In today’s fast-paced fitness industry, being a successful movement professional requires staying up-to-date with advanced techniques, understanding specialized client needs and keeping up with the ever-evolving science of movement. In a field where knowledge and client expectations are constantly shifting, maintaining your competitive edge requires more than just the basics. So how do you stay ahead? The answer: ongoing professional development.
At Merrithew, we understand the importance of supporting aspiring and established fitness professionals through every stage of their careers, which is why we’re excited to announce the launch of our new Professional Development stream. This education stream is designed to you stay on top of the latest mind-body exercise trends, refine your skills and bring more value to your clients.
Why professional development matters
Whether you’re an experienced instructor or just starting out, continuous learning is what keeps you relevant in the ever-changing fitness world. Here’s why professional development is more important than ever:
- Stay relevant: The fitness world never stands still, and neither should you. Professional development keeps you current with the latest techniques, research and trends, ensuring you’re prepared to meet your clients’ evolving needs.
- Build client trust: Your clients rely on you for expertise. By continually expanding your knowledge, you not only improve their results but also build a reputation as a trusted, knowledgeable instructor who’s committed to their success.
- Unlock new opportunities: Specialized training opens doors. With advanced skills, you can work with a broader range of clients, from athletes to those recovering from injury or surgery, helping you grow your career and business.
What makes Merrithew’s Professional Development stream stand out
Merrithew’s Professional Development stream is designed to dive deeper into specialized areas of fitness and movement, giving you the tools you need to offer more to your clients. Our Professional Development Courses focus on high-level concepts, covering everything from advanced anatomy and biomechanics to special populations training and business skills.
Here’s what sets our Professional Development stream apart:
- Specialized skills acquisition: Our courses offer an in-depth exploration of advanced techniques, anatomy, biomechanics and injury management, allowing participants to expand their mind-body knowledge. Whether you're focusing on optimizing shoulder function, working with breast cancer survivors or exploring the body's fascial connections, these courses are designed to enhance both your theoretical understanding and practical application. We also plan to offer courses covering essential business and marketing skills, ensuring the knowledge you gain is directly transferable to real-world professional scenarios.
- Instructional skill enhancement: Beyond theory, our Professional Development stream focuses on refining your instructional skills. You’ll learn effective cueing, program design and client communication techniques to meet and exceed client needs. This practical approach ensures that you’re well-equipped to deliver high-quality instruction and achieve outstanding results for your clients.
- Enhanced networking and community building: Our Professional Development stream offers opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, fostering community and networking within the fitness industry. By building deeper connections, you'll expand your professional network and influence, while engaging with a wider range of clients and peers.
A glimpse into our courses
We’re kicking off our Professional Development stream with three courses that will help you deepen your expertise. Here’s a quick look:
- STOTT PILATES® Optimization of the Shoulder Complex: Explore the biomechanics of the shoulder and learn how to improve function and mobility through targeted techniques.
- STOTT PILATES Programming Protocols for Breast Cancer Rehab: Gain specialized knowledge for assisting breast cancer patients at every stage of their recovery, from pre-op to post-op.
- Merrithew Myofascial Continuities: Mapping the Human Design: Dive into the myofascial system and discover how these connections support better movement and performance.
Each course provides practical, hands-on learning through lectures, problem-based learning and demonstrations, ensuring that you can apply your new skills immediately in your practice. Upon completing each course, you’ll receive a letter of completion, a certificate of participation and STOTT PILATES Continuing Education Credits (CECs), highlighting your dedication to ongoing professional growth and excellence in mind-body fitness.
These three courses are just the beginning, with many more to come as we continue expanding our offerings to provide even more opportunities for growth and learning.
Take your career to the next level
As the world of fitness and wellness transforms, we’re excited to support your growth. Our new Professional Development stream is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to take your practice — and your career — to new heights. Learn more about our courses and start your journey today.