Designed for Pilates Instructors

Pilates Instructors: Expand Your Expertise

Become an Assisted Stretching Specialist

Add hands-on stretching techniques that complement Pilates programming and support mobility, flexibility, and movement quality.
Earn 16 NPCP CECs through an NPCP Approved CEC Provider.
Complete the course 100% online, at your own pace.

Only $379! $479

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Built for Pilates Professionals

Why Get Certified?

In today’s competitive market, Pilates instructors need meaningful ways to stand out, retain clients, and deepen the value of every session.
Add effective assisted stretching to your current services or offer it as a focused, stand-alone session.
Build practical knowledge in anatomy, safety, and technique so you can confidently support clients’ mobility and flexibility goals.
Use your new skills to improve client outcomes, attract new clients, and create opportunities for higher-value services.

Approved CEC Provider for the National Pilates Certification Program

National Pilates Certification Program CEC Provider

Earn 16 CECs!

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Success Stories

See How Movement Professionals Grow

What You Will Learn

Complete the course entirely online with 24/7 access, allowing you to learn at your own pace.

Learn proven assisted stretching techniques you can integrate into private Pilates sessions, small-group programming, or a dedicated mobility service.

Build the anatomy, physiology, screening, and safety knowledge needed to complement your existing Pilates expertise.

Follow anatomy lessons, instructional videos, technique demonstrations, and practical guides designed to help you translate the material into confident client sessions.

Develop a stronger understanding of muscle function and apply it alongside Pilates principles to support flexibility, control, and more confident movement.

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Assisted Stretching Training Program

Course Lessons

Lesson 1

Anatomy, Function and Pathologies

Fundamental understanding of the anatomy and physiology of stretch will be established. Overview of the anatomical structures, physiology of stretch, and other educational pieces to help you provide the best care for your clients. Main topics covered in this section:

Fascia
Muscles
Tendons
Reflexes

As they relate to performing assisted stretching.

Lesson 2

Contraindications and Precautions

There are several contraindications to consider when assessing whether or not your client is a candidate for stretch therapy. We will teach you how to handle clients with these conditions, screen for them during your initial assessment, and how to communicate properly with these clients. Contraindications discussed:

Surgeries that require immobilization
Open wounds/Sutured areas
Severe muscle spasms
Muscle strains
Diseases affecting tissues related to stretch
Acute injury
Vascular injury
Infection
Excessive pain when stretching
Inflammation or joint effusion

There are also a multitude of precautions to be aware of when administering assisted stretching. In this section, we provide a plethora of information on how to handle clients with these conditions. On top of general precautions that should be applied to all clientele, we also cover how to manage some of the more nuanced precautions, including, but not limited to:

Pregnancy
Hypermobility
Arthritis
Joint Replacements/Internal Fixations
Disc Pathologies
Spinal Surgeries/Fusions
Joint-specific Precautions
Ports/Pacemakers
and more!

Lesson 3

Assisted Stretching Techniques

In this section, we teach you everything there is to know in regards to assisted stretching techniques. Topics discussed:

Body Mechanics (for both you and your client)
Stretch Techniques
- Passive vs. Active
- Active-Assisted
- Dynamic
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)
Client Communication
- Stretch Intensity Scale
- Location and Feeling
- Client Education
- Listening to your client and how to use the information provided

Lesson 4

Hands on Skills Training

How to perform assisted stretching exercises on your clients including:

Upper/Lower Cross Protocol (31 videos)
Lumbar Protocol (20 videos)
Cervical Protocol (21 videos)
Overhead Athlete Protocol (18 videos)
Rotational Athlete Protocol (39 videos)
Runner’s Protocol (22 videos)
Cervical Breakout (12 videos)
Shoulder Breakout (6 videos)
Elbow and Wrist Breakout (2 videos)
Low-Back Breakout (11 videos)
Hip and Knee Breakout (9 videos)
Foot and Ankle Breakout (5 videos)
Prone Breakout (5 videos)

Lesson 5

Client Evaluations

From the point your client walks in for their first visit to concluding their stretch package, we cover everything you need to know to increase your validity and effectiveness as a stretch practitioner.

