Advanced Movement Principles – The Pilates Whisperer | Patricia Welter

Advanced Movement Principles (AMP) Training for Pilates Professionals

Deepen Your Knowledge. Advance Your Career. Transform Your Clients.

As a Pilates instructor, you understand the power of movement to heal, strengthen, and restore function. But what happens when a client presents with pain, chronic misalignment, or a complex injury history? Balanced Body’s Advanced Movement Principles (AMP) provides the tools you need to assess movement patterns, address imbalances, and create targeted programs that produce lasting results.

Patricia is one of only a handful of AMP Instructors in the U.S. chosen by Balanced Body to teach this groundbreaking program. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a nationally recognized expert and take your skills to the next level.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your ability to work with injured clients, deepen your understanding of movement science, or set yourself apart in the industry, AMP will equip you with advanced assessment techniques and evidence-based programming strategies.

Course Title	Day	Dates	Fee	Registration Link
AMP: The Low Back	Fri/Sat/Sun	May 2-4, 2025	$695* + $245 video	Register HERE
AMP: The Lower Body	Fri/Sat/Sun	Aug 8-10, 2025	$695* + $245 video	Register HERE

^{*Courses taught at Suncoast Pilates in Palm Harbor, FL unless otherwise indicated. An additional fee may be required for printed course manuals.}

AMP courses are designed to fit into your continuing education journey, offering a combination of video-based learning and hands-on studio instruction. With five specialized courses covering everything from low back pain to special conditions like neurological disorders, AMP provides a comprehensive framework for movement professionals who want to elevate their practice.

What is the AMP Program?

• Developed by Balanced Body for experienced Pilates instructors.
• Teaches assessment, movement correction, and programming for clients with injuries, misalignments, and chronic conditions.
• Composed of five courses, some including a video component and an in-studio portion.
• Completing all five courses + 3 case studies = Balanced Body Advanced Movement Practitioner Certification.
• Courses can be taken in any order, and each course taken will count towards your Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s).

Course	Format	Description
AMP Fundamentals 🔗	• Video Only (6 hrs)	Essential background on client history, fascia, and pain science.
AMP: Low Back 🔗	• Video (8 hrs) • In-Studio (2½ Days)	Learn assessment and programming for low back pain. Includes 8-hour video pre-work and a hands-on studio class.
AMP: Lower Body 🔗	• Video (10 hrs) • In-Studio (2½ Days)	Focus on hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Includes 10-hour video pre-work and a hands-on studio class.
AMP: Upper Body 🔗	• Video (8 hrs) • In-Studio (2½ Days)	Covers the thoracic and cervical spine, shoulders, and upper limbs. Includes 8-hour video pre-work and a hands-on studio class.
AMP: Special Conditions 🔗	• Video Only	(Coming soon) Covers neurological and autoimmune conditions like Parkinson’s, MS, stroke, and hypermobility.

Who Should Take the Program?

Pilates instructors with at least 3 years of teaching experience.
Open to all comprehensively trained Pilates instructors, not just Balanced Body graduates.
Ideal for those wanting to enhance their ability to work with clients experiencing pain, injuries, or misalignment issues.
Courses can be taken in any order, and each course taken will count towards your Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s).

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Upcoming Courses

AMP: The Low Back May 2-4

AMP: The Lower Body Aug 8-10

AMP: The Upper Body planned for Spring/Summer 2026

These courses will have limited space, so early registration is advised.

Keep Up to Date On Future Courses

Subscribe to the Pilates Whisperer Newsletter at the bottom of the page to get notified of future course dates!

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Questions About AMP?

Not sure where to start? Wondering if you have the right anatomy background?
Curious about how to apply AMP in your studio?

Contact Patricia for guidance what to expect from the program and how to get the most out of it.

