How to Find the Right Pilates Studio: 9 Expert Tips

How to Find the Right Pilates Studio: 9 Expert Tips

Pilates is more popular than ever, which means more people are discovering its benefits and more studios are opening. But finding a good Pilates studio has also become more difficult.

I'm a Pilates instructor and studio owner in New York City. I've been teaching fitness for approximately 14 years and am certified in Classical Pilates, Vinyasa Yoga, Gyrotonic, and Gyrokinesis.

If you're wondering how to find the right Pilates studio, here's what I'd look for.

1. Understand What Pilates Is and What it Isn’t

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. It's a comprehensive system of exercises designed to develop strength, control, coordination, and efficient movement—not simply a collection of exercises performed on a reformer.

Because Pilates has become so popular, many studios are calling their classes Pilates to get people in the door. Once you’re in, though, you may be doing HIIT, sculpt, or some other sort of movement on a piece of equipment that looks like a reformer.  There's nothing wrong with wanting a challenging workout, but it's important to understand what you're paying for.

Pilates falls into two categories:

a.     Classical Pilates follows Joseph Pilates' original system, emphasizing a structured order and progression of exercises. Comprehensive teacher training typically covers the mat and multiple pieces of equipment, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and various barrels. Many programs involve hundreds of hours of training in order to become comprehensively certified.

I personally gravitate toward Classical Pilates because there's a logic to the system. You develop particular skills before progressing to more complex exercises. In my experience, that structure is extremely effective.

b.     Contemporary Pilates draws on the original method but may incorporate newer exercises, modifications, and ideas from other movement disciplines. Some contemporary studios offer excellent instruction; others take a looser approach to the method. Contemporary Pilates instructors can also go through a rigorous certification process, but instead of following the structure that Joseph Pilates created, each school develops their own system to progress a client.

2. Ask About Instructor Qualifications

One of the most important things to investigate before joining a Pilates studio is the training of its instructors. A reputable Pilates studio will have Comprehensively Certified Trainers. This means they went through a rigorous training and know how to teach on all of the equipment.

I would avoid studios that hire instructors who haven’t completed a comprehensive certification. A lot of studios will “certify” someone to teach Pilates over a weekend course. It’s simply impossible to understand the Pilates Method over a weekend.

Some studios are considered training centers, meaning they conduct Teacher Training Programs. While a person is going through the certification process, they are considered an Apprentice, and these studios sometimes allow Apprentices to teach public classes. If the studio is a reputable studio with a rigorous training program, I would say a class taught by an Apprentice would be totally fine because the Apprentice generally has to go through an audition process to the placed on the schedule as an instructor.

If you have a complicated injury or health condition, you may want to ask to be paired with a more experienced teacher. An Apprentice can handle general back pain, but something like severe scoliosis would be better suited to someone with a keener eye.

Certification provides an important foundation, but it doesn't automatically make someone a great teacher. Knowing the exercises and knowing how to teach people are two different skills. Look for an instructor who understands the method and knows how to apply it to you.

3. Pay Attention to How the Studio Welcomes You

This might sound simple, but one of the most important things I look for in a Pilates studio is whether I feel welcome.

I've visited studios where nobody says hello, the front desk barely looks up, and you're left wondering where to go. That's not how I want to feel when I'm paying to spend time somewhere. The studio doesn't need to be fancy, but there should be warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism.

Notice how staff greet you, whether someone explains what to expect, and how instructors interact with clients and colleagues.

A beautiful studio can look impressive on Instagram and still be an uncomfortable place to practice. I'd rather see a studio invest in instructor development and thoughtful teaching than focus entirely on its image.

4. Find an Instructor Who Actually Watches You

A great Pilates instructor doesn't simply memorize a workout and repeat it. They observe how you move, notice where you're struggling, and adjust the session to help you progress. Your instructor should also communicate clearly. If you don't understand a cue, they should be able to explain it another way rather than simply repeat it louder. A great instructor also knows when it’s appropriate to advance a student or when they need to return to the basics to build a solid foundation.