Client Intake
Initial visit presentation
Functional Movement Assessment (13 movements)
Normative Reference Values for joint flexibility
Goals and expectations
Advising a client post-session

Lesson 6

Case Studies

Case study reviews consisting of clients intake complaints and movement assessment findings on each client

Lesson 7

Resources

Stretching Protocols
Breakout Sessions
Athlete Sequences
Initial Visit Intake
Movement Assessment

GET CERTIFIED GET CERTIFIED

Earn Your Assisted Stretching Certificate

Complete each course module and pass the final 60-question exam to earn your Stretch Center Assisted Stretching Certificate. Once you pass, your personalized certificate of completion will be available to download immediately from your course dashboard.

Start Your Training

Earn Continuing Education Credits

Pilates professionals can earn 16 CECs through the National Pilates Certification Program by completing the Stretch Center Assisted Stretching Training Program. The course also carries approvals from ACE, NASM, AFAA, NCBTMB, and canfitpro for eligible professionals.

Credit eligibility and requirements vary by organization and professional designation.

CEC’S 1.6
CEU’S 1.9
CEU’s 15
Total Credits: 8.5
CEU’s 16
CEC’s 4

Our 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee

Enroll with confidence. If the course does not meet your expectations, contact us within 30 days of purchase and before completing the course to request a full refund.

Our team will review your request and guide you through the refund process.

Built On More Than 30 Years Of Clinical Experience

The Stretch Center course was created by founder Dr. Jeffrey Berard, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician with more than 30 years of clinical experience. Throughout his career, he has performed over 100,000 treatments and worked with clients ranging from everyday individuals to professional and elite athletes from the NFL, NHL, PGA, UFC, and Olympic competition.

Dr. Berard and the Stretch Center team have transformed that experience into a practical assisted stretching system that Pilates instructors can use to broaden their movement expertise, better serve clients, and introduce a valuable new service to their practice.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to complete the course?

It takes most students between 15 to 20 hours to complete the course.

Are there any time limits?

No, there are no time limits on the quizzes or exam. You’ll have 1-year from the date of purchase to complete the certificate and you can re-enter the course any time you wish, during that time frame, even upon completion of the course.

Is the course conducted online?

Yes, the course is conducted entirely online, so you can complete it at your own pace.

How do I access the course?

After ordering the course, an email providing a username and a password-reset link will be sent to you. These will allow you to log in to the course materials. Once you have entered the course, objectives and suggested downloadable materials will be provided prior to your first lesson.

Do I need to purchase any equipment or additional materials?

No, everything you need, including all of the workbook material and video tutorials, are included in the course materials. To adequately perform Assisted Stretching with the Stretch Center model, it is highly recommended you have access to a table, straps, and a soft bolster. The course can be completed without access to these materials. We do not directly distribute the materials, but we’re more than happy to assist with any questions regarding the equipment.

Are there any prerequisites for the course?

No, there are no prerequisites for the Stretch Center Assisted Stretching Certificate course.

Do I need to hold a Pilates certification to enroll?

No. The course is open to Pilates instructors and other wellness professionals who want comprehensive assisted stretching training. NPCP continuing education credit eligibility depends on your professional standing and the organization’s requirements.

Which continuing education credits can I earn?

ACE: 1.6 CEC’s
AFAA: 15 CEU’s
NASM: 1.9 CEU’s
NCBTMB: 8.5 Total Credits
NPCP: 16 CEU’s
canfitpro: 4 CEC’s

Is the certificate I earn a state license?

No, it is not a state-issued license.

Does the certificate qualify as a medical credential?

No, it does not provide any medical credential or authorize medical practice.

How do I take the exam?

After completing all 8 modules, you will be given the opportunity to take the quiz at the end of each module. Each quiz contains between 9-12 multiple choice and true/false style questions. Once the quizzes are completed, you will gain access to a 60 question Final Exam. To pass the course and attain your certificate, you will need to score a minimum of 80% on all quizzes, including the Final Exam. You will have 5 chances to pass the exam.

How do I get my Certificate of Completion?

An official Certificate of Completion will be issued after successfully completing the course material and the final exam. Your downloadable certificate will be available immediately upon successful completion of the exam.

Is In-Person Training Available?

Yes, we offer an additional In-Person Training component to our online course. In-Person Training is not required to attain your certificate, but it is a valuable way to practice hands-on technique, get instructor feedback, and feel more confident delivering full assisted-stretch sessions. Learn More Here.

What support will I get while doing the course?

You will have unlimited access to phone and email support.

Ready to get started?

Bring Assisted Stretching Into Your Pilates Practice