Welcome to the Somaphyx® Practitioners' Apprenticeship!

The Somaphyx Practitioner's Apprenticeship (SPA) is a Pilates teacher training program rooted in the methodology of Joseph Pilates. You will learn the traditional exercises across all major pieces of equipment through the classical Somaphyx Comprehensive Repertoire and Seminars. Supporting coursework in anatomy, kinesiology, and pedagogy will hone your abilities as a teacher along with the in-studio requirements.

The SPA is more than a fitness certification. The program is focused on Pilates as corrective conditioning in addition to its fitness attributes. You will gain the expertise to truly educate each body in both private and group sessions. Graduates are successful career teachers who are sought out for their extensive knowledge as Pilates practitioners.

Unlike many training programs, enrollment is limited to ensure a personalized experience. Each enrollment term only allows for 3 students. Apprentices work closely with faculty and the program and education directors to ensure student growth during the program. Therefore, we require completion of an Entrance Application that includes a Demonstration Benchmark or successful completion of the Somaphyx Pre-Apprenticeship Program.

All program details are below. Should you have any questions, or to request a consultation, please email us at pilates804@pilates804.com.

Curriculum:

• Anatomy and Kinesiology course, completed with a passing score within 30 days of registration (on demand)

• The Somaphyx Comprehensive Repertoire: On demand library of the traditional Pilates exercises:

• Mat + Magic Circle

• Reformer I-III

• Cadillac/Tower

• Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair

• Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ladder Barrel

• 42 Seminar hours in studio, with Somaphyx faculty:

• Intensive accompaniment to the Repertoire

• Props and how to integrate them into teaching

• Cueing and Creating Dynamic Classes

• Access to seminar replays

• Total Matness

• Select FBombs

• Slack Community/Mentorship Classroom

• 10 Private Lessons with a Practitioner

• 10 Advisory Sessions with Faculty

• 3 Benchmark Tests

Program Requirements:

Entrance into the SPA requires a complete Application and the passing of an Entrance Demonstration Benchmark. Apprentice must successfully demonstrate an unassisted Somaphyx Level III Reformer and selected Mat exercises. Prepare for the Entrance Benchmark through the Pre-Apprenticeship.

Studio Pillar Hours

Pillar hours are to be completed at Pilates 804 or a Somaphyx affiliate studio. Hours completed at other studios considered upon request to the Education Director. All hours are to be digitally logged through a shared spreadsheet that is the responsibility of the apprentice to accurately maintain.

• 100 Hours of Observation

• 200 Hours of Student Teaching

• 125 Hours of Personal Practice (Divided between lessons and personal workouts)

• 40 Hours Case Study

• Attendance of all Seminars in person at Pilates 804

Proficiency Benchmark Requirements:

Each Benchmark test consists of a Written, Teaching and Demonstration Practical.

• 3 Written Exam (3 hrs each)

• 3 Teaching Practical (2hrs each)

• 3 Demonstration Practical (2 hrs each)

Curriculum Breakdown:

Somaphyx Repertoire: Comprehensive Full Apparatus The Somaphyx Repertoire is a complete on demand library of the traditional Pilates exercises on Mat, Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Barrels and Chair. Once enrolled in the SPA program, one year of access to the Comprehensive Repertoire will be unlocked for study. While the program is designed to be completed in approximately 9-12 months, the Repertoire access remains active to support the student through their testing.

Seminars There are 48 hours of seminar done with members of the Somaphyx faculty. Seminars may be attended in-studio or on-line, and provide for hands-on training and the opportunity to refine the material.

A&K + Movement Fundamentals Anatomy and Kinesiology and Movement Fundamentals is a nose to toes anatomy course designed for Pilates professionals. It is an eight hour on demand course that students will have a full year of access to but must complete within 30 days of program registration. A passing score of 80% must be achieved.

Anatomy and Kinesiology coursework, Total Matness, and the select FBombs will be unlocked for student access upon payment. The Total Matness content (20 hours of on demand Mat classes) and the FBombs will be released to the participant at the time of the A&K enrollment, allowing an immediate start to personal practice hours upon payment of tuition.

The A&K course is taught through modules consisting of powerpoint presentations, video recordings, and downloadable worksheets. Modules utilize the academic text by R.T Floyd, The Manual of Structural Kinesiology. Other supported readings are suggested in the course.

Studio Pillar Hour Breakdown:

Personal Pilates Practice Sessions Apprentices must complete 125 hours of self-guided workouts and lessons with a Practitioner. Pilates 804 will provide studio space for individual practice for students enrolled in the program, subject to space availability. Sessions should be scheduled through Vagaro. The studio is open five days per week, from 8 AM to 7 PM most days. Students will not be permitted to be in studio without a staff member present. Dividing the 125 hours between self-guided workouts and lessons with Practitioner is the responsibility of the student but will be overseen by the Education Directory and Faculty.

Observation Hours Apprentices must complete 100 hours of observation. Ideally all hours are completed at Pilates 804 in Richmond VA, and a minimum of 40 must be completed in-studio. There is no charge for enrolled students to observe sessions at Pilates 804. Slack should be used to communicate with faculty about planned observation hours. Up to 20 observation hours can be completed virtually through membership sites Pilates Anytime or Pilatesology. At this time, each site is offering a 30-day free trial, but membership fees are to be paid by the student. Fees are NOT included in the SPA program.

