The 5 Questions to Ask a Pilates Teacher Before Signing Up

The Value of Pilates

Pilates offers a unique approach to exercise, focusing on alignment, core strength, and flexibility through mindful movement. Unlike other forms of exercise such as running or weightlifting, Pilates is low-impact and highly adaptable, making it suitable for a broad range of abilities and goals. It emphasizes controlled, precise movements, which may help prevent injuries and address chronic pain, particularly in the back, neck, and hips.

1. Focus on the Core: Pilates emphasizes strengthening the deep stabilizing muscles, such as the transverse abdominis and multifidus, which are often overlooked in traditional workouts.

2. Whole-Body Integration: Exercises train the entire body rather than isolating muscle groups, promoting balanced strength and flexibility.

3. Mind-Body Connection: Borrowing from principles of concentration and control, Pilates encourages mindfulness, similar to yoga, but with an athletic edge.

For example, while strength training targets muscle hypertrophy or growth, Pilates focuses on functional strength, strength endurance, enabling participants to move with ease and reduce strain on joints..

Growing Trends in Pilates

Pilates continues to grow globally, with the market projected to reach $215.3 billion by 2025 and $520.6 Billion by 2035 (updated) [3], as more people embrace mindful movement and accessible fitness. In recent years, several trends have emerged:

• Equipment-Based Pilates: Studios are investing in specialized apparatus like reformers and towers to provide more variety and targeted training.

• Online and On-Demand Classes: The pandemic accelerated digital offerings, which remain popular for busy schedules and flexible practice.

• Specialized Programming: Classes are increasingly tailored for specific populations—seniors, desk workers, athletes—highlighting Pilates’ versatility in promoting health, mobility, and functional movement.

According to the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), older adults are a key driver of fitness trends, with over 40% of adults aged 65+ regularly engaging in exercise to maintain mobility and overall health.

While these trends reflect Pilates’ growing accessibility and popularity, it’s important to remember that not every class marketed as Pilates delivers the full method. Choosing a knowledgeable teacher ensures you benefit from the principles, core stabilization, and safe progression that make Pilates truly transformative.

A Client’s Journey with Pilates

One client, Sarah, came to Pilates seeking relief from chronic back pain caused by years of desk work. She started with weekly mat classes, focusing on gentle stretching and core activation. Within months, her posture improved, back pain eased, and she regained energy for hobbies she’d previously avoided, like gardening and hiking.

Sarah’s story isn’t uncommon. Research in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies shows that regular Pilates can improve core strength and stability, reducing pain and enhancing functional movement in over 70% of participants with chronic back pain.

Pilates Is Not a Quick Fix

Like any form of exercise, the benefits you gain from Pilates depend on the time and effort you invest. You wouldn’t join a gym, never show up, and expect to run the New York Marathon in six months or dominate a CrossFit competition, would you? The same principle applies to Pilates—it’s a practice that rewards consistency and dedication.

Most people know that Pilates can strengthen the core, engage smaller stabilizing muscle groups, and improve balance and coordination. In fact, research shows that Pilates significantly activates deep stabilizing muscles like the transverse abdominis and multifidus, which are essential for spinal support, posture, and long-term functional movement [7]. It’s no secret that Pilates enhances posture, promotes optimal alignment, and supports a more flexible spine. But how long does it take to see results?

The timeline depends on your individual goals and how regularly you practice. Many people begin to notice enhanced core activation and strength after just 4–6 weeks of consistent sessions (2–3 times a week). By 6–8 weeks, improvements in posture and alignment often become more evident as your body grows stronger and more balanced. For those focusing on flexibility and mobility, gradual improvements typically emerge after 8–10 weeks.

If you’re seeking relief from discomfort or pain, such as in the lower back or neck, you may feel noticeable improvement within 8–12 weeks—though this timeline varies depending on the individual’s specific needs. Clinical studies have found that targeted Pilates practice can measurably improve spinal stability and core endurance in populations with musculoskeletal challenges, highlighting that it’s more than just exercise on a machine [ 8].

With Pilates, even small, consistent efforts build over time. Many clients report “feeling the difference” within just a few sessions—whether it’s newfound energy, a better sense of body awareness, or simply moving with greater ease. Pilates isn’t about quick fixes; it’s about making meaningful, long-lasting changes that support your overall health, functional movement, and well-being.

Common Misconceptions About Pilates

“Isn’t Pilates just stretching?”

Not at all! While Pilates incorporates stretches to improve flexibility, it is fundamentally about strengthening the core and stabilizing muscles to promote efficient movement. Pilates is a dynamic form of exercise that combines strength, control, and mobility. It challenges your body to engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, improving balance, coordination, and posture. You’ll stretch, yes, but you’ll also build strength and endurance.

