- How well do you know The Core? Self-Quiz
- Workshop I Introduction to Fascia for Understanding Pre and Postnatal Women
- The Pelvis and Pelvic Floor
- The Amazing Female Pelvis Part 1
- The Amazing Female Pelvis Part 2
- The 3 Pelvic Floors
- Exploration I The Bony Pelvis
- Exploration I Pelvic Floor 1 - Superficial Layer
- Exploration I Pelvic Floor 2 - Muscular Layer
- Pelvic Floor 3 - Ligament and Fascial Layer
- Quiz I The Pelvis and Pelvic Floor
- The Fascial Web | Thinking and Teaching From a TRUE Whole-Body Perspective
- The Linea Alba from a Whole-Body Perspective
- Anatomy of Fascia - Part 1 I The Miracle of Your Body
- Anatomy of Fascia - Part 2 I Perinatal Research and Exploration Exercises
- Visualizing Fascia I How Fascia is Affected
Chapter 3 | Physiology Of Pregnancy and Postnatal - Fascia Focused
- Hormones During Pregnancy
- Understanding the Nervous System and Why it Matters I Part 1
- The Nervous System and Stress i Pre and Postnatal Women I Part 2
- The Vagus Nerves I Why They Are a Big Deal, and How to Help Them Thrive
- Respiratory Changes
- Coming soon! Cardiovascular Changes
- Coming soon! Myofascial Changes
Chapter 4 | Common Health Concerns & Discomforts, and How Pilates can help
- Common Problems & Complaints & How Pilates Can Help
- Common Health Concerns and How Pilates can Help
- Pelvic Pain in Pre and Postnatal - Research-Based Tutorial
- Pre and Postnatal Depression & Mood Concerns and How You Can Help
- Perinatal Depression and Mood Experiences Part 1 I Prevalence, Stigma and Contributing Factors
- Perinatal Depression and Mood Disorders Part 2 I Helping Clients Within Your Scope of Practice
- Diastasis Recti | Research-Based Protocol
- The REC Check and Training Guidelines 2020
- Part 1.1 I Perspective Shift, and Anatomy of DRA
- Part 1.2 I Assessment
- Part 2 I Program and Design Considerations
- Part 3 I Prenatal, Labor, and Postnatal Protocol
- Remedies for Common Ailments
- Calf Cramps I Foam Roller Massage
- Carpal Tunnel
- Tight Shoulders I Upper Trapezius Stretch
- Low-Back Tightness I Arch n Curl All 4’s
- Low-Back Pain I Hug the Baby
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Plantar Fasciitis and Calf Cramps
Chapter 5 | Pre and Postnatal Pilates and Exercise Session Basics
- *Star Pose* Confidence and Energy Boosting Exercise
- *Star Pose 2.0* I Movements to Add
Pregnancy Session Goals & Focus PDF Downloads
- Preconception & early pregnancy
- 1st Trimester
- 2nd Trimester
- 3rd Trimester
- Coming soon! Labor & Birth - Vaginal & C-Section Considerations
- Coming soon! Postnatal - The 4th Trimester, and 3 - 6 months postnatal
- Session Basics | The Feet
- Feet exercises
- Session Basics | Breathing
- Breathing Cycles
- Breathing Troubleshooting
- Percussive Breathing for Fascial Stimulation
- Ribcage Stretching Through Breathing and Movement
- Session Basics | Hug the Baby Free the Baby
- Hug the Baby/Free the Baby in-Depth
- Hug the Baby Troubleshooting
- Session Basics | Squatting
- The Art of Squatting- The Fundamentals of Teaching this Vital Movement
- Incorporating the Squat- Exercises & Everyday Movement
Chapter 6 | Everyday Movement - Encouraging Healthy Movement and Moments for Everyday Life
- Neutral Pelvis Tutorial I Anatomy, Importance, and How to Teach It
- Lifting out of the Joints i How to Use Gravity for Support
- Doorway Delights: Training the fascial web using a doorway
- Coming Soon - Walking
- Coming Soon - Lifting and Lowering
- Coming Soon - Reaching and Twisting
- Everyday Extras
- In the Bed I For Lower-Body Blood Flow
- Rocking Chair Arch, Curl, Squat-3 Minutes
- Trunk of the Car Stretch and Tone- 2 Minutes
- Driving and Posture - 2 Minutes
- Waiting at the gas station - 1 Minute
- Stroller Stretch - 1 Minute
- Shopping Cart Stretch - 1 Minutes
Coming Soon! Chapter 7 | Special Considerations in Pre and Postnatal Health and Wellness