CONTACT

Detailed Course Descriptions

AMP Fundamentals

Course Format: Video only (6 hrs)
Course Fee: $0 when registered for Low Back, Lower Body or Upper Body course (Limited time offer)

Build a strong foundation for working with clients recovering from injuries, chronic pain, or movement limitations. This three-part video course introduces key principles that will deepen your ability to assess and support clients effectively:

• Client History – Learn how to take a thorough client history to identify movement patterns, past injuries, and underlying issues.
• Moving Fascia – Explore the latest fascia research and how it influences movement, flexibility, and pain.
• Working with Pain – Understand modern pain science and how to apply it in a movement-based practice.

This self-paced video course is the ideal starting point for AMP and provides essential knowledge that supports the hands-on studio courses.

AMP: Low Back

Course Format: Video (10 hrs) + In-Studio (2½ Days)
In-Studio Location: Suncoast Pilates, Palm Harbor, FL
Course Fee: $695 + $245 video

Help clients move with confidence by addressing one of the most common sources of pain—the low back. This course provides a step-by-step approach to assessing, understanding, and improving posture, movement efficiency, and functional strength for those dealing with low back discomfort or dysfunction.

• Low Back Anatomy & Movement Patterns – Recognizing key structures and their role in pain and mobility.
• Assessment & Pathologies – Identifying common issues and how to approach them.
• Exercise Progressions – Designing targeted programs that improve function and reduce pain.

Includes 8 hours of video coursework (to be completed before class) and 18 hours of in-person training over three days.

AMP: Lower Body

Course Format: Video (8 hrs) + In-Studio (2½ Days)
In-Studio Location: Suncoast Pilates, Palm Harbor, FL
Course Fee: $695 + $245 video

The hips, knees, ankles, and feet create the foundation for movement, balance, and stability. When these areas are misaligned or injured, everything from daily activities to athletic performance is affected. This course provides practical strategies to assess and correct movement dysfunctions, helping clients regain strength, coordination, and efficiency.

• Lower Body Alignment & Myofascial Balance – Understanding how these structures work together.
• Common Injuries & Movement Dysfunction – Identifying patterns that lead to instability or pain.
• Targeted Exercise Progressions – Developing programs to restore mobility, strength, and endurance.

Includes 10 hours of video coursework (pre-class) and 18 hours of hands-on instruction over three days.

AMP: Upper Body

Course Format: Video (8 hrs) + In-Studio (2½ Days)
In-Studio Location: Suncoast Pilates, Palm Harbor, FL
Course Fee: $695 + $245 video

Unlock a deeper understanding of upper-body movement mechanics in the thoracic and cervical spine, shoulders, and upper limbs, viewing them as a connected system rather than isolated parts. This course focuses on assessing and correcting misalignments, restoring functional movement, and reducing injury risk in this complex area.

• Thoracic & Cervical Spine Mechanics – How these structures affect movement, posture, and stability.
• Shoulder & Upper Limb Function – Addressing common compensations and imbalances.
• Exercise Programming – Applying effective strategies to enhance mobility, strength, and coordination.

Includes 8 hours of video coursework (pre-class) and 18 hours of in-person instruction over three days.

AMP: Special Conditions

Course Format: Video only
Course Fee: **Registration details coming soon

Expand your expertise in working with clients facing complex health challenges. This course covers neurological and autoimmune conditions that require specialized movement strategies, including:

• Multiple Sclerosis & Parkinson’s – Understanding progressive neurological conditions and movement adaptations.
• Stroke & Spinal Cord Injury – Restoring function and movement confidence post-injury.
• Traumatic Brain Injury – Navigating cognitive and physical recovery through movement.
• Hypermobility & Autoimmune Conditions – Addressing Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system.

Taught by experts in movement and rehabilitation, this course will equip you with the knowledge and sensitivity needed to tailor movement programs for clients with unique needs.

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Wondering how AMP differs from your comprehensive Pilates training?

Reach out to Patricia—she’s happy to answer your questions and help you determine the best path forward.

