Jen rocked it everyday!! She was definitely worth the eight hour drive and I can’t wait to study with her again. Jen gave me more confidence in staying true and and she truly represents the direction that I want to go in my own Pilate’s career.
Jennifer Gianni is an excellent instructor. She presents the material very efficiently and effectively without being intimidating. The course itself was wonderful. Having a background in exercise science, I chose Balanced Bodies because I think you use the perfect blend of science and dance. The programming stays true to the Pilates method but also allows for safety and an abundance of modifications.
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Jennifer was warm and welcoming. Her presentation was articulate. She kept the training moving but with time to practice, take notes and teach each other.Well done!
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Jennifer Gianni presented the course with a profound understanding of her students’ needs and of the historical connections/evolution in Pilates. As a teacher who has been certified by other organizations, I can whole-heartedly recommend this course to both new and experienced teachers.
Sarah Honer
Studio Owner / Pilates Instructor Spira Pilates Studio, Carrboro, NC
About Fusion’s Balanced Body Comprehensive Pilates Training
Jennifer was wonderful. Several notches above any type of Pilates training I have had prior. I am 5 hours away, and am glad to know that excellent training/studios are this close by. (As opposed to New York and LA.) Her scope was specific to our needs, her presentation provided different methods of learning and was clear, unrushed, and open to discussion. Thank you.
Jennifer Gianni presented the course with a profound understanding of her students’ needs and of the historical connections/evolution in Pilates. As a teacher who has been certified by other organizations, I can whole-heartedly recommend this course to both new and experienced teachers.
Sarah Honer / Studio Owner / Pilates Instructor Spira Pilates Studio, Carrboro, NC
The course materials are very helpful, but the most rewarding part of the training is Jennifer Gianni’s teaching style and the effortless way she shares her vast knowledge of the work. She is an excellent instructor whose passion and clarity partner really well with the manuals.
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Not only is Jennifer highly qualified and experienced, she is totally supportive, nurturing, & caring and it is because of her teaching and guidance that we have realized our dream and opened our own Pilates studio… ~Catherine Stokes & Marta Higginbotham Pilates Revolution Pilates Instructors, Studio Owners Spartanburg, SC
Jennifer is highly qualified and experienced, she is totally supportive, nurturing, & caring and it is because of her teaching and guidance that we have realized our dream and opened our own Pilates studio… Catherine Stokes & Marta Higginbotham / Pilates Revolution Pilates Instructors, Studio Owners Spartanburg, SC
It’s refreshing to see someone who has so much passion for their work. Jennifer, you are an inspiration!
Heather Cutts
Pilates Instructor Pilates Advantage, Honolulu, HI
Jennifer Gianni is a splendid teacher of teachers and we are so lucky to have her in the Southeast. Her experience is vast and her eye is very accurate. But most of all, she is really nice person and it is a pleasure to learn from her.’ and ‘Jennifer’s course was very beneficial. She covered complex material in ways that made it easier for me to follow, especially the hands-on practice with partners. I look forward to taking future courses with her. She is very knowledgeable and also very compassionate with us students. Her courses have inspired me to continue to pursue the Balanced Body certification.”
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
I always love working with Jennifer Gianni. She is wonderful, stays on task and keeps her focus on the students and their needs. Her cueing is superb and studio is clean, neat and appropriate for the group size. She is a caring mentor. She always keeps positive and wants you to be successful!
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Jennifer’s knowledge and style of instruction was beyond impressive. Actually it was the opportunity to take workshops with Jennifer that was a major reason that I have chosen to certify through Balanced Body.
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Jennifer was several notches above any type of Pilates training I have had prior. I am 5 hours away, and am glad to know that excellent training/studios are this close by. (As opposed to New York and LA.) Her scope was specific to our needs, her presentation provided different methods of learning and was clear, unrushed, and open to discussion. Thank you.
The class with Jen was amazing. I learned so much about my own form and technique while learning to teach others. She was a wonderful teacher and inspiration to everyone in the class… I am proud to say she was my instructor. Thanks for everything!
Brittany Jackson
Jennifer, you are a great teacher and you inspire me to learn all there is to learn with Pilates. Thank you so much for adding to my knowledge as a trainer and my life!