- Body Image
- Miscarriage
- IVF
- Breastfeeding
Coming Soon! Chapter 8 | Putting it all Together - Impactful Session Planning for Pre and Postnatal Women
- Sessions for each trimester
- Session as an anti-depressant
- Sessions for special circumstances
Chapter 9 | Personal & Professional Development for You (The Pilates Teacher)
- Happiness and cutting ties with people who have limiting beliefs
- The importance of Happiness in Business
Chapter 10 | The Marketing Impact - Sharing Pre and Postnatal Pilates Services with the Women Who Need it Most
- How to Teach Online and Get Paid ASAP - PDF
- Marketing on Social Media: How to Get Over the Fear - PDF
- Audio Interview with Leslie Logan of Profitable Pilates on Confidence
- More coming soon!
Expert Interviews on Pre and Postnatal Wellness
- Rethinking the 2 Most-Common Cues in Pilates I Dr. Sarah Duvall I March 2020
- Diastasis Recti Research-Based Guidelines I Sinead Dufour I January 2020
- Breastfeeding Mom’s - How to Support Them - Expert Interview with Jacqueline Kincer of Holistic Lactation I March 2019
- Working with Pre and Postnatal Women - Dr. Sarah Ellis Duvall I 2018
- IVF and PIlates - Teaching Clients Safety and Confidently with PT and Pilates Teacher Jessica Valant I October 2019
Resources | Articles, Websites, and Research Related to Pre & Postnatal
- Articles and Research
Creating vs Consuming
Rather than passively consuming the content and exercises, you will be challenged to use the content within 24 hours, and create your own variations for the exercises.
Research shows that the human brain learns more through the act of creating, than passively consuming.
So, you will learn how to safely and effectively create and teach Mat, Props, Reformer, Trapeze, and Chair exercise variations for pregnant and postnatal period.
The PPI Academy will guide you in learning the best techniques for creating variations, staying TRUE to the Pilates method, in addition to giving you basic, pre and postnatal exercises including exercises for special circumstances such as:
- Diastasis Recti,
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse.
- Postnatal healing up to 2 years postpartum
- C-section recovery
- Learn about teaching clients going through in-vitro fertilization with an Expert Interview with Jessica Valant.
Client Education
Involving your clients in the process of understanding and APPRECIATING their body through explaining anatomy and physiology.
Research shows that client education is vital in the pursuit of health.
- If a client understands why they are doing an exercise, how their body functions,
- AND that their habits outside of the studio dramatically help or hurt their healing,
- they are much more likely to follow-through with their sessions, and work towards changing their habits for the better in their everyday life.
So, you will learn how to effectively educate clients on the common physical and emotional experiences and concerns of the pre and postnatal journey, such as how to help prevent and heal
- Pelvic organ prolapse,
- Healing from diastasis recti,
- Dealing with body image and weight,
- Baby blues and postpartum depression,
- Moving through pain.
YOUR Personal IMPACT
Whether you have been teaching for 10 days or 10 years, you have unique, valuable skills unlike any other teacher! β§ That is why we will be helping you develop the personal skills necessary to carry out this vital mission of teaching pre and postnatal women!
All of the areas of education above cannot be applied to their fullest potential without YOU, and your ability to apply the information.
That is why The Pregnancy Pilates Impact Academy provides education and experiential, self-reflective lessons so that you can create a lasting, positive IMPACT from the very first meeting you have with a client.
