Pilates Teacher Training | Saugatuck Studios

Become a Certified Pilates Instructor and pass along your passion to others!

PILATES TEACHER TRAINING KANE SCHOOL

COMPREHENSIVE PILATES TEACHER-TRAINING KANE SCHOOL

PILATES TEACHER-TRAINING INTENSIVE SCHEDULE: We are the proud home of the first branch of Kane School – a comprehensive Pilates certification well-known for its combining of the traditional Pilates repertory with an intensive study of anatomy, biomechanics, injuries and palpation skills. It is a rigorous training program combining the classic principles of Pilates with a modern, clinical perspective on the body. The program crafts advanced teachers with x-ray vision—teachers with solid knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and injuries as well as the skills to perceive and improve them. Graduates work in variety of settings across the fitness, wellness, and medical worlds. The full comprehensive training includes Foundation Training (Core Muscle Anatomy), Comprehensive Mat, and Basic Training equipment certifications.

Already Pilates certified? We offer a comprehensive Bridge Program for those Pilates teachers already certified who want a deeper dive into anatomy and clinical perspective protocols.

FALL 2023 INTENSIVE SEMESTER – Starts September 15 !

Step 1: ANATOMY (Core Muscle Anatomy): SEPT 15-17
Step 2: MAT (Comprehensive Mat): SEPT 22-25
Step 3: APPARATUS PHASE I: OCT 2-6, OCT 9-13
Step 4: APPARATUS PHASE II: OCT 30-NOV 3, NOV 6-10

Step 1: ANATOMY

This comprehensive course explores musculoskeletal anatomy and basic kinesiology principles—emphasizing the trunk, hip, shoulder girdle, arm, and neck—as they relate to the teaching and practice of Pilates, yoga, and bodywork. It lays the foundation for further study as a movement professional and is a prerequisite for the Kane School certification program. This course is presented in lecture-style format with workbooks and powerpoint presentations. Throughout the course, students gain hands-on experience via regular palpation of muscles, bones, and ligaments. Students also learn how to practically apply information taught in the course to their movement professional career via analysis of Pilates exercises and an introduction to posture analysis. Additional topics such as core stability and the anatomical basis of common tension patterns & injuries are also addressed. Students wishing to move forward into Comprehensive Mat must obtain approval from the education manager. Students can test out of this course with a passing grade on the Kane School anatomy entrance exam.

Step 2: MAT

Step 2 of the Kane School of Core Integration Teacher-Training Program In this mat certification program, students master classical Pilates repertory while studying the application of Kane School Core Principles to each exercise. In addition, students build practical application skills with the study of palpation techniques, exercise progressions and modifications, and programming strategies for private sessions and group class.

Step 3: APPARATUS PHASE I

The first phase of the Kane School equipment training focuses on mastery of classic choreography on all apparatus: Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High Barrel and Spine Corrector. Students begin with basic and progress to intermediate and advanced levels, observing and practicing each exercise. Throughout each choreography level, students cultivate broader skillsets by learning exercise modifications and progressions, palpation techniques, and the art of cueing clients.

Step 4: APPARATUS PHASE II

Basic Training: Phase 2. With choreography solidified in Phase I, the second phase of the Kane School equipment training delves deeper into programming for injuries and specific populations. Each module of this phase hones in on either a specific body region or a special population:

Module 1: Teaching & Touch Primer, The Healthy Client, Lumbopelvic Region

Module 2: Head, Neck & Ribs, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist & Hand

Module 3: Hip, Knee

Module 4: Ankle & Foot, Clients Over 60

Each module includes:

Anatomy review and biomechanics

Palpation techniques

Hands-on and equipment assessments of the client

Hands-on and equipment-based releases

Pathologies, treatment, and surgeries

Programming and contraindications

Throughout Phase 2, students hone their manual and visual perception skills, refining the ability to see the body with their hands and correct dysfunctional movement patterns.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

Growing up I watched my parents helping others (father – cardiologist, mother – therapist). It was in my DNA to help people feel good in any body they have been dealt.

After my first pilates program, I was left with a lot of “why” and “how” questions. Fran’s program has answered those questions. She has helped me reach my goal of helping people to the best of my ability and becoming a more knowledgeable instructor. Throughout the program I was encouraged to ask any and all questions – with no judgement. Fran has been so committed to me digging deeper and deeper into who I am as an instructor and how to better understand how the body works.

In addition, I know Fran will be an ongoing resource for me. I can come back to her time and time again after the program and ask questions and dig deeper into my learning. She is so caring of people’s well-being and also cares so much about helping instructors be the best they can be! This shows in every session I have with Fran; her energy and sincerity is top notch!

I truly have grown so much from Fran’s program and highly recommend it!
Tami Robinson
Bridge Program

– Tami Robinson

The Kane School training at Saugatuck Studios in Westport, CT was wonderful – the sophistication and excellence of big city Pilates philosophy in a small, boutique studio sitting right on the Saugatuck River. Hands on and informal environment provided lots of opportunity for in-depth discussions. Fran is a true “Teacher’s Teacher” -very knowledgeable and can deliver both the technical and practical aspects of the Kane School with ease.

