Finding the right Pilates studio in San Diego County

If you live in North County San Diego (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, etc), it may seem like a challenge to figure out which Pilates studio to try since there are so many Pilates classes in San Diego. One reason for the hgih number of Pialtes studios in San Diego is that many people realize that Pilates is a great form of exercise for a wide range of people, from young to old and with a wide range of fitness levels. The fact that Pilates offers a great low-impact workout makes it a great exercise program for older people as well as people with previous back or neck problems.

If you are starting out new to Pilates

If Pilates intrigues you, consider taking a Pilates mat class to familiarize yourself with the program before committing to a series of classes or personal instruction. Although Pilates DVDs are widely available, it's strongly recommended that you study first with a certified Pilates instructor in order to learn proper form before you practice on your own.

If you decide that Pilates is right for you, you'll want to do a little research before you commit to a program or instructor.  The information you need to know includes:

• Is the Pilates instructor correctly trained? Look for studios and teachers that have formal Pilates Instructor Certification.
• How long has the instructor been teaching? If you're new to Pilates, be sure you find an instructor who has been teaching actively for at least two or three years.
• Can the instructor handle any special needs? If you have injuries or health conditions like diabetes or heart disease, you'll want to be sure your instructor is knowledgeable about how best to work with you. If you're a senior, try to find instructors who teach seniors regularly.
• Does the instructor respect your pace? If the instructor pushes you further than is comfortable or tries to force your body into positions it can't achieve, find another instructor. Too much force can result in injury.