You will gain the skills to be a pre and postnatal Pilates impacter, through the development of the following:
- Integrity
- Motivation
- Positivity
- Advocate
- Confidence
- Trust
- Encouragement
- Resilience
Create a Vision for YOUR Life as a Pilates Teacher
β’ Our HIGHEST priority is helping our students gain the confidence you need to teach pre and postnatal women, through creating a CLEAR VISION of where they want to go in their Pilates career!
Read what one of our students, Emilie of Waxwing Pilates in Montana has accomplished since she has finished the course:
"THANK YOU!!! I'm reflecting on huge leaps today. Because of this group, just since MAY 2018 I have purchased equipment, rented a new space, contracted an additional instructor, made new business affiliations, taken out a business loan, improved my relationship with my family, walked two friends/clients through their first pregnancy (due October and November), and changed my 9-5 job to part time hours to be more of a mom and business woman. I am just glowing with the belief that I'm a powerful creator of something awesome that helps people. Love you all! Keep up the inspiration!"
Emilie - Owner of Waxwing Pilates
Ennis, Montana
β THAT is the kind of transformation our students are making. And you don't have to go to the extreme that Emilie has!
This is HER vision. What is yours?
πΈ
Meet Anna,
alumni of the PPI Academy, who is the leading pre and postnatal Pilates teacher in Poland...
"The first time I met Alison was about two years ago, and I thought this is the teacher I need to learn from next, I loved the modification for Pilates exercises that I didn't know before. I was intrigued. β§ With great support from Alison's side, I joined her program and I'm still a member at this moment. I see how she grows and expands her knowledge, and this is very motivating for me. β§ Being a member of "Pilates Impact Academy" means support, motivation, and amazing knowledge. β§ This is not just an exercise program for pregnancy and postpartum this is a whole body, mind, and spirit support program for mothers. β§ I didn't realize about many mental issues that are so important when working with moms. I learn a lot having support not only from Alison, but from the group as well; when I have a question there is always someone there with answers.β§ Alison and her program were and still are my inspiration in developing my online business. She's a fantastic cheerleader for us teachers to go for our dreams and realize them. β§ "
Anna Wojtera - FitHouse RzeszΓ³w, Poland
Pre & Postnatal Pilates & Fitness Teacher
Why Pilates is the BEST form of exercise for pregnancy:
During pregnancy, your woman client’s body goes through significant changes.
The pregnant body is flooded with a variety of hormones that drastically change the way the body functions, ultimately affecting the way a woman feels.
With the growth of the fetus come major shifts in the body:
- A woman’s center of gravity changes, causing alignment issues which lead to low-back, hip, and pelvic pain.
- The organs are compacted creating health issues such as breathing difficulty, digestive and pelvic floor issues.
The Pilates Method offers pregnant and postpartum women the mind-body attention they need, along with the feel-good effects of exercise, core conditioning, and optimal breathing techniques.
Pregnancy should be an amazing time in a woman’s life!
The Pregnancy Pilates Impact Method, along with your educated, confident, attentive instruction,
will give your women clients the mind and body necessary to experience a healthy pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum recovery!
And
Give YOU the skills you need to work with this population confidently and effectively!
(FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions
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How is the course delivered?
- 100% online, We use a platform called Kajabi, which houses the course content.
- The course is delivered in the form of:
- Videos
- Keynote Presentations (Power Point)
- Audios
- PDF Guides
- Images
- The course requires you to be ACTIVE in the learning process, so you will have an activity after each lesson.
- There are 10 "Chapters" - We use "chapters" rather than "modules" because the course will eventually be accompanied by a printed, full-color manual.
- You will also have access to our PPI teacher-only Facebook group for extra support.
Who is this training for?
- Both Contemporary AND Classical Pilates Teachers
- Pilates teachers who have gone through either a Mat Comprehensive Teacher Training, or both Mat and Equipment Comprehensive Teacher Training. Equipment curriculum includes Reformer, Trapeze, and Chair.
- Pilates teachers who have just received their certification, through Pilates teachers who have multiple years of training.
Who this training is NOT for?
- Pilates teachers who are not open to learning new ideas.