– Peggy Lyons

Fran has such a deep knowledge and enthusiasm of anatomy and a passion for the art of mechanics. she generously goes above and beyond to be sure you have the correct information and understanding of an exercise. Fran challenges you to think beyond what the manual reads. She is inspirational.

– Kelly Brewer

I was nervous when I started teacher training at Saugatuck Studios. The cost & time investment were high and I had no past experience in the fitness world. Would it be worth it and could I really teach others? Turns out, I had nothing to fear. The courses delivered information in a way that made sense and each session built upon the learning of the last. The structure of the class allowed plenty of time to discuss and ask questions as well as practice along the way. Most importantly, Fran was always there to provide support, advice and challenge me to be my best. Her deep knowledge and kind manner made training a pleasure and I’m grateful to have her as a coach, mentor and cheerleader in my Pilates career!

– Karyn Hall

If you’re curious and passionate about the body, then the Kane School Pilates certification is for you. I love the program’s attention to detail, and their holistic and open-minded approach to the body. Fran Hoyte’s knowledge and expertise is a real asset to the Kane certification process. Her kindness and personal touch make our get-togethers not only informative, but fun.

– Cindy Castro

My name is Jean Michaelson and I have had the pleasure of being a part of the Kane School Pilates training program under the guidance and instruction of Fran Hoyte at Saugatuck Studios. Fran is an excellent instructor and teacher for many reasons, most notably, her ability to exude patience when explaining the exercises and answering her students’ questions. She has a natural instinct for teaching, and that is why I strongly feel that she’s a “teacher’s teacher”. Fran is very knowledgeable on the anatomy aspect of Pilates, and effortlessly integrates this fundamental knowledge into explaining and instructing the repertoire of exercises. I truly feel that I have expanded my knowledge in Pilates because of Fran’s instruction over the past year. I highly recommend her both as an instructor, and as a teacher for training individuals who want to solidify their practice and take it to the next level of becoming a Pilates instructor.

– Jean Michaelson

I had been taking Pilates classes for a long time before I decided to pursue my Pilates teaching certificate. I had researched other programs but the Kane school came highly recommended since I was informed that it was a well regarded school and the in-depth anatomical approach would enable me to fully understand the concept of how the body performs while engaging in Pilates exercises.

Fran is by far one of the best instructors I have encountered and is incredibly knowledgeable. As a teacher, she explains everything so thoroughly and works with everyone to make sure they understand everything. She is extremely encouraging and inspiring.

I highly recommend Saugatuck Studios for Pilates training!

– Robyn Jones

The nitty-gritty:

“The Kane School Teacher Training program is an academic approach to the study of the Pilates Method. The curriculum focuses on developing teachers who are equipped to work with healthy individuals as well as individuals with underlying compensations and orthopedic injuries in a safe and effective way. Through the intensive study of musculo-skeletal anatomy, biomechanics, injuries, movement pathologies and development of manual assessment skills, Kane School graduates have developed a reputation as some of the most qualified and sought after Pilates professionals in the field.

“Our mission in the Kane school educational community is for every student to realize their individual path towards becoming visionary teachers, compassionate guides, inspiring coaches, and informed movement educators through rigorous study of an evolved approach to the Pilates Method. It is our mission to educate and empower Pilates professionals to help clients bridge the gap between injury & health.”

–Kelly Kane, founder of the Kane School

ABOUT YOUR TEACHER

All Pilates Teacher-Training modules are taught by Fran Hoyte. Fran Hoyte has been teaching movement for 40 years and Pilates for 20+ years. In parallel, she has been in Clinical Research for 35+ years and a former chemist. She loves both traditional roots of Pilates (Power Pilates cert 2002) and she has been part of the Kane School Teaching Faculty for 15+ years (Kinected). She’s been part of the Equinox management Pilates team, Power Plate teaching faculty ad hoc, and founded and operated Saugatuck Studios since 2011.

Fran is a regular speaker and workshop provider for: PMA Pilates Method Alliance (2017, 2018, 2019, 2022) , PAA (Pilates Australasia Alliance) 2020, Swedish Institute guest faculty (2017, 2018), teacher training programs. Her focus is on clinical research, Pilates, presentation skills, finding freedom in voice and speech for both clinical research professionals and movement professionals, including Pilates teachers.

Fran believes being a teacher means always being a student, and that understanding goes hand in hand with curiosity, exploring, and research. She has continued her own Pilates practice and education with Juliet Harvey, Phoebe Higgins, Kathy Grant, Ron Fletcher, Bob Liekens, Tom Meyers, Kelly Kane, Mary Bowen, Jill Miller, Kathy Ross-Nash, Eric Franklin. Fran is the owner of Saugatuck Studios in Westport, CT.