What is Pilates? How to Choose a Qualified Pilates Instructor.

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Pilates should make you feel strong, supported, and safe.

Whether you’re looking for a Pilates studio for group classes or 1:1 sessions, taking time to research where—and who—you train with is essential!

1. Understand What the Pilates System Really Is

Before choosing a studio, it helps to have a basic understanding of The Pilates System itself. Pilates is a structured method founded on principles, biomechanics, and controlled movement—not random exercises on a Reformer. The quality of your experience depends heavily on the knowledge and training of the instructor guiding you. If you’d like to learn more about what Pilates truly is, see my dedicated Website page here.

2. Check the Instructor’s Training and Accreditation

Once you’ve found a potential studio, look at who is teaching. It’s vital to ensure instructors have been properly trained and certified through an accredited awarding body. Without accreditation, a “certificate” is not a legitimate qualification.

Unfortunately, Pilates is not regulated in the UK, which means anyone can call themselves a Pilates instructor. This creates serious risks for clients—especially when instructors lack anatomy training, movement education, or supervised teaching experience.

Many unaccredited training companies offer cheap, fast courses with concerning promises like:

• “You don’t need to be Mat qualified.”

• “You don’t need anatomy certification.”

This is extremely unsafe—and places your body at risk.

3. Make Sure Your Instructor Is Continuing Their Education

A truly professional Pilates instructor doesn’t stop learning once they are certified.

Ongoing education is essential for staying current with modern movement science, biomechanics research, injury-prevention strategies, and updates within the Pilates industry.

Continuing education shows that an instructor is:

• committed to maintaining high standards

• staying aligned with the latest evidence-based knowledge

• constantly improving their teaching skills

• prioritising client safety and long-term wellbeing

If an instructor has not completed any continuing education since qualifying, this is a red flag.

4. Beware of Studios Misusing the Word “Pilates”

Reformer studios are appearing across the UK using the word Pilates in their branding, despite having no connection to the Pilates method. Many owners don’t understand what Pilates is, and they hire instructors without checking whether their qualifications are accredited.

The result? People teaching random, often dangerous exercises on Reformers—under the name “Pilates.”

5. You Have the Right to Ask for Qualifications

A reputable Pilates instructor will never hesitate to show their credentials or discuss their training background.

If you’re unsure whether a teacher is certified, you have every right to ask—including asking about their continuing education.

Your safety, your progress, and your long-term wellbeing depend on being guided by someone who truly understands The Pilates Method.

6.    My Qualifications

I am fully certified and qualified through Balanced Body. Balanced Body is widely considered a leading, top-tier Pilates education programme worldwide, known for its comprehensive curriculum, rigorous standards, and deep integration of anatomy and movement science.

• I have completed extensive training

• I am insured through legitimate public liability insurance

• I teach from evidence-based movement principles

  
  

For further qualifications and education I hold please see “About Sam, Courses and Workshops”.  

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I am fully certified and qualified through Balanced Body