01/07/2025
We're into the swing of January and with a new year comes many inquiries for Pilates. It’s important to know what to look for when choosing a Pilates teacher. Here are some key criteria to consider:
1. They have a comprehensive certification
A comprehensively certified teacher is a Pilates professional and has a wide range of tools to help you experience Pilates in your body. Each apparatus, including mat, is essential to the full Pilates repertoire—using just one is like a painter with only one brush. You can verify your teacher’s certification through the instructor directory on their education provider’s website, such as Balanced Body, Stott, BASI, or Polestar. If you're not sure, ask!
2. Teaching is their career, not their hobby
Pilates as a career is different than teaching a class or two each week; it requires a deep commitment to teaching, continuous learning, and developing a strong understanding of anatomy, movement, and client needs. Unlike a hobby, it involves responsibility for others' health and well-being, ongoing professional development, and the ability to adapt to diverse clients and goals. It’s a dynamic, evolving profession that demands both passion and dedication.
3. Your teacher has a teacher
Teachers aren't equipped to handle every client; we learn from other teachers' experiences. Mentorship offers Pilates teachers invaluable support, enhancing their ability to serve clients effectively. It helps refine technical skills, improve client assessments, and tailor programming to individual needs. Mentors provide guidance for solving challenges such as injuries or special conditions and offer tips for better communication, including clear cueing and building client rapport.
4. They keep learning
In addition to mentorship, Pilates teachers should commit to ongoing education to continuously refine their expertise. While a comprehensive certification provides the foundation of their Pilates training, further education ensures they stay updated on best practices, innovative techniques, and advancements in movement science. This commitment not only enhances their teaching skills but also allows them to deliver safer, more effective, and engaging sessions for their clients. Continuing education is a valuable investment that dedicated career Pilates teachers willingly make, demonstrating their commitment to professional growth, ensuring they stay current with movement science and industry standards.
5. They do the work themselves
A personal practice is essential for Pilates teachers because it deepens their understanding of the method, improves their ability to teach effectively, and ensures they embody the principles they share with clients. While teachers don’t need to perform every exercise flawlessly, they should understand the mechanics, purpose, and modifications of each movement. Teaching is not about personal physical mastery but about guiding clients safely and effectively toward their goals. Adaptations are key, and a teacher's ability to communicate and demonstrate with clarity matters more than perfect ex*****on.
Bonus! 6. They make it fun!
Pilates can sometimes feel serious or even intimidating, but it’s actually a lot of fun! The right teacher can turn even the most challenging parts into an enjoyable experience. A teacher who brings energy, enthusiasm, and joy to their sessions is the secret ingredient to making workouts both effective and enjoyable. With the right guidance, Pilates becomes more than just exercise—it’s something you’ll look forward to every time.
