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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I just started Pilates, am I a good candidate for participating in the Matwork Teacher Training or Comprehensive Global Program or do I need more experience?
Individuals with movement experience may seem to progress more quickly through the practical portion. However, regardless of experience, “every body” has the opportunity to benefit greatly from the qualities the BASI programs contain, if they apply themselves.
Q. What is the difference between BASI Pilates and other Pilates training organisations?

This is a very important question and one we are proud to outline.

The underlying philosophy of the BASI educational program is a true synthesis of the physical, the emotional and the spiritual. Combining repertoire, process and athleticism into a structured process, BASI Pilates is a leader in the Pilates community, with a curriculum-based educational program. A contemporary approach includes the heart of the BASI program, the Block System™, offering a specialised technique for classifying and combining hundreds of exercises in the Pilates repertoire.

BASI Pilates is a true blending of the Art and Science of human movement, relating specifically to the works of Joseph H. Pilates. BASI Pilates honours and preserves the legacy of Joseph and Clara Pilates: presenting the original principles and repertoire (utilising all the Pilates equipment), at the same time integrating contemporary scientific developments and evolution of the method.

BASI Pilates courses are fully supported with printed and electronic materials, including our Study Guides, six Movement Analysis Work Books and DVDs. In addition, BASI students receive credits for the use of Pilates Interactive, the unique online teaching resource, with hundreds of exercises, workouts and instructional tutorials in high-quality video. Pilates Interactive is the first of its kind in the world.

Outlining the unique qualities of BASI Pilates world wide would not be complete without introducing you to the select teaching team that comprises our Faculty. Each Faculty member is a seasoned Pilates professional who has undergone a rigorous selection process and been chosen to represent BASI due to their knowledge, passion and dedication to the work of this unique program. With a combined total of over four hundred years of Pilates experience between them, this group of talented individuals offers the highest level of professionalism and quest for knowledge. With varied backgrounds in movement training including dance, academia, physical therapy, martial arts, and equine training this diverse group offers a unique combination of experience and discipline. We are extremely proud of our rich teaching team.

No program is more trusted than that offered by BASI Pilates. We continue to set the standard of Pilates education that all other programs strive for. We look forward to meeting you in person soon and showing you these are not just words but a belief system backed by action.

Q. Which BASI Education Program is right for me?

BASI is proud to offer several programs to meet your personal and professional goals. Find your program and learn more.

Q. I have completed another organisation's training. Do you have a bridging program?
BASI offers an intensive program for Pilates professionals who want to learn the principles and methods of the BASI method.

The ProBridge (Professional Bridging Program) is open to qualified Pilates teachers who have completed a Comprehensive Pilates teacher training of 450 hours and experience on all apparatus in all levels.

If a ProBridge Program is not offered in your area, the Global Comprehensive Program is the better alternative.  BASI Pilates Australia will give students with previous Pilates certification a discount off the Global Comprehensive program.  This will be looked at on a case-by-case basis. The Observation, Self Practice and Student Teaching hours will also be amended on a case-by-case basis.

PROOF OF PREVIOUS CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED.

Q. I have completed the BASI Pilates Matwork Teacher Training and want to take the Comprehensive Global Program. Will I receive a discount on tuition?
Absolutely! We encourage all students who have completed the BASI Matwork Teacher Training, to continue their studies by enrolling in the Comprehensive Global Program.

Returning Matwork Students will receive 10% off the Comprehensive Global Program when registering in an Australian BASI Pilates course.

Q. If I register for a course and cannot attend, do I get my money back?
This link outlines the BASI Australia Terms & Policies. This will provide you with all information regarding refunds and centralised testing procedures.

Our refund policy is also stated in full in the Enrolment Agreement for the particular program in which you enrol. In the event of any discrepancy between our website and the Enrolment Agreement, the Enrolment Agreement shall prevail.

Q. What can I do to prepare for my BASI Teacher Training?
Below are the books we highly recommend reading prior to starting your BASI training.

  • Pilates Anatomy – Rael Isacowitz, Karen Clippinger
  • Pilates (2nd Edition) – Rael Isacowitz

These will provide you with an excellent and strong foundation for your upcoming studies!

Q. May I complete modules in more than one location?
As long as the modules are taken in order, we are happy to accommodate someone who begins in one BASI host location and then transfers to another. (Additional fees may apply).
Q. What happens if I miss a module?
It is acceptable to miss 1-2 modules and continue with the program. You are encouraged to make up these modules at another host location (additional fees may apply) or the next scheduled program at your host location. We prefer that the modules are taken in order as our students progress through the program.