CONTACT

Meet your Instructors

Nora St. John (Video portion)
Education Content Creator, Balanced Body

Teaching Pilates since 1988, Nora creates teacher training courses in Pilates, Anatomy in Three Dimensions and other modalities for Balanced Body Education. She holds degrees in Biology, Dance and Traditional Chinese Medicine and is the author of 16 teacher training manuals and several magazine articles. Nora has studied Dance, Chinese Medicine, manual therapy, The Franklin Method, Anatomy in Clay and personal training to enhance her understanding of the body in motion. She is currently focused on creating educational experiences that are innovative, enlightening and effective.

Patricia Welter (In-Studio Course portion)
Balanced Body Educator

With over 30 years of Pilates teaching experience, Patricia Welter is a Balanced Body Educator, Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT), “Second Generation Pilates Teacher” and “Lolita San Miguel Pilates Master™” Teacher. Patricia completed the Pilates Master Mentor Program with Pilates Elder Lolita San Miguel, one of the only living “First Generation” Pilates teachers who worked with and was certified to teach Pilates by Joseph Pilates himself.

She will be teaching the live portion of the Advanced Movement Principles courses at Suncoast Pilates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take Advanced Movement Principles (AMP)?

As a Pilates instructor, your clients trust you to help them move better, reduce pain, and prevent injury. The AMP program gives you advanced skills in movement assessment, corrective exercise programming, and injury prevention—helping you stand out in a competitive industry. Whether you want to work more confidently with injured clients, deepen your movement expertise, or expand your career opportunities, AMP provides the tools to elevate your teaching and results.

Why take AMP with Patricia?

Patricia is one of just a handful of AMP Instructors in the U.S. personally selected by Balanced Body to teach this program. With decades of experience in both classical Pilates and movement education, she has a reputation for clear, insightful teaching and an ability to bridge theory with real-world application. Training with Patricia means small class sizes, personalized guidance, and hands-on support to ensure you leave feeling confident and prepared to integrate what you’ve learned.

What pre-requisites do I need to take Advanced Movement Principles?

Pilates Instructor Training: Attendees should have comprehensive Pilates Instructor training to ensure advanced understanding of Pilates equipment (including Reformer, Cadillac or Tower, Barrels, Chair and Mat). The course quickly advances into specialized topics, so prior knowledge in these areas is essential for keeping pace and fully comprehending the teachings.

Anatomy Knowledge: To be successful in learning and applying the components of this course, you will need a solid understanding of human anatomy and the movements of the body.

Live Course Pre-requisite: Prior to participating in the Live Course, you must complete the designated Video Course. This ensures you have the foundational knowledge required for the in-depth, live instruction.

Interested in obtaining Pilates Certification? Visit our FAQ page for more details.

Should you have any concerns about whether this course aligns with your current skill level or certifications, we encourage you to reach out to Patricia directly. We’re here to ensure the course is a good fit for your educational and professional development goals.

Do I need to take the AMP courses in order?

No, you can take the courses in any order as each course focuses on a different part of the anatomy.

Why should I register early for an AMP course?

AMP courses are only taught by a select group of Master Instructors, and spaces are limited to ensure a high-quality, hands-on learning experience.

Early registration not only guarantees your spot but also gives you the time needed to complete the video coursework before the in-studio portion begins. These videos are detailed, in-depth, and essential for getting the most out of the live training—they’re not something to rush through at the last minute. By registering early, you set yourself up for success and make the most of your investment in advanced training.

Do I need to complete the video portion before attending an in-studio class?

Yes! The video content for each course includes essential anatomy, movement principles, and pathology information that will make the live training more effective.

As noted above, please register for a course date far enough in advance to allow yourself sufficient time to watch and learn the full video content.

How long does it take to complete the full AMP program?

Most instructors complete all five courses over 18 months to 2 years while accumulating Continuing Education Credits (CECs).

Courses can be taken in any order, and each course taken will count towards your continuing education credits (CEC’s).

Where can I find more details about the AMP program?

For full program details, visit the Balanced Body Advanced Movement Principles page: Balanced Body Advanced Movement Principles

If you’re looking to take one of the AMP courses with Patricia, be sure to check the instructor listings for her name when registering! Or follow the links above directly to the courses she is teaching.