Whenever you start something new, it can be helpful to have a guide to show you the ropes. For example, when first-year college students are initiated into a sorority or fraternity, each student gets a big brother or sister to provide advice and companionship as they start college. Similarly, when you begin a Pilates class, your instructor can act as a guide as you learn the practice. But what qualities should you look for in an instructor? How do you know that the one you have chosen is the right one for you?
At EW Motion Therapy, our Pilates instructors are dedicated to the success of each participant, and they tailor their instruction to your specific needs. It is crucial to find the right instructor for you so that you can grow and thrive as a student of Pilates, and we want to provide some advice on how to find the best person, even if you choose not to take a class with us.
This article will discuss some of the certifications and personal qualities to look for in a Pilates instructor. With this information, you can research and try classes in your area until you find the perfect instructor for you.
Certifications
There are many Pilates certifications out there, and it can be hard to judge which one is the best because most of them do provide a great foundation for any instructor. Certifications can vary from a weekend course to 600 hours of studio time and online coursework. For example, Balanced Body requires 520 hours of coursework & time in the studio, Peak Pilates requires 500 hours, and Power Pilates requires between 500-600 hours of in-person instruction and online coursework. These are just a few certifications an aspiring instructor could earn and have great experience to start teaching. At EW, our instructors go through our in-house training program with our Pilates experts, regardless of previous certifications, before they start teaching on their own.
One of the best determining factors for whether a Pilates instructor will be great is their years of experience. It is possible for an instructor to have not received the best certification, but have a vast knowledge of the practice due to many years of teaching it and practicing it themselves. Experience is often the best teacher of them all, and when a Pilates instructor has worked with people of various ages and body types, they can better tailor their instruction to your needs.
Personal qualities
Aside from their professional experience, there are a few personal qualities that any great Pilates instructor should have. First, a great instructor is clear and concise in their instruction, and creates an environment for participants to focus on their movements. They will also give appropriate breath cues so participants can breathe into their movements and find stability.
Most Pilates classes should be smaller in size so that the instructor can watch each participant individually and adjust movements based on their progress. A great instructor will teach the person in front of them, not using a predetermined recipe of movements but adjusting to whatever the participants need, and provide individual attention to each participant. Overall, they should provide a calm environment in which their participants can focus and find balance in their mind, body, and spirit.
How can I find an instructor in my area?
Now you know more about what to look for in a Pilates instructor. You can begin your research with Google, as most of us do, but it can also be valuable to get recommendations from friends. Go with your gut and don’t be afraid to shop around if the first one is not perfect. You should also think about the kind of class environment you want - do you want to be more social and listen to fun music, or do you need a more relaxed, quiet space to focus? Pilates classes can vary, but when you find one that feels right to you, it can be an excellent movement practice to improve your health.
Our Pilates team here at EW Motion Therapy wants their participants to find balance and embrace Pilates as a lifelong practice, not just as an exercise fad. They will make sure your experience is tailored precisely to your needs and goals. If you want to take a class with us, fill out our Pilates self-assessment by clicking the button below to see if our Pilates program fits your needs.