Students have one year to make up missed modules and must attend all modules to qualify for taking Final Practical Exam and Final Teaching Evaluation for the Teaching Credential.

Please contact BASI Australia if you would like to know more.

Q. What happens if I get pregnant or injured during the program?
If you begin a BASI program and get pregnant or injured and you can no longer continue, BASI will place your training in hold for up to one-year. Please contact BASI Australia if you are pregnant or have injuries.

BASI reserves the right to request a doctor’s release prior to your return. Tuition fees will be held up to one-year and will be applied to the program and location of your choice.

Q. How can I complete my hours of Observation if there are not any BASI Pilates instructors for me to watch in my location?
We hope each BASI student will have the opportunity to work directly with BASI Faculty or BASI instructors. However, we understand that not everyone has access to a BASI studio or instructor. For this reason, we will allow students to apply 50% of the required observation hours via Pilates Interactive. Pilates Interactive is a BASI approved online software that provides the complete BASI repertoire on short video clips as well as full-length Mat Classes taught by Rael Isacowitz and other BASI Faculty.

We can work with you and provide you with alternative ways to obtain the remaining observation hours, please contact BASI Australia.

Q. How many hours of Self-Practice and Student Teaching are expected of me and how do I get these hours?
The BASI Comprehensive Global Program requires the completion of 200 hours of self-practice and 200 hours of student teaching. The BASI Matwork Teacher Training requires 40 hours of self-practice and 30 hours of student teaching.

Self practice hours are spent practicing on your own, with other students or taking private sessions and/or group classes taught by BASI instructors.

Student teaching hours are spent teaching other students, family members or friends and eventually clients. Students are to begin their self practice and student teaching hours as soon as they start the program and learn the repertoire.

Hours are to be obtained at any host studio, partner studio or any studio that will allow you to use their space.

Q. Where can I get insurance to teach if I am still a student?
Most of our BASI Australia students arrange student insurance through Insurance House Group. You can email them directly at flt@ihgroup.com.au
Q. How long does it take to complete the requirements of the program?
In most BASI Pilates host locations, the modules are spread out over a two to three month period. Students seeking to receive a BASI Teaching Credential, it generally takes a year from the last module to complete the hours and pass the examinations.

However, if students need more time, contact BASI Pilates or your licensee representative to ask for an extension. If students do not complete or pass their requirements within 3 years of their program, BASI may require students to repeat 50% of the program at cost.

Q. What exams are required to complete the Matwork Teacher Training or Comprehensive Global Programs?
There will be a multiple choice exam after Module 6 for both BASI programs along with;

Comprehensive Global Program
Passing grade of 70% or better on all examinations
Final multiple choice Exam
Practical and Teaching Examinations
Submission of Student Paper

Matwork Teacher Training
Final Written Exam
Final Practical Exam
Final Teaching Evaluation

Q. What am I to expect on my Centralised Testing Day?
Below is an outline of what testing will look like for both the Matwork Teacher Training and Global Comprehensive Program.

Both Mat and Comprehensive students will be tested on the same day. You will be able to use your fellow students as clients for your practical assessment unless you chose to bring in a client. Depending on the size of the host studio there will be a few students all doing their teaching evaluations at the same time while a BASI faculty member observes and assesses.

Students testing for the Comprehensive Global Program will be required to;

    • teach a 1 hour intermediate/advanced workout (across at least 2 machines eg – reformer and tower).
    • perform 4 exercises (3 machine and 1 mat).  These exercises will be picked at random on the day.
  • Students testing for the Matwork Teacher Training will be required to;
  • perform 4 mat exercises. These exercises will be picked at random on the day.
  • teach the same 4 exercises to a client/fellow student.

A BASI faculty member will be in touch following your testing to discuss your results and any feedback.

Please note: You will need to reserve your placement for Centralised testing .  Centralised testing dates in both Sydney and Brisbane are all listed on our website.

Q. What happens if I miss the day of the exam?
you miss the written exam day, you may make it up during another module/program at another location. Arrangements can be made for a proctored exam time at the host studio.

All practical exams and teaching evaluations in Australia are done at “centralised” testing locations multiple times per year and students pre-register for selected time blocks.

Q. What happens if I do not pass my exams?

If you do not pass your final written exam, it can be retaken at a later date. For teaching and practical, we encourage you to retest when you feel 100% confident with your work.

Please contact BASI Australia to make arrangements. Additional fees may apply.

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