Face-to-face training or online training?

In today’s evolving world of training, an increasing number of Pilates Teacher Training Courses are being offered online, with only limited face-to-face learning in a studio environment.

Being old-school in my approach to training, I am a great believer in the practical component of any course that requires physical movement and hands-on teaching to be delivered face-to-face for a number of reasons.

There are of course some benefits of online learning in that it’s flexible time-wise and online manuals or videos are always accessible at the click of a button, it can also be handy when studying the anatomy component and case studies too. Despite this, I do believe we are losing the benefits of interactive face-to-face learning which far outweighs the benefits of learning and practicing Pilates online.

Pilates is not unlike martial arts, it’s a discipline that needs to be taught by a Pilates practitioner/teacher trainer in a tangible, practical learning environment. A discipline that requires a lot of tactile assistance.

It has been said that students have a far greater chance of completing a course successfully by doing it in a classroom situation. This could be due to procrastination, putting learning off until tomorrow, next week, next month, trying to learn late at night when the house is quiet but the student is tired, and perhaps even a feeling of isolation with little interaction with trainers and colleagues.

In the January 2023, Mathew Mason published in MAVENZEAL the Digital Learning Expert said;

 “While online courses can offer numerous benefits for learners, they may not always provide the impactful outcomes that you desire. The unfortunate reality is that the completion rates for online courses are very low. Various research has the percentage rate for completion of online courses between five and 15 per cent, with research from Research Gate putting Massive Open Online Courses at three to six per cent. Because people are not completing their self-paced online courses, they are not getting the full impact of the learning.”

The personal element and the benefit that face-to-face training offers cannot be overstated. So let’s talk through some of the benefits.

1.   IMMEDIATE FEEDBACK
In face-to-face training, instructors can provide immediate feedback on your teaching techniques and style ensuring you're teaching exercises correctly to prevent injury and maximise effectiveness for your client/s. You can also access more information and gain a richer understanding through your teachers’ touch, body language and voice.

2.   REAL TIME CORRECTIONS

Your teacher trainer can make real-time corrections during face-to-face sessions, ensuring that you understand and implement the correct form and alignment of Pilates exercises. It’s difficult to correct the body when the trainer is only seeing the student from just one angle while looking at a flat screen. I encourage my teacher training students to “stand back and circle the client like a shark” to see the body from all angles. Only then can you really see what needs correcting.

3.   HANDS ON

Face-to-face training allows for hands-on instruction where instructors can physically guide your movements and adjustments, enhancing your understanding and mastery of Pilates techniques. It provides you with the skills to know how much pressure to use or not in any particular exercise and the most effective hands-on placement, which in my view, cannot be learnt online. It must be felt and practiced.

4.   INTERATIVE LEARNING

Face-to-face training fosters an interactive learning environment where you can engage in discussions, ask questions, and collaborate with peers, creating a more dynamic and enriching experience. You have the opportunity to connect with, problem-solve, and network with other students.

5.   COMMUNITY

In-person training provides opportunities to build relationships and networks with fellow students, instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and support that may be lacking in online learning environments.

6.   DEMONSTRATION

Face-to-face training allows instructors to demonstrate exercises and movements in person, providing clear visual examples, showing hands on techniques so that the students can learn the most effective way of assisting their potential clients.  

7.   ACCESS TO FULL STUDIO APPARATUS

In face-to-face training, you have access to specialised Pilates equipment and props, allowing for a more comprehensive and varied learning experience compared to online programs that may be limited to just mat or reformer exercises.

8.   PERSONAL MENTORSHIP

In-person training provides opportunities for direct mentorship from experienced instructors, offering guidance, insights, and career advice that can be invaluable for your development as a Pilates teacher.

9.   DEPTH OF LEARNING
While online learning offers flexibility and convenience, face-to-face Pilates teacher training offers unique benefits that enhance the quality and depth of your learning experience.

10. GROUP DYNAMICS

Face-to-face training often involves group classes or workshops, allowing you to learn from observing others and benefiting from group dynamics, motivation, and camaraderie.

At the end of the day, the learning you can get in a face-to-face environment is invaluable and unmatched in my opinion. Sure online learning has its place but the experience is much richer in a face-to-face environment. If you want to accelerate your learning, as a teacher for over 20+ years I can tell you this is the best way to do it.

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Olga began her career as a professional classical dancer with the Australian Ballet Company in 1971, discovering Pilates during her early years. After a successful career in dance and acting, she transitioned to fitness instruction, opening her first business, "Designing Moves," in 1986. Inspired by the Authentic Pilates Method, she became a certified instructor of The NY Pilates Method and Romana’s Pilates in 2003 and is the Founder and Manager of the Authentic Pilates Studio and the Principal Trainer of Authentic Pilates Education International teacher training program.

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Olga will once again be running the APEI Pilates conference in Sydney 18-19-20 October 2024 which special international guests Jean-Claude Nelson and Simona Cipriani. This event is suitable for contemporary teachers interested in the classical methos and continuing education for Classically trained teachers. The learning never ends! To find out more and book visit here.