Pilatesology is strictly classical Pilates taught by classical teachers. Any class or session can count towards observation hours. Pilates Anytime is a great platform that offers a variety of teachers, styles, and modalities. Only pre-approved teachers can be observed on Pilates Anytime for hourly credit. This is to keep students focused on the training.

Student Teaching Apprentices must complete 200 hours of practice teaching. Ideally each hour is a group class but private sessions are also accepted. Private practice teaching sessions can be scheduled at Pilates 804 through Vagaro. It is recommended that students film practice teaching hours for personal review. Classes can also be linked into Slack Classroom for director and peer review.

Case Study Apprentices must procure a volunteer client that can commit to 30 consistent and consecutive private sessions. SOAP notes are to be completed at the end of each session to document the client's progress and lesson plan execution. A final case study write-up must be submitted prior to the third and final Benchmark test that details the clients progress from start to finish as well as all SOAP notes. Templates for SOAP notes and the final write up will be provided.

It is advised that the apprentice chose a healthy mover that feels confident in progressing through the pilates system. It is ideal that the case study client also be the apprentice's 'test body' for the Teaching Practical portion of each Benchmark test.

Slack Classroom Somaphyx utilizes Slack as a classroom discussion and advisory board. The app is free and will be available for the duration of the program. This is where students have direct access to the Program Director and faculty, to ask questions and gain clarification whenever needed. Voice and video notes are easily attached within the app, and any link can be inserted. Students are encouraged to utilize these tools to get direct feedback and support.

Benchmark Testing Breakdown:

Each test (Benchmark) is done in three parts. The written exam is administered online, and consists of multiple choice, short and long answer questions. A passing score of 80% must be achieved. Retakes are issued at a fee of $100 each. The Demonstration Practical is an assessment of a student's physical understanding of the Comprehensive Repertoire. The Teaching Practical evaluates a student's ability to plan and deliver instruction to a group class or a private session.

The practicums are evaluated by a scaled rubric that students will have access to before scheduling their tests. Should a student not satisfy the rubric, practicums may be completed again for a fee of $200 each. Practicums should be conducted at Pilates 804, with advanced scheduling required. In some cases, video submissions may be substituted with advance approval from the Program Director. Fees are the same for video and live exams.

Cost and Fees

Tuition: $7895 due August 1

• A&K + Movement Fundamentals

• Total Matness

• Included FBombs

• On-demand library: Comprehensive Classical Pilates Repertoire

• Mat and Magic Circle

• Reformer - Levels I - III

• Cadillac/Tower

• Chair: Wunda Chair, High Chair, Arm Chair

• Barrels: Spine Corrector, Small Barrel, Ladder Barrel

• Studio Pillar Hours

• All hours must be reserved and scheduled through Vagaro. Volunteers for student teaching will not be charged an additional fee.

• Seminar Weekends

• Six weekends of 7 hours each (42 hours total)

• Replays will be available in the on-demand library

• Must be attended in person

• Advisory Hours = $120/hour

• Must be scheduled in advance through Vagaro

• 10 Sessions included with tuition

• Private Lessons with Faculty = $105/hour

• Must be scheduled in advance through Vagaro

• Packages are available

• 10 Sessions included with tuition

• Benchmark Testing

• Written = $100

• Demonstration Practical = $200

• Teaching Practical = $200

• Testing included with tuition fees apply to re-testing

• Continuing Access for Pillar Hour Completion (after 12 months) = $295/month

  • Observation in studio

  • Personal Practice Space

  • Practice-Teaching Space

  • Continued access to all on-demand course materials

Payment Plan: $4000 deposit at enrollment and $358/mth for 12 months. Deposit due August 1.

Refunds and Termination Policies

All tuition payments, fees, and installment payments are non-refundable for any reason. For those who choose an payment plan, a valid credit card must be kept on file during enrollment. Enrollment and monthly payments can be suspended for up to 90 days due to medical concerns with validation from a medical professional. If the apprentice is unable to return after 90 days, enrollment is terminated, and no refunds will be given. Apprentices may reapply for the next enrollment term and transfer all program hours up to 18 months from termination. However, fees and tuition payments will NOT transfer and will begin again at a $0 account balance.

The Program and Education Director reserve the right to terminate enrollment without refund for the following reasons:

1. The apprentice poses a threat to themselves, staff, clientele, or fellow apprentices.

2. The apprentice engages in behavior defined as harassment under US Title 9.

3. The apprentice engages in behaviors that are discriminatory upon race, sexual orientation or preference.

4. The apprentice is in flagrant disregard of Pilates 804 studio policies.

5. The apprentice has been unavailable, ceased communication, and/or ceased participation in program requirements for more than 30 days.

6. The apprentice engages in slander against Somaphyx, Pilates 804, faculty, staff, or clientele.

7. The apprentice violates copyright law on any learning materials and/or promotional materials of Somaphyx and Pilates 804.