How to Choose the Right Pilates Class and Teacher for You
Thinking about trying Pilates but not sure where to start?
With Pilates classes available in gyms, studios, community venues and online, there can be a lot of choice. And while finding a class near you is important, there are a few other things worth considering when choosing a Pilates teacher and deciding which class is right for you.
The good news is that there isn't one "perfect" Pilates class. The best class for you will depend on your experience, what you want to get from Pilates, how you like to learn and, perhaps most importantly, whether you feel comfortable and supported by your teacher.
If you're looking for Pilates classes in Derby, here are some things I would recommend considering.
What should you look for in a Pilates teacher?
1. Check their Pilates training and qualifications
Pilates teachers come from a variety of training backgrounds, so it's worth finding out how your teacher has trained.
A good Pilates teacher should have completed appropriate teacher training and should be able to tell you where and how they qualified.
You don't necessarily need to understand all the different Pilates training organisations or methods. If you're unsure, simply ask the teacher about their training and experience.
It's also worth checking that they have appropriate insurance to teach Pilates.
2. Look for a teacher who can adapt exercises or provide alternatives
One of the things I love most about Pilates is that the exercises don't have to look exactly the same for everyone.
A good teacher should be able to offer different options depending on your experience, strength, mobility and how your body feels on the day.
You might be offered an easier version of an exercise, an additional challenge, or simply a different way of approaching it.
This is particularly important if you're completely new to Pilates. You shouldn't feel that you have to keep up with everyone else.
And if you have an old injury, joint problem or other physical limitation, it's helpful to have a teacher who is comfortable offering appropriate alternatives and encouraging you to work within your own capabilities.
I have been at a number of classes as a participant, where another member of the class had an injury/ health condition that meant the exercise was not appropriate for them.
The teachers in these particular examples didn’t understand how to modify the exercise or provide an alternative exercise instead. It’s almost like they can’t deviate from the class plan they had in their head, and kept trying to make the person’s body fit the exercise, rather than make the exercise fit the person’s body. You can have a plan, but you need to read the room and teach the people in front of you, and that is a skill that isn’t easy as it involves deep knowledge of the exercises, the movements involved in each part of the body and a detailed understanding of the body’s anatomy.
3. Consider the size of the class
Class size can make a difference to your experience.
A large class isn't necessarily a bad thing, but if you're new to Pilates or like having individual guidance, you may prefer a smaller group where your teacher can spend more time monitoring each person and give you feedback.
On the other hand, some people love the energy of a larger class. I personally have fairly large class sizes, but I have always been used to teaching larger groups, and find I can still give everyone the attention they need and deserve. I’m also always happy to help people individually before and after class if they want to delve deeper into anything.
4. Think about the type of Pilates being taught
There are several different approaches to Pilates, and classes can vary considerably.
You might come across:
Mat Pilates
Reformer Pilates
Classical Pilates
Contemporary Pilates
Pilates using small equipment
Pilates-based fitness classes
None of these is automatically the right choice for everyone. And also, classes can be a combination of the above - for example my classes are Mat Pilates classes that are a mixture of classical and contemporary Pilates, and we very often use small equipment - so that covers 4 of the above 6 categories!
If you're searching for Mat Pilates in Derby, for example, you may find classes using equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates balls, small weights or magic circles alongside the traditional mat exercises.
If you're completely new to Pilates, don't worry too much about understanding all the terminology. Look at what the class actually involves and whether it sounds enjoyable and suitable for you.
5. Think about what you want from Pilates
Why are you interested in Pilates in the first place?
Perhaps you want to:
Improve your core strength
Develop better body awareness
Improve your mobility and flexibility
Support your posture
Build strength without high-impact exercise
Complement another activity or sport
Try something new
Feel stronger and more comfortable in your body
Your reason for starting Pilates doesn't have to be complicated.
And you don't need to have a particular fitness goal to benefit from Pilates. Sometimes simply having an hour in your week where you concentrate on yourself and how your body moves is reason enough.
