Are all Pilates classes/teachers equal?

As a Pilates teacher, I have taught a number of mat classes all over the city in clubs, recreation centers, and studios.  But are they all created equal.  And most importantly, are all teachers created equally.  Well the unfortunate truth is no.  If you are at a recreation center or some sports clubs you may have a teacher that went to a weekend long certification and by true Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) standards they are not really Pilates certified.  These teachers may have other training in body related professions that make them good teachers.  But unfortunately you are not likely to find this out unless you ask.  Always ask!  Most studios have teachers that are certified, though again, if you don't see that piece of paper on the wall, ask!   

My general rules of thumb are

1: ask the teacher where they were trained and how long that training took (a good program has at least 350 hours of training);

2: choose a class that is small so you can get one on one attention from the teacher (mