Pilates for Children and Adolescents

By Pilates Staten Island Uncategorized
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About Course

Pilates for Children and Adolescents is a comprehensive on-line training for Pilates instructors and allied professionals (e.g., physical education teachers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dance instructors, and youth sports coaches).

This course is designed to equip Pilates instructors and allied professionals working with youth with the knowledge and skills needed to implement safe, effective, and engaging Pilates programs for children and adolescents.

What Will You Learn?

  • Receive 18 approved NPCP Continuing Education Credits
  • How to safely and effectively teach Pilates to children and adolescents across different age groups
  • Key developmental milestones and movement patterns from early childhood through adolescence
  • How to recognize and respond to anatomical, physiological, and neurological differences in youth
  • Strategies for integrating Pilates into various environments including schools, studios, homes, and sports settings
  • Age-appropriate teaching methods that engage kids through play, creativity, and structure
  • Techniques for posture assessment and basic movement analysis in youth
  • How to identify and support integration of retained primitive reflexes in early childhood
  • Tools for building strength, coordination, and injury resilience during growth spurts
  • Breathing techniques and mindfulness tools to support emotional regulation and focus
  • Practical classroom management and engagement strategies for all group sizes
  • Safety protocols, waiver forms, and professional conduct expectations for instructors
  • How to use Pilates as cross-training for young athletes to enhance performance and recovery
  • Communication styles and cueing strategies tailored to each developmental stage
  • Reflection tools and goal-setting methods that build self-esteem and body awareness
  • Creative planning templates, tracking sheets, and printable resources to support long-term student success

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Pilates for Youth – Understanding Child Development and Movement Needs
Theme: Understanding Child Development and Movement Needs This foundational module introduces the core principles and purpose behind teaching Pilates to youth. Rooted in Joseph Pilates’ original vision, it offers an essential framework for understanding how to safely and effectively apply the Pilates method to children and adolescents. Students will explore: The original teachings of Joseph Pilates and his philosophy of “first educate the child.” Foundational Pilates concepts including Whole Body Health, Whole Body Commitment, and Breath. Anatomical and physiological distinctions between children and adults—and why they matter. The vital role of emotional and social well-being in movement education. Practical strategies for postural and movement analysis that inform safe and effective teaching. By the end of this module, movement professionals will be equipped with a deep understanding of child development, foundational Pilates principles, and assessment tools to guide their work with young movers.

  • Theme and Summary
    01:39
  • Lesson 1: First Educate the Child
    07:28
  • Quiz, Lesson 1
  • Lesson 2: Pilates Foundational Concepts
    10:25
  • Quiz, Lesson 2
  • Lesson 3: Anatomical and Physiological Considerations
    10:24
  • Quiz, Lesson 3
  • Lesson 4: Well-Being
    08:58
  • Quiz, Lesson 4
  • Lesson 5: Basic Postural & Movement Analysis for Pilates and Movement Educators
    15:09
  • Quiz, Lesson 5
  • Module 1 Test: Foundations of Pilates for Youth

Module 2: Pilates for Early Childhood (Ages 3-7) – Play-Based Movement Strategies
Theme: Play-Based Movement Strategies This module explores how to introduce Pilates to young children through developmentally appropriate, imaginative, and engaging play-based strategies. Designed for educators, therapists, and movement professionals, it emphasizes the importance of early movement experiences in shaping motor skills, coordination, and confidence. Students will learn: Key anatomical and developmental milestones during early childhood. How to structure age-appropriate Pilates exercises that encourage exploration and enjoyment. Practical tools for creating classes that foster autonomy, creativity, and foundational movement patterns through storytelling, music, and visual imagery. With a focus on connection, creativity, and curiosity, this module equips teachers to deliver joyful and purposeful movement experiences that support physical, cognitive, and emotional growth.

Module 3: Pilates for Middle Childhood and Early Adolescence (Ages 7-11 and 12-14) – Building Coordination & Motor Control
Theme: Building Coordination and Motor Control Description: This module focuses on a key developmental stage where children begin refining complex motor patterns and gaining greater body awareness. Known as the “Magic Window” (ages 9–13), this phase presents a prime opportunity to develop coordination, postural control, and cross-lateral movement skills through Pilates. You’ll explore how the Pilates method enhances neuromuscular integration, balance, and strength during this vital window of growth. Lessons include anatomy and developmental insights, age-appropriate exercise adaptations, and essential teaching strategies for improving coordination and motor control. Whether students are preparing for athletic participation, improving focus, or just building confidence in their bodies, this module equips educators with the tools to make Pilates impactful and engaging for tweens and early teens.

Module 4: Pilates for Adolescents (13-18) – Strong Foundations for Lifelong Resilience
Module 4 Theme: "Strong Foundations for Lifelong Resilience" 
Building strength, posture, and body awareness during adolescence to support peak performance, injury prevention, and healthy movement habits. Module 4 Summary – Pilates for Adolescents (Ages 13–18) Adolescence is a dynamic period marked by rapid physical growth, hormonal changes, and shifts in movement mechanics. As youth experience changes in muscle length, joint alignment, and coordination, they are particularly vulnerable to postural imbalances and overuse injuries—especially those engaged in sports or repetitive training. This module explores how Pilates offers a balanced, non-invasive training approach that supports strength development, postural alignment, and injury prevention during this sensitive developmental window. You’ll learn: How to adapt Pilates exercises to the unique physical and emotional needs of teens How to safely build strength without overloading growing joints How to address common postural challenges like tech neck, hyperlordosis, and flat back How to help teen athletes improve performance through core strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control Through structured lessons, you’ll gain strategies for designing effective Pilates-based sessions that empower adolescents to move with confidence, control, and purpose—whether for sports or everyday life.

Module 5: Teaching Considerations, Strategies & Class Design – Adapting Pilates to Group and Individual Settings
This module equips educators with the tools to teach Pilates to children and adolescents across a variety of settings—safely, professionally, and effectively. From classroom management and developmental considerations to professional boundaries and environment-specific protocols, this module ensures instructors are well-prepared to adapt their teaching for both group and individual needs. You'll explore best practices for: Teaching strategies that support engagement and learning Managing diverse class environments (schools, studios, youth centers, athletic teams, therapy clinics, and at home) Age-appropriate programming and safety procedures Building confidence and professionalism when working with youth Whether you're teaching in a physical education setting, running studio-based classes, or integrating Pilates into a clinical or home environment, this module helps you deliver developmentally appropriate and impactful movement experiences for every child.

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