“Do I need to be flexible to start Pilates?”

Absolutely not! Pilates is designed for everyone, no matter your starting point. Flexibility is often a result of practicing Pilates rather than a requirement. In fact, if you feel stiff or inflexible, Pilates can help you gradually increase your range of motion and improve overall mobility. It’s a practice that meets you where you are and evolves with you.

“Does equipment Pilates work better than mat Pilates?”

Both mat and equipment Pilates are effective; the choice depends on your goals and preferences.

• Mat Pilates focuses on using your body weight as resistance and often incorporates small props like resistance bands or magic circles. It’s accessible and easy to do anywhere.

• Equipment Pilates, using machines like the Reformer or Cadillac, adds adjustable resistance and supports more precise alignment, which can intensify or modify exercises based on your needs.

It’s About the Journey, Not Just the Result

I love receiving feedback from my clients about their progress. When they tell me they feel stronger, their pain has disappeared, or they’re moving with newfound ease, I’m thrilled—but I don’t take full credit. Those outcomes reflect their commitment to showing up consistently, challenging themselves, staying present in class, and embracing the process.

As a teacher, my role is to guide and motivate, but I also watch carefully, paying close attention to every student. I pride myself on tailoring classes to my clients’ needs, constantly evaluating and adjusting to keep them engaged and progressing. The effort they put in directly correlates to the results they achieve—and that’s the magic of Pilates.

Why Do I Ask Questions?

While I feel confident my clients will achieve their goals, I regularly check in with them. Why? Because success in Pilates isn’t just about the exercises, it’s also about their experience with me as their teacher. My clients should find it easy to connect with me, book classes, and understand what to expect. I want to ensure my cues resonate, they enjoy the atmosphere, and they feel supported and inspired throughout their journey.

This feedback loop is essential—it measures the quality of the service I provide and keeps us on the right track. After all, Pilates isn’t just about moving well; it’s about enjoying the process and building a relationship with your teacher that enhances your practice.

The Right Fit Matters

Whether you’re seeking pain relief, improved posture, greater strength, or long-term resilience, the Pilates teacher you choose matters. Working with a teacher is often a long-term partnership — someone who understands your body, guides your progress, and supports you in moving better for life.

Pilates has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially through boutique studios and high-energy reformer classes. While this growth is wonderful, it has also blurred the lines around what is and isn’t Pilates. Many classes marketed as “Pilates” are essentially fitness workouts performed on a reformer, with little connection to the actual Pilates method. These workouts may be fun and effective, but they aren’t the same as learning Pilates — a structured movement system designed with clear principles and purpose.

Within the true Pilates world, you’ll often hear about two main approaches: Classical and Contemporary Pilates.

Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates’s original sequencing and intentions, preserving the order, rhythm, and traditional cues of the method.

Contemporary Pilates is still firmly rooted in the original system, but integrates modern biomechanics, rehabilitation research, and updated teaching methods. It adapts exercises to suit different bodies, different abilities, and the way people move today.

Both styles honour the same foundations — breath, control, precision, whole-body connection — and both maintain a clear link to the original method. The difference is simply how the method is interpreted and applied.

And that’s why choosing the right teacher is so important. With so many formats available — studio sessions, livestreams, on-demand programs, and “Pilates-inspired” fitness — you want someone who doesn’t just lead a sequence of exercises, but understands why you’re doing them, how they should feel in your body, and how to progress you safely and intelligently.

After more than 15 years of teaching, one truth stands out: no two clients are the same. A skilled Pilates teacher sees the individual in front of them and uses the method to support their goals — improving movement, building strength, and creating lasting, meaningful change.

Pilates should enrich your life, build confidence in your body, and help you move through the world with more ease. Finding a teacher who aligns with your goals is the first step in making it a truly transformative practice.

Why Education Matters in Pilates Instruction

Not all Pilates classes — or Pilates teachers — are the same. As the method has grown in popularity, so has the number of short courses and “reformer fitness” certifications that focus more on choreography than on the principles of Pilates. This makes a teacher’s education one of the most important things to ask about before you commit.

A well-trained Pilates instructor has completed a comprehensive program, usually 450–600+ hours, covering anatomy, biomechanics, teaching skills, and all Pilates apparatus. They’ve spent time observing, practising, and teaching under supervision — learning how to work with real bodies, real injuries, and real goals.

This depth of training gives them the ability to:
• tailor movement to different abilities
• progress clients safely and effectively
• adapt to injury, postural imbalances, and everyday demands
• uphold the Pilates method while integrating modern movement science

Whether a teacher identifies as Classical, Contemporary, or somewhere in between, the key is that their work is rooted in Joseph Pilates’s system — not just fitness performed on a reformer.

