IM=X® Pilates fitness and wellness franchises meet the growing demand for pilates, yoga, indoor cycling, bar method and back care services with proprietary programs. The IM=X® franchise business provides powerful and comprehensive education that delivers elite services resulting in a loyal membership base. As your membership base grows, you will expand your service offerings to both attract new clients as well as retain existing members.

The following proprietary certifications are included to all franchise owners and their staff. We recommend that you follow the progressive certifications in order to offer your members and private training clients a wide variety of superior workouts.

Step 1: IM=X® BASIC CERTIFICATION
The IM=X Pilates Floor and Xercizer Programs are taught in our 5-Day Basic Certification course. This intensive education gives your instructors and personal trainers all of the programming knowledge needed to begin your group exercise and personal training business. The basic formats, taught from the 150-page manual and educational videos, are divided into eight sequences -- about 140 exercises. The lectures and labs focus on stabilization, breathing, alignment and muscle recruitment techniques. As your franchise grows, you will want to expand your class offerings to both attract new clients as well as retain existing members.
See the course agenda for more detail.

Note: The IM=X® Xercizer 3 Day Course has been Approved for: 25.2 contact hrs (2.5 CEUs) for PT/PTAs in NY and Meets Requirements for: 21 hours PT/PTAs in CT, MA and has been Applied for: PT/PTAs in NJ, PA. CIAO is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Physical Therapy as an as an Approved Provider for PT/PTA continuing education.

Step 2: IM=X® ADVANCED CERTIFICATION
The IM=X Pilates Floor and Xercizer Advanced Program is taught in this 5-Day Intensive. The IM=X® Basic eight floor sequences are expanded into 35 sections with many new exercises; and the IM=X® Basic eight Xercizer sequences are expanded into 65 sections which also includes numerous new moves. The 35 sections of floor are then formatted into the following IM=X® workout variations: Ring Workouts | Stretch Formats | Floor Motion | Traditional Pilates (a total of 5 new workouts are reviewed). The 65 sections on the Xercizer are formatted into the following variations: Stretch | Interval Training | Hybrid | Abs (11 new workouts are reviewed). Your clients will appreciate the level of training that they receive as your staff becomes IM=X® Pilates Advanced Certified. The 180-page manual includes photos and step-by-step instructions on how teach these new formats. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning these programs.
See the course agenda for more detail.

Step 3: IM=X® 5-DAY SUPER ADVANCED CERTIFICATION
The IM=X SUPER Advanced Certification provides you and your studio staff with knowledge of how to work with special populations as well as new formats! The course begins with a review of the new exercises which were introduced in the IM=X® Advanced Certification and then proceeds to review several versions of the following IM=X® formats: Upper Body, Lower Body, Golf/Tennis, Pre/Postnatal Training and Back Strength (6 floor and 10 Xercizer formats are presented). The 205-page instruction manual includes a research overview on pregnancy and exercise as well as research on back exercise, photos, step-by-step instructions. The educational DVD guides you through the new exercises. Combine this with some marketing that targets Golf and Pregnancy (see the franchise password protected area for details).
See the course agenda for more detail.

Step 4: IM=X® HEART RATE TRAINING CERTIFICATION
Learn the principles of Heart Rate Training in order to offer your clients a variety of cardiovascular formats. Indoor cycling, IM=X® Jog Board and standard cardio equipment (i.e. treadmills, elliptical trainers) are integrated into the IM=X® Pilates routines to increase calorie burning and health benefits. Topics include: Rate of Perceived Exertion, Talk Test, VO2 Max Testing, Target HR Zone, Biomechanics of Cycling, Calorie Burning, and Jog Board Choreography. The 54-page instruction manual includes photos, step-by-step instructions as well as 4 IM=X® Jog Board sequences (each included 4 series) and 10 different IM=X® class formats for your staff to learn. Your IM=X® Pilates and Cardio programs will replace your client's need for a gym membership. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning the IM=X® Jog Board choreography. (Note: A movement or dance background is recommended for instructors who will be teaching Jog Board sequences 1-3).
See the course agenda for more detail.

