Common Questions about Earning Your Spencer Pilates Instructor Certification

Why should I enroll in the Spencer Pilates™ certification program?
It is the only comprehensive home study Pilates Certification Course ….. Period!

Who should take this pilates education program?
Existing Pilates instructors, yoga teachers, personal trainers, group fitness/aerobics instructors and fitness enthusiasts who enjoy practicing Pilates.

How does the share program work?
Enroll with a friend and the two of you will each get a complete set of materials, and you will each earn your Spencer Pilates™ Certification. Each student will receive all the benefits associated with being certified in this cutting edge fitness system. Materials will be sent to one address, but we still need both student's contact information for our records. Even though you both enroll at the same time, it is not required that you both return your materials for grading at the same time.

What if I’m not currently a fitness professional?
Many people enroll in the Spencer Pilates certification program simply because they enjoy Pilates and Pilates workouts and want to learn more to improve their practice and perhaps help their family and friends.

Is Spencer Pilates accredited?
Yes! This program is accredited by the AADP (American Association of Drugless Practitioners) and is also approved by ISSA (International Sports Science Association) and NCBTMB (National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork). In addition, it provided 20 CECs (Continuing Education Units) for NESTA's Personal Trainer Programs.

Do I need any special equipment?
The only equipment that is needed is mat and exercise ball. The total cost of both items is between $20 - $30.

Do I need to travel to complete my Pilates training or to be tested?
No. Because of our unique system, you are tested by online exam in the comfort of your own home.

Does Spencer Pilates™ cover biomechanics?
Yes, the first DVD (or video) has an hour lecture on biomechanics. The CD-Rom manual (easily printable) also goes over biomechanics, anatomy, basic nutrition and other physiological information that allows you to better guide your clients to ultimate success with Spencer Pilates™.

How much is Spencer Pilates™ like the original Pilates taught by Joseph H. Pilates?
The fundamentals of the movements are exactly the same. After doing extensive research, we have developed a modern system which honors the foundation of Joseph H. Pilates and adds advanced strength movements and the elements of the Spencer Ball™ and Staff.


Who will be issuing my certification?
Your certification will be issued by NESTA - National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association, an international fitness organization with over 40,000 members in 20 countries.

Will I actually get a “certificate”?
Yes, it is made of the finest parchment and you will display it proudly.

Do I pay a separate testing fee?
If you purchased the DVD format your program price includes two testing attempts. If you do not pass on the second attempt there is a $95.00 retesting fee. The VHS format is a written exam and their a no retesting fees.

When I complete my pilates certification training, will I be qualified to teach Spencer Pilates™? Yes. You will be completely certified and ready to teach. As with anything, you will get better as you gain more experience.

Do I need web access to complete this course?
Study is done through home-study. You will need access to a computer since the manual is on a disk. The manual can easily be printed out if you desire. The DVD format contains the online exam must be completed within 90 days of the purchase date.

What are your Policies & Procedures?
View them here.

Do I get Spencer Pilates™ logos to promote myself?
Your CD-ROM will have many file formats of our official logo for you to use on all of your promotional material.

Where can I buy the Spencer Ball (Exercise Ball)?
Virtually any sporting good store will carry them. Your course describes which size is correct for you.

How will I find work as a Spencer Pilates™ instructor?
We advocate operating your own business. That is how you maximize your earning potential. If you desire employment, please see our list of fitness and pilates jobs. Many of our graduates teach in high-end clubs around the world.

How long does it take to complete the course?
Everyone has different abilities. If you have some pilates or yoga experience and work on your material, and practice a little each day, it should take you about 4-6 weeks. You may complete it in any length of time. It's important for you to practice each movement until you are confident with your ability.

Can Spencer Pilates™ be blended with other styles and practices I've learned in the past?

Yes, you are free to blend and integrate our system into your own style of teaching. Many students have taken tai chi, yoga, Nia, etc. They find Spencer Pilates™ is an excellent addition to their current knowledge.

What are the requirements to pass the program?
Completion of the 100 question online or written exam with a score of 70% or greater.

Are there any licensing fees to use the Spencer Pilates™ name and likeness?
Once you are certified, you may use our logo for all your promotional purposes. We provide you with extensive digital camera-ready art work for brochures, flyers, and business cards.