As for my own approach: I honour the original method while drawing from my background as a certified Personal Trainer and my years of experience working with a wide variety of clients. My teaching blends traditional Pilates principles with progressive strength training and functional movement. I aim to help clients build resilience, improve alignment, and develop strength that truly carries into daily life.

My commitment is simple: to teach with integrity, respect the method, and deliver sessions that are purposeful, personalised, and deeply effective.

The 5 Questions to Ask Your Pilates Teacher Before Signing Up

1. What is your training and certification background?

Not all Pilates qualifications are equal. Comprehensive training typically involves 450+ hours across mat, reformer, and all studio apparatus, while short courses often focus only on choreography or fitness. This question helps you understand the depth of the teacher’s education and whether they teach the Pilates method — not just exercises on a reformer.

2. How do you adapt your teaching to different bodies and abilities?

A skilled Pilates teacher doesn’t teach a one-size-fits-all class. They observe, assess, and tailor the work to the individual. This question highlights their understanding of biomechanics, injuries, and progressions — and ensures you’ll be challenged safely and appropriately.

3. What style of Pilates do you teach (Classical, Contemporary, or a blend), and how does that influence your classes?

This clarifies whether you’ll experience true Pilates methodology or more of a general fitness class. Both classical and contemporary Pilates are rooted in the method — but they’re applied differently. This question helps you understand their approach, philosophy, and intention.

4. What kind of results should I expect, and how do you measure progress?

This helps set realistic expectations. A knowledgeable teacher can explain how Pilates builds strength, improves alignment and mobility, enhances performance, and supports long-term health. Their answer should reflect a thoughtful, structured approach to progression — not quick fixes.

5. What do your clients say about working with you?

A teacher’s reputation often tells you more than any bio or website. Asking this encourages authenticity and gives insight into the experience, energy, and community the teacher creates.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right Pilates teacher can transform your practice into a meaningful part of your life. Use these questions to guide your decision, and don’t hesitate to seek out the teacher and method that inspire and motivate you. Pilates is a journey, not a destination—may you find joy and strength in every step of it!

Meet your Author:

Alice is a seasoned Pilates instructor with 20 years of experience in the fitness and wellness industry in Ireland. Certified by Balanced Body as a Comprehensive Pilates Instructor, she also holds qualifications as an NTC Personal Trainer and Exercise and Health Coach. Based in Westport, Co. Mayo, Alice teaches Reformer and Mat Pilates classes, and offers private equipment-based sessions using the Reformer, Cadillac, and other apparatus. She works with a wide range of clients, tailoring programs to individual needs — from office workers and recreational athletes. Before specializing in Pilates, Alice spent over a decade managing fitness facilities, giving her a broad understanding of both client care and the evolving fitness industry. Today, she brings that expertise to her teaching — offering a thoughtful, structured, and progressive approach to Pilates that meets clients exactly where they are.

References:

1. International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA)
   The IHRSA provides insights into fitness industry trends, including the increasing engagement of older adults in fitness activities. While specific statistics from IHRSA are not directly cited in the blog, their reports offer valuable context on fitness trends.

2. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
   A study published in this journal examined the effectiveness of Pilates in individuals with chronic low back pain, finding significant improvements in pain relief and functional ability.
   PubMed

3. Global Pilates Market Trends
   Market research indicates substantial growth in the Pilates and yoga studios market, with projections estimating a market size of $215.8 billion by 2025.
   Allied Market Research

4. Pilates Training & Certifications
   Information on Pilates certifications, including distinctions between classical and contemporary methods, is available through various Pilates organizations and training programs. While specific sources are not cited in the blog, reputable organizations offer detailed information on Pilates training and certifications.

5. Joseph H. Pilates and Pilates Method
   Joseph H. Pilates developed the Pilates method, emphasizing principles such as concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing. Detailed information about his life and the development of the Pilates method can be found in various biographies and historical accounts.

6. Personal Testimonials and Client Experience (e.g., Sarah's story)
   Client anecdotes, such as Sarah's story, are illustrative examples commonly used to highlight the benefits of Pilates. While specific client stories are not cited in the blog, similar testimonials can be found in Pilates studio websites and client reviews.

7. Pilates to Improve Core Muscle Activation in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218154/

8. Clinical Study on the Effects of Pilates Training ,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38031945/

Disclaimer:

The content in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for guidance, especially if you have medical concerns or pre-existing conditions. While my classes are tailored to individual goals, life stages, and fitness levels, they are not intended for rehabilitation or medical treatment.