Why It Really Matters Who’s Teaching Your Pilates Class
By Pilates Barre Lex | Lexington, KY
Let me start by saying this: I’m not writing this to throw shade. I’m writing this because it needs to be said—clearly, honestly, and unapologetically.
If you’re in Lexington KY (or anywhere, really), and you're looking for Pilates, it might surprise you how many people are out there calling themselves Pilates instructors. The word “Pilates” is everywhere—on websites, Instagram posts, gym schedules, and pop-up studios.
But here’s the problem:
Not everyone using the term “Pilates” is actually teaching Pilates.
And not every instructor leading a Pilates class is qualified—or even trained—to do so.
Unless you already know what to look for, it’s easy to assume that if it says “Pilates” on the schedule, you’re getting the real thing. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. And for a method that’s all about intelligent movement and whole-body wellness, that gap in quality matters more than most people realize.
Pilates Is Not Just Another Workout
Let’s get something straight before we go further:
Pilates is not a trend.
It’s not choreography.
And it’s not a high-intensity bootcamp with just some planks and pulses.
True Pilates is a full-body movement method rooted in breath, alignment, control, and strength. It was created by Joseph Pilates nearly a century ago (brought to the United States in 1926) and is based on principles that focus on how the body moves, how it heals, and how it functions optimally.
Real Pilates is intelligent, therapeutic, precise, and deeply effective. It supports your spine, joints, muscles, balance, and coordination—and it requires a highly trained instructor to guide you through the work safely and effectively.
This is not something you can learn in a weekend or even 3 weekends.
You might find courses solely online, but that’s not a full certification.
It’s not something you can teach just because you love Pilates.
It’s not just about passion—it’s about professional training.
Anyone Can Say They're a Pilates Instructor. . .But That Doesn’t Mean They Are
Here’s the catch and the reason for this entire post:
“Pilates” isn’t a regulated term.
That means anyone, yes anyone, can wake up tomorrow, add “Pilates Instructor” to their bio, and start teaching. Yikes. No legal consequences. No accountability. And unfortunately, no way for you as a client to immediately tell the difference unless you know what to look for.
Some of these instructors are well-meaning. They’ve taken a few classes, maybe even a weekend workshop, and they genuinely want to help others feel good in their bodies. But good intentions do not equal professional qualifications.
This matters because this is your body we’re talking about.
And your body deserves better.
So, What Does It Take to Become a Qualified Pilates Instructor?
Let’s break it down so you can see the difference between a certified Mat & Reformer instructor, a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor—and someone who just decided to start teaching.
Minimum Training Requirements:
There are two main levels of certification in the Pilates world:
1. Mat & Reformer Certification
To be qualified to teach Pilates mat and reformer classes, an instructor should complete:
250 + hours of training
A formal training program through a respected education provider
Instruction in anatomy, safe movement, cueing, class planning, and injury prevention
Observation hours, self practice, and self study
Hands-on teaching hours and evaluation
A mentorship throughout the program
A written and practical final exam graded by a Master Instructor
2. Comprehensive Pilates Certification
To be certified to teach on all Pilates apparatus (Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, Reformer, and Mat), an instructor should have:
500–600+ hours of training
In-depth education on the full Pilates system
Real-time instruction, mentorship, and supervised practice
Assessment on teaching ability, programming, cueing, and anatomy
Observation hours, self practice, and self study
Hands-on teaching hours and evaluation
A written and practical final exam graded by a Master Instructor
Where We Train Matters
At Pilates Barre Lex, we don’t just look for a certificate. We hire instructors who have trained (or are actively training) through rigorous, recognized, and respected Pilates education programs, including, but not limited to:
EYT – Evolve Your Teaching Pilates Teacher Training
STOTT Pilates
Balanced Body
Polestar Pilates
Peak Pilates
Or through a direct lineage from Joseph Pilates
Instructors completing their training are required to meet clear benchmarks, complete mentorship, and be 100% transparent with clients about where they are in the process.
