Before beginning Pilates lessons under an instructor, it will bewise to make sure that you get an instructor who is really equipped to get the best out of you, and enable you to get the best out of Pilates. It is sad but true that, at the moment, it is possible to qualify as a Pilates instructor without being properly equipped to really deliver the important information. Nonetheless it is not common, so it doesn’t pay to be too sceptical.

It is wise, however, to apply some general safety first principles when choosing a Pilates instructor. After all, you will be paying good money for these classes, so it is essential that you get value for money. Stick to the following principles and you cannot go too far wrong.

1. Find out if they are a certified Pilates instructor.

Not everyone who claims to be one really is. If you are reluctant to ask the instructor, then you can ask the gym where they practice. If a gym employs an instructor with strong credentials, they wil not be shy about saying so. They will have had similar enquiries before.

2. Do they make their instructions clear and understandable?

Simply put, those who do not know what they are talking about tend to be somewhat more obscure in their language. If the instructor is giving unclear and incomprehensible instructions, it is not because they have such a powerfu command of the medium that it is intimidating – it is because they are covering for their lack of real knowledge.

3. Does the instructor check in with you during classes?

Any instructor, teacher or tutor with a large class group will know very well that there are differing skill sets in their group, often as many skill sets as there are pupils. Due to this, they will circulate through the class when it is in progress, checking you know what you are doing. If the Pilates instructor sits at the front watching or reading a book, they are not doing their job.

4. The key point – Do you feel better?
If a Pilates instructor is doing their job, you will feel good and motivated after their class. If you don’t, they aren’t. It really is that simple. If you have doubts, explain them to the instructor. Their answer should set your mind at rest, not make you feel like an idiot. If they do the latter, they are not a good instructor.