Taft Draper / Pilates Instructor Asheville, NC
What an incredible amount of information to process! It’s exciting just to listen to Jennifer talk. She so obviously has so much information and experience to share. I really enjoyed the physical activity that Jennifer incorporated during class time. Thanks for the learning experience!
Jennifer Dowler
Student
Casey is a wonderful instructor; I cannot speak highly enough of her knowledge and presentation. Her insights, feedback, and encouragement were very helpful in my course to become a Pilates instructor. I am greatly looking forward to more certifications with her as the lead.
~ Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Casey Marie-Herdt’s knowledge of the material combined with her passion for movement and Pilates spurred my excitement and passion even further. I am feeling confident about working with my own clients, and I look forward to continuing my education with BBU.
~ Anonymous Balanced Body Student
Jennifer is a very knowledgeable and well rounded instructor. She was able to cover all of the information in the manual and expand on it answering all questions. As a class participant, I was able to acquire the information and internalize it through the class experiences. I feel well prepared to share the pilates method with others. Thank you!…
Amy Estridge / Pilates Instructors Charlotte, NC
Jennifer’s presentation of the information was rich and detailed… Her teaching allowed participants to go more deeply into both their personal practice and in their knowledge of how to read and coach bodies toward wellness. She provided the class with exceptional coaching and encouragement. She is an inspirational trainer of teachers.
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
I LOVED Jennifer Gianni! She was the best instructor I’ve ever had. She inspired me so much and always was so positive during the training. She never let us go off-course and chit chat too much and I appreciated that. Learning Reformer I has brought me a new outlook about ‘what’ a body can really do. I really enjoyed the last day of stretches!! I would definately go back to Jen!
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
I was so inspired and excited by all the new material/understanding/cue/moves, etc….that I could hardly wait to teach my students! It was a fantastic experience and Jennifer is one of a kind!!
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Casey was an exceptional and thorough presenter/educator. Her knowledge is extensive and her love of conveying it shows. I appreciate her gentle ways of encouragement.
Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU
Would you like to host a Balanced Body Mat Course at your studio? Find Out How.
Mat 1, Mat 2, & Mat 3
The Balanced Body Pilates Mat certification includes the complete Pilates Mat repertoire as well as an introduction to the movement principles that make Pilates such a successful exercise program. Modifications and variations are included to help you successfully teach a wide range of clients. This Mat certification will empower you to become a successful, creative and transformative Pilates teacher.
Our Mat certification program includes:
Exercise instruction in the complete Pilates Mat repertoire
A comprehensive manual consistent with current national standards
Cueing, coaching and teaching tips for clients at different levels of ability
Safety information for teaching older adults, pre- and post-natal women, and clients with back, knee, neck and shoulder conditions
Tips on teaching successful group programs
Requirements for Completion
These are not prerequisites to sign up- these are the requirements for completion. You must complete the following before you test out to become a fully qualified Balanced Body University Mat Instructor:
BBU Mat 1: Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
BBU Mat 2: Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
BBU Mat 3: Course work, written and practical test (16 hours)
Sessions: 25 Mat Personal Sessions (these are hours that you do in a private session, in a class or by yourself) and 45 Mat Student Teaching Hours (these are sessions that you teach to family, friends or other teachers-they can be done at your home or in a studio or anywhere you’d like)or 20 Mat Personal Sessions (these are hours that you do in a private session, in a class or by yourself), 15 observation hours (these are hours you spend observing an approved instructor teaching mat work) and 35 student teaching hours (these are sessions that you teach to family, friends or other teachers-they can be done at your home or in a studio or anywhere you’d like)
Practical Test: Once your other requirements of completion have been met, you must be tested out in order to receive your certification. This can be done at Fusion Pilates Asheville, or at any number of BBU Test Out centers across the country. You do not need to take the Practical Test for each module if you plan to receive a Comprehensive Certification. You are only required to take one Practical Test for Comprehensive Certification once all of the other requirements have been met. There is a fee of $200 for the Practical Test Out.
Total hours for completion of Mat program: 102 hours. Upon completion of all of the requirements, a certificate of completion as a Balanced Body Mat Instructor will be issued.
