MY ADVICE TO anyone looking to start training is to find a good teacher.
In the United Kingdom, Body Control Pilates has one of the best reputations for producing careful and professional teachers and they provide on-going support and access to further development, which is not the case for many other certified courses.

Here are a few tips on how to recognise a good instructor.

  1. They should have a good posture.
  2. They should have good carriage and grace.
  3. They should have a firm stomach, toned muscles and good flexibility. The Pilates technique forms long, sleek muscles rather than a lot of bulk. They should ‘embody’ the technique.
  4. They should carry a certificate from one of the leading schools.
  5. You should be offered private tuition first, before joining group classes.
  6. They should not perform the exercises with you. A few demonstrations are all that is necessary, otherwise they should be watching and helping you.
  7. Your sessions should never be boring.
  8. Your teacher should really care that you are doing it properly.
  9. You must be aware that once a week is not enough and you should have a program, if only short, to do at home.