6. Find a teacher whose teaching style suits you
This is one of the things I think is often overlooked.
Two teachers can teach exactly the same Pilates exercise but make the experience feel completely different.
Some teachers have a very technical teaching style. Others are more relaxed and conversational. Some classes are quiet and focused, while others are more sociable.
There isn't a right or wrong style.
What matters is finding a teacher whose approach makes you feel comfortable and helps you understand what you're doing.
You should feel able to ask questions if you don't understand an exercise, and you shouldn't feel embarrassed if you need to take a break or choose an easier option.
7. Don't be afraid to ask questions
Before booking a class, it's perfectly reasonable to contact the teacher and ask a few questions.
For example:
Is the class suitable for complete beginners?
What should I bring?
Do you offer alternatives for injuries or physical limitations?
What type of Pilates do you teach?
Do I need to be fit to join?
A good teacher should be happy to answer these questions.
And if you're nervous about starting Pilates, contacting the teacher beforehand can make that first class feel much less daunting.
What should I expect from a good Pilates class?
A good Pilates class shouldn't be about trying to make every exercise as difficult as possible.
Instead, you should be encouraged to understand the movement, work with control and pay attention to how your body feels.
Your teacher should explain the exercises clearly and give you enough information to understand what you're trying to achieve.
You should also be given permission to modify an exercise, take a break or stop altogether if something doesn't feel right.
Pilates isn't a competition.
You don't need to be the strongest or most flexible person in the room, and you certainly don't need to be able to put your leg behind your head!
What should you wear to Pilates?
You don't need a special Pilates wardrobe.
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is ideal. Most Mat Pilates classes are done without shoes, so you'll generally work in bare feet or socks, depending on the venue and teacher.
I'd avoid anything that is very restrictive or makes it difficult for you or your teacher to see how your body is moving.
And don't worry about turning up looking like you've just stepped out of a Pilates studio in an Instagram advert. You're there to move, not to model your leggings!
How to find Pilates classes in Derby
If you're looking for Pilates classes in Derby, location is obviously going to be one of the first things you consider.
But I'd encourage you to look beyond simply choosing the class closest to your house.
Think about:
The type of Pilates being offered
The teacher's qualifications and experience
Class size
Whether beginners are welcome
The atmosphere of the class
Whether modifications are offered
The day and time
The overall cost
Whether you feel comfortable with the teacher
There are Pilates classes in many different parts of Derby, so it can be worth looking at classes in nearby areas too.
For example, if you live in Allestree, Darley Abbey, Mickleover, Littleover or another part of Derby, you may find that travelling a few extra minutes gets you a class that suits you much better.
Finding the right Pilates class is personal
Ultimately, choosing a Pilates class isn't just about finding the teacher with the most qualifications or the class with the highest number of reviews.
Those things can be useful, but you also need to find a class where you feel comfortable.
You should feel encouraged rather than judged.
You should feel that you can work at your own level.
And you should leave your class feeling that you've done something positive for yourself.
Sometimes you won't know whether a class is right for you until you've actually tried it.
So if you're thinking about starting Pilates, don't feel that you need to know everything before you begin. Find a suitably qualified teacher, ask questions if you're unsure, and give yourself permission to be a beginner.
Looking for Mat Pilates classes in Derby?
I teach friendly, welcoming Mat Pilates classes in Derby, with classes currently based at Allestree Woodlands School in Allestree, Saint Benedict School in Darley Abbey, and Little Eaton Village Hall.
My classes are suitable for a range of abilities, including people who are completely new to Pilates. I use small equipment alongside traditional mat exercises, and I offer plenty of options throughout the class so that you can work at a level that feels appropriate for you.
I want my classes to feel friendly and approachable rather than intimidating. You don't need to be particularly fit, flexible or experienced to come along.
If you've been thinking about trying Pilates, I'd love to welcome you to a class.
To give you the chance to see if you like the style of Mat Pilates I teach, and the way I teach it, I offer a free first class. To book on to your free first class, contact me.
Louise Walker Pilates – Mat Pilates in Derby.