Lastly, a great teacher sees your potential and creates the building blocks for you to develop the skills to get there.

5. Prioritize Safety and Appropriate Class Sizes

Pilates equipment can be wonderful, but it requires proper instruction. A reformer has springs, straps, and a moving carriage, so knowing how to set up and use it safely matters.

Your instructor should choose exercises appropriate for your ability, check equipment settings, and offer alternatives when necessary. For example, standing exercises on a moving reformer may not be appropriate for someone who struggles with balance.

For equipment-based group classes, I prefer a relatively small class of around four to six people. The larger the group, the harder it becomes for an instructor to observe everyone, correct technique, and monitor safety.

A good group instructor should also offer modifications for beginners and variations for more advanced clients. You shouldn't have to choose between a challenging workout and feeling safe.

6. Choose a Studio That Understands Your Goals

Before recommending a class or package, a good studio should take the time to understand what you're looking for. You might want to feel stronger, improve mobility, or become more comfortable in your body.

The studio should offer realistic guidance about how often to practice and what options suit your needs. Be wary of unrealistic promises or pressure to buy a package that doesn't make sense for you.

If possible, I generally recommend aiming for Pilates twice a week to build consistency and make progress. But your ideal schedule depends on your goals, experience, availability, and budget.

Private sessions are particularly valuable because an instructor can tailor the work to you. If

7. Start With Private Sessions or a Beginner Program

If you're new to Pilates and can afford it, I'd recommend starting with private sessions with a fully certified instructor.

There's a lot to learn, especially on equipment: how to perform the exercises, understand instructions, and adjust the machine. Private sessions give you time to learn these skills and build confidence before joining group classes.

If private lessons aren't within your budget, look for a dedicated beginner class or a structured four- to six-week beginner series. I particularly like beginner series because the exercises can build on one another. Instead of learning a completely different workout every week, you revisit movements, refine your technique, and gradually add new challenges.

8. Don't Choose a Studio Based on Price Alone

Pilates can be expensive, particularly in New York City, but a higher price doesn't guarantee better instruction.

I've taken private sessions costing $200–$250 with highly experienced instructors. Some were worth every penny; others were a waste of time and money. The price alone didn't tell me which experience I'd have.

Instead, consider the value you're receiving. Does your instructor remember your goals? Do they explain why you're doing particular exercises? Do they pay attention to your progress and adapt the session to your needs?

Also notice the studio's overall environment. A studio that invests in training and supporting its instructors is investing in the people responsible for your experience.

You're paying for more than a workout. You're paying for someone's ability to observe you, teach you, and help you move forward.

9. Notice How You Feel When You Leave

This is probably the most important advice I can give.

A good Pilates session is not an exhausting workout. I good Pilates session can require an incredible amount of effort, but afterward, you should feel reinvigorated.

I've had sessions with instructors so skilled that I came in with a migraine and left feeling amazing—more aligned physically and mentally. I'm not particularly woo-woo, but it's difficult to describe the experience another way.

The instructor wasn't simply giving me a hard workout. They were helping me move in a way that changed how I felt.

That's the kind of teaching I value and would suggest looking for when you are looking to find the right Pilates studio. A great instructor sees what you're capable of, gives you the building blocks to get there, and challenges you to get there.

You should leave feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected to your body—and ideally a little happier and lighter, too.

Final Thoughts: Choose a Pilates Studio That Sees You

Finding the right Pilates studio takes some research, but it's worth the effort.

Look into instructor qualifications, understand the studio's approach to Pilates, and pay attention to class sizes, safety, and atmosphere. If you're a beginner, consider private sessions or a structured beginner program. Try introductory offers before committing to a membership.

Most importantly, find an instructor who sees you as an individual. They should observe how you move, remember your goals, explain what you're doing, and build on your progress over time.

You don't need the most expensive studio or the most impressive workout on Instagram. You need a place where you feel welcome, where the teaching is thoughtful and safe, and where you can develop a practice that makes a meaningful difference in your life.

Try a few studios, find one that feels right, and give yourself the opportunity to build a consistent practice.