Step 5: IM=X® YOGA CERTIFICATION
IM=X Yoga is a powerful blend of stabilization, balance, flexibility, muscle endurance and mind-body relaxation techniques. The program is comprised of eight standing and six floor sequences -- all which use the IM=X Ring. IM=X® Yoga is a total body workout which stabilizes the spine, increases joint mobility, and refreshes the mind. The 70-page instruction manual contains step-by-step photographs and instructions on how to teach each sequence as well as pertinent vocabulary and research. Multiple class format options are presented. We recommend that you choose yoga instructors to learn this program for your studio growth or use these sequences in combination with other core programs as IM=X® Pilates/Yoga hybrids. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning the 8 standing and the 6 floor sequences.
See the course agenda for more detail.

Step 6: IM=X® PILATES TOWER CERTIFICATION
In the IM=X Tower course instructors learn 14 sequences using the IM=X® Tower. Programs can be taught in semi-private or group settings and can be combined with the IM=X® Bar or Cycle Program. The routines builds upon the Basic and Advanced Certifications which are prerequisites to this course. Adding this apparatus to your studio provides members with another cross-conditioning alternative that is effective and adds numerous programming options for class variety. The 73-page instruction manual contains step-by-step photographs and instructions on how to teach each sequence. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning the 14 new sequences. (Note: It is highly recommended to follow this with the next two certifications in order to have limitless combination workouts for your clients!)

Step 7: IM=X® BAR CERTIFICATION
The IM=X Bar Program includes 12 sequences that provide a total body workout. Inspired by traditional ballet training, the IM=X Bar starts with grande and demi pliés which are performed in combination with IM=X® Ring Stabilization Techniques. The leg sequences progress with tendus, attitudes, leg extensions and arabesques to provide a powerful lower body lengthening and toning experience. Calf raises known in ballet terms as relevés are combined with upper body strengthening. Quick leg lifts or grande battements challenge leg flexibility and raise the heart rate. The IM=X® Tower/Cycle/Bar manual (103 pages of programming) is required for learning the IM=X® Bar. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning the 12 sequences. (Note: A movement or dance background is recommended for instructors who will be teaching these variations).

Step 8: IM=X® CYCLE/TOWER CERTIFICATION
The IM=X Cycle Program includes 11 sequences that combine indoor cycling techniques with upper body resistance and stabilization using the IM=X® Tower and Ring. This course reviews general cycling principles such as positioning clients on the bike, increasing intensity through cadence or resistance, and monitoring workouts by Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) but the focus is on learning the eleven sequences which is why attendees must have completed the IM=X® Heart Rate Training Course or have an Indoor Cycling Certification. Combination workouts which use the Tower Program, Bar Program and Floor (mat) Program are reviewed and practiced. The IM=X® Tower/Cycle/Bar manual (103 pages of programming) is required for learning the IM=X Cycle/Tower. An educational DVD is provided to support you and your staff in learning the 11 sequences.

Step 9: IM=X® SPINAL XERCIZE CERTIFICATION
An estimated 80 percent of Americans suffer from back pain. Exercise has been repeatedly proven to be one of the most effective tools for recovery. The IM=X® Spinal Xercize course is for the Advanced Certified instructor who is interested in developing the professional skills and knowledge to design effective spinal fitness programs for post-rehabilitation and injury prevention. Focus is on improving the alignment, balance and strength of the Spine Stabilization System. It is recommended that studio owners network with the medical community in their area once they have teachers who are IM=X® Spinal Xercize Certified.
See the course agenda for more detail.

Step 10: IM=X® MASTER TRAINER CERTIFICATION
By invitation only. Applicants must be owners with a fitness background and extended experience in teaching all IM=X® Programs.

See our certification schedule.