Pilates Method Alliance®

The Pilates method has been in continuous use in the United States since 1926 when its creator Joseph Pilates and his wife Clara immigrated to New York City from Germany. The Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) is the international not for profit professional association for the Pilates method. The PMA’s mission is to protect the public by establishing certification and continuing education standards for Pilates’ professionals.

The PMA made history in 2005 by launching the first industry wide certification exam for the Pilates method in the United States. The PMA has established recommended industry performance parameters guiding the practice of all PMA Certified and non-certified Pilates teachers. The PMA has established these standards to further bring professionalism to Pilates.

The PMA is well aware that as Pilates exercise has gained popularity, confusion and controversy have increased in the media, the public and even between Pilates teachers. Since the PMA’s goal is protect and enhance the Pilates method, it is necessary to establish a position statement to clarify the perception of what Pilates was historically and what it is today. Visit www.pilatesmethodalliance.org for more information.