Balanced Body Mat 1
Description
Introduction to Pilates & Beginning/Intermediate Mat Exercises
Mat 1 includes an introduction to the history and principles of Pilates, beginning and most intermediate level exercises with modifications, lectures on class order and programming in a group setting, and guidelines for teaching seniors, pre, and post-natal classes.
Online Course Prep Included ($115 Value)
Our exclusive Online Course Prep program was designed to prepare you for your main module training with Balanced Body. Many of our students walk into their first module course filled with anxiety and questions. This program will put you miles ahead and ease your mind so that you will be ready to take in and really understand the immense amounts of information that will be coming your way in your module course. This program has two parts. Pilates Essentials gives you a detailed overview of all of the foundational information, and a short Mat primer will give you all the information you’ll need to be completely prepared before you walk into your module course.
Prerequisites:
– Student must have completed Balanced Body Movement Principles (there is some leniency here – if you haven’t please contact us to discuss).
– Student must have taken 20 Pilates Mat class sessions to ensure there is some familiarity with the work.
– These requirements need to be completed by the first day of class. If you are unable to meet these requirements, arrangements can be made. Please contact us for details.
– Anatomy for Pilates or comparable course strongly recommended but NOT required.
– Student must complete the online Pilates Essentials and Course Prep workshops before the first day of the course. (These programs are included in the price of Mat 1).
Policies
Registration closes two weeks prior to course.There is a $50 late registration fee for anyone who registers after two weeks prior to the course. PLEASE sign up now to secure your spot and to ensure the course isn’t canceled due to lack of interest. We are unable to guarantee manuals for late registrations.
See the registration form for full policies.
There are no events currently scheduled
Balanced Body Mat 2
Description
Intermediate/Advanced Mat Exercises
Mat 2 includes the remaining intermediate and advanced level exercises as well as essential movement principles and training tips for advancing clients to the higher levels. Pilates for sports specific activities are also covered.
Prerequisites
Must have completed Balanced Body Mat 1. You may take Mat 2 on it’s own without first taking Mat 1 as long as you understand that you can not test out to become a Balanced Body Mat Instructor without meeting all the Requirements for Completion (above) which include both Mat 1 and Mat 2.
Policies
Registration closes two weeks prior to course.There is a $50 late registration fee for anyone who registers after two weeks prior to the course. PLEASE sign up now to secure your spot and to ensure the course isn’t canceled due to lack of interest. We are unable to guarantee manuals for late registrations.
See the registration form for full policies.
There are no events currently scheduled
Balanced Body Mat 3
Description
Enhanced Pilates Mat completes the mat training by adding rings, rollers, bands and balls to the traditional Mat exercises. In addition, Enhanced Mat includes functional exercises for the upper and lower body expanding the Mat work beyond the core to develop whole body strength and flexibility. The Balanced Body programming system is introduced to make class design easy, effective and fun. Adding props to a mat class makes them more dynamic, creative and accessible and clients love toys!<br>
Enhanced Pilates Mat + Props Instructor Training course includes:
Detailed manual and instructor training video to support your learning process.
The Balanced Body Movement Principles to enhance your teaching skills.
Balanced Body programming system to help you create classes quickly and easily.
Photos of each exercise sequence to aid in class design.
Progressions, regressions, and modifications to make Pilates Mat useful for everyone.
Enhanced Pilates Mat + Props expands the concept of Pilates mat to reach a wider audience and create new fitness opportunities for you and your clients.
Prerequisites
Must have completed Balanced Body Mat 1 & 2. You may take Mat 3on it’s own without first taking Mat 1 and 2 as long as you understand that you can not test out to become a Balanced Body Mat Instructor without meeting all the Requirements for Completion (above) which include both Mat 1, Mat 2 and Mat 3.
Policies
Registration closes two weeks prior to course. There is a $50 late registration fee for anyone who registers after two weeks prior to the course. PLEASE sign up now to secure your spot and to ensure the course isn’t canceled due to lack of interest. We are unable to guarantee manuals for late registrations.
The Balanced Body Pilates Mat certification includes the complete Pilates Mat repertoire as well as an introduction to the movement principles that make Pilates such a successful exercise program. Modifications and variations are included to help you successfully teach a wide range of clients. This Mat certification will empower you to become a successful, creative and transformative Pilates teacher.