How to Find the Right Pilates Class

Getting started in pilates is easier than ever before. With the growing popularity of pilates, this strength and body conditioning exercise routine has become more accessible than ever. Everyone from dancers, gymnasts, and Hollywood stars are doing pilates, but now just about anyone can find a pilates class or studio close to home. One of the best things about pilates is that you don't have to be an experienced athlete or in tip-top shape to do it. Pilates works well for both beginner's and experienced athletes. If you are interested getting started in a pilates program, chances are that there is a pilates studio in your area. Check with your local YMCA or community college if you don't have a pilates studio in your area. There are two basic types of pilates workouts. One is the basic mat work. Most pilates studios and community classes offer mat work pilates only. The other basic pilates workout is through the use of pilates machines. Machine work is usually offered through gyms only and requires supervision from an experienced instructor.

Although pilates has become one of the hottest trends in fitness and there are lots of classes and routines to choose from, you should make sure to do your homework before registering for a particular class. Because pilates has to do with moving your body in slow and controlled movements, the exercise holds the potential for serious injury. You want to make sure your instructor is experienced before signing up for a pilates class.

It is estimated that because the pilates craze is so rampant, there are probably numerous working instructors who lack the experience necessary to teach pilates to beginners. How can you make sure you get someone who is properly trained to teach pilates? Look for an instructor that has received certification from a professional pilates training program. Many commercial gyms provide their pilates instructors with a limited number of training hours, sometimes providing them with only a weekend training course.

Your ideal instructor should have participated in a rigorous training program and received professional certification. The training program should have provided each candidate with hundreds of hours of professional training. A well-trained instructor can make all the difference. Professionally trained instructors will place an emphasis on safety and precision, and will know how to modify difficult movements for beginner students.

Another consideration when choosing the right instructor and class is to decide how often you will be working out. There are many options to choose from if you have decided to join a pilates studio.

You can attend lessons and pay for each class individually, or your studio may offer you a block of classes. Do you want to do mat work, machine work, or maybe both? Many gyms offer both mat work and machine work. Make certain you know what you have access to before signing any contracts. Also, make sure you sign up for the right level. Even if you have done pilates at home with the aid of videos, or if you are very familiar with yoga, it is probably still a good idea to take a beginner's course.