- Pilates teachers who want a quick training just to get the certificate.
- Pilates teachers who want to learn extreme, high-impact exercises for pregnancy and postnatal.
- Non-Pilates Teachers.
What if I don't plan to teach very many pregnant or postnatal women?
- Women are having babies later in life; in their 40s. This population tends to pay closer attention to their health, increasing the likely hood that you WILL be teaching pregnant women at some point in your career.
- You don't want to be the teacher who turns away, or loses a client because they become pregnant, and don't know how to work with them.
- Also, pre and postnatal specific curriculum is fantastic for beginners to Pilates, clients with back pain, and clients who prefer or need a gentler workout.
- You never know when a pregnant or postnatal woman is going to enquire about your services!
What is the benefit of taking this training on-line, versus an in-person training?
- The on-line academy structure allows you to go through the lessons on your own time, in the comfort of your own studio or home and, MOST IMPORTANTLY, apply the lessons immediately, so that you can:
-
Start helping women now
-
Refine your teaching skills
-
And boost your confidence in teaching
- Saves you time and money on travel.
Why are you taking $300 off of the enrollment fee?
- The PPI Academy online content is almost complete. However, there are details and additions that will be added over the next couple of months.
- Once the course is 100% complete, the enrollment fee will be close to $1,000.
If the course doesn't resonate with me, can I get a refund?
- We don't give refunds, HOWEVER, we DO have a 12 month, money back guarantee.
- This is how it works: After 12 months, if you have done the work, and you do not feel like you are a more confident pre and postnatal teacher, I will give you your money back.
- This guarantee requires that you have gone through all of the lessons, done the work (through written and video form, if required,) been active in the Facebook community and asked questions, and submit a written request.
The Story of Pregnancy Pilates Impact
How God answered my prayer after 8 years of infertility.
"In 2008, I was asked by my mentor Dolly Kelepecz to create a curriculum for her comprehensive Pilates teacher training program DK Body Balancing.
Dolly knew that my husband and I were trying to get pregnant at the time, and so I was immersing myself in everything I could related to pregnancy, exercise, and Pilates.
In 2012 I taught the first pre and postnatal Pilates teacher training, along with other contributors.
In 2014, after teaching the training for 2 years, and still not pregnant myself, I went to Dolly and said:
"I can't do this anymore. I feel like I need to be pregnant to effectively teach this training, and it's not happening."
I took all of my books, and the manuals I created back to Dolly's office at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where Dolly is an adjunct professor and is the creator and director of the Pilates minor program.
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A few months past and no one else was taking on the pre and postnatal training.
SO,
I said a prayer to God:
"God, if you want me to continue teaching this training, I want to be pregnant."
Well,
After adopting 2 children, and experiencing 8 years of infertility, I was pregnant the next month - November 2014.
In July, 2015, our beautiful baby boy, Zechariah was born,
and God had answered loud and clear what I was meant to do in my Pilates career.
πΈ πΈ πΈ
There's a dire need for pre and postnatal women around the world to have the physical and mental support necessary to raise a family who feels loved and confident.
I invite you to join me on my life mission of helping pre and postnatal women around the world.
Your Instructor:
Alison B. Marsh NCPT
Click Here for Alison's Curriculum Vitae (CV)
-Founder and CEO of Pregnancy Pilates Impact
-Former CEO of Your Pregnant Core Pilates - DK Body Certification 2012
-Pilates comprehensive training completed through DK Body Balancing Method in 2002
-Pilates Method Alliance Certified 2018
-Author of The Pilates Instructor's Easy Reference Guide to Teaching Pre and Postnatal Women
-Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Nevada Las Vegas 2005
-Adjunct Professor - University of Nevada Las Vegas Pilates Program 2017
-Retired Professional Dancer - Folies Bergere in Las Vegas, NV 2005
-Founder of the Diastasis Recti Discussion Group for Pilates Instructors
--Mother of 5 - 2 step, 2 adopted, 1 biological.
Click Here to Learn More about Alison's training, and Pregnancy Pilates Impact
Questions? Contact Us! We're here to help!