Certification Is Just the Starting Line
Let me say something important here:
Getting certified doesn’t mean you’ve learned everything. It means you’re ready to start learning.
At Pilates Barre Lex, our instructors don’t stop once they receive their certificate. We strongly support and encourage continuing education.
This means our teachers are:
Attending regular workshops and advanced trainings
Studying new research and updated techniques
Working with me (Hannah) to deepen their practice and teaching
Constantly evolving—because movement science evolves
Continuing to educate themselves and create meaningful class plans
You benefit from this every time you step into class. You’re not just following a routine. You’re learning from someone who lives and breathes this work and brings that depth to you.
Transparency Is Non-Negotiable
Here’s another area that matters more than people realize: transparency.
You should never have to guess whether your instructor is already trained and working toward their certification or if they are already certified. You should never have to dig through an Instagram bio to figure out who trained them. You should know clearly, easily, and confidently what kind of education the person leading your class has.
If a studio only lists a name on a schedule without any credentials, that’s not transparency. That’s hiding the ball.
At Pilates Barre Lex, we post full bios for all instructors on our website, clearly stating:
What program they trained with
Whether they are fully certified or currently in training
Their teaching philosophy
Their commitment to continued learning
Because if we expect you to trust us with your body, we owe you complete clarity about who we are and what we’ve studied.
Why It All Matters
You might be thinking, “Does it really matter where someone got certified if I enjoy the class?”
Here’s the thing: it absolutely does.
When you’re working with a qualified, well-trained instructor, you get:
Safe, intelligent movement that supports your posture, joints, and long-term health
Injury prevention, thanks to an understanding of anatomy and mechanics
Custom modifications and progressions based on your body
Better results—because the work is grounded in technique, not just repetition
A deeper connection to your body that goes beyond fitness trends
On the flip side, unqualified instruction can lead to:
Strain or injury (especially in your spine, hips, knees, and neck)
Reinforcing poor movement patterns
Wasted time and money
Frustration and plateauing in your progress
Sure, I love a good cue and a killer playlist, who doesn’t? But what really matters is the depth of knowledge, awareness, and skill behind the teaching.
Pilates in Lexington KY Deserves Higher Standards
Lexington is a vibrant and growing community—and the demand for mindful movement is growing with it. That’s exciting.
But with this growth comes responsibility.
Studios have a responsibility to be transparent.
Instructors have a responsibility to be educated.
Clients have a right to expect more.
At Pilates Barre Lex, we’re committed to upholding the integrity of the method and protecting the well-being of our clients. We don’t offer shortcuts, and I don’t compromise when it comes to the people I trust to lead you.
Because you’re not just a body in a class. You’re a whole person and I take that seriously.
Speaking From the Heart (Even If It’s Tough)
I understand that what I’m sharing might feel a little challenging and that’s truly okay.
This isn’t about putting up walls or excluding anyone. It’s about caring deeply for your well-being, honoring the true spirit of Pilates, and encouraging everyone to approach their practice with mindfulness and respect.
We’re not here to overwhelm or scare you. We’re here to gently guide and empower you so that you can feel confident and informed in choosing the kind of instruction that nurtures your body, your health, and your goals.
Because you deserve to feel supported every step of the way.
Ready to Experience the PBL Difference?
If you’ve ever left a Pilates class feeling unsure, frustrated, or like it wasn’t quite what you expected you’re definitely not alone (even I have)!
At Pilates Barre Lex, we’re committed to changing that experience. Here, you’ll find:
Instructors who are fully trained and diligently gaining teaching hours to receive their Certification
Certified professionals with thorough, respected training
Clear, transparent bios so you know exactly who’s guiding you
Thoughtful, personalized classes tailored to your unique body, not just the latest trends
A welcoming studio culture that honors the Pilates method and prioritizes your health
We can’t wait to welcome you and help you discover what real, professional Pilates truly feels like. At Pilates Barre Lex you’re not just joining a studio, you’re becoming part of a caring community here in Lexington that truly values authentic Pilates and your well-being. We are here to support you every step of your movement journey.