How do I start a business if I don't want to work for a club?
We suggest the “Jump Start Your Fitness Business” Kit. The Spencer Small Business Association can also be helpful.

How much money will I make as a Certified Spencer Pilates™ Instructor?
We have students tell us that they can make as much as $100 per class in private community settings. When you teach at a club, it will range from $30-$50 per class. Private lessons will allow you to earn $70+/hr. with your own business. As you an now easily see, your educational investment is made back in a very short period of time!

Example of your new income opportunity: Six of your neighbors want to take Spencer Pilates™ lessons.
You hold a small class in a community recreation room or park, someone's basement, or a converted garage. Each person pays $15 per (semi-private) class. You make $90 per class. It's that simple.

Does NESTA offer exclusive territories for those who become Spencer Pilates™ certified?
We do not offer exclusive territories. There are more than 15,000,000 Pilates practitioners in the U.S. There are plenty of clients/students for those who apply themselves. Example: Our office is located in Orange County, California. There are more fitness professionals here than any other place in the world (1 per 1,000 residents) Top instructors make $50,000-$100,000+ per year.

Can you please explain the breakdown of the Spencer Pilates™ system?
Spencer Pilates™ is broken down into seven segments:
• Human Movement (Planes, axis and lines of movement in the body)
This aspect of our program is the most fundamental. You must know how the body moves through different lines and planes of motion to best understand how to safely and effectively create an exercise program for clients of differing ability levels and various goals.

• Spencer Pilates™ Basics (Fundamental exercises on which all other movements originate)
You will learn the primary exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates. Once these movements are refined, all the additional and progressively complex exercises can be added.

• Spencer Core Movements (Focus on the “power house”)
The “core” or “powerhouse” is the combination of your abdominal muscles, hips, buttocks and lower back. This vitally important region is responsible for stability, transferring power from the upper to lower body (and vice versa), as well as overall body strength and proper posture.

• Spencer Blitz™ (15 primary exercises done in a special sequence for fast results)
These specific 15 movements done in the proper sequence will give you a safe, fun, effective and balanced workout in less than 15 minutes. As a personal trainer or group fitness instructor, you could add the Spencer Blitz™ to the conclusion of your training session or class.

• Spencer Ball™ Basics (Balance, alignment, range of motion). Taking your Spencer Pilates™ practice to the next level, you will learn a wide variety of Pilates, yoga-inspired sequences and therapeutic practices that will give you literally dozens of new ways to expand your Spencer Pilates™ practice.

• Spencer Power™ (Total body strength movements on the mat and Spencer Ball)
Dr. John Spencer Ellis will teach you a blend of tradition Pilates movements and a hybrid of specific powerful exercises which can be done on the Spencer Ball and mat. This segment is more advanced and is intended for the later stages of your training and certification process.

I live outside the United States. Can I still enroll in the program, and what is the shipping cost?
Yes you can. You are entitled to take our program. There will be a shipping fee for international orders. Our policies page has details on shipping rates for international orders.

What are the standards for acceptance into the program?
Minimum Suggested Qualifications for Acceptance...
*Applicant must be at least sixteen years old and have strong reading skills.
*Applicant should have some basic dance, aerobic exercise, strength training, martial arts, Pilates, or yoga experience.
*Applicant does not need a CPR card to begin a program. A CPR card may be required to work at some fitness facilities. This is easily acquired from your local American Heart Association or American Red Cross. We recommend that you get your CPR card.
* Spencer Pilates™/NESTA does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, national ancestry, or physical challenges.

Is Spencer Pilates™ taught in a large group, small group or individual format?
You can teach our system in small or large groups setting or one-on-one. It is entirely up to you.
You may decide to have someone-on-one clients and then teach a class in the evening. Your local community center will also provide you will many additional teaching/business opportunities.

How can I learn Pilates home?
Because of our special way of presenting the material, it is a simple process. The videos (or DVDs) and workbook move slowly and steadily through each pose, movement and breathing pattern. You are able to pause the video and take notes, or practice the movements at any time. The learning method is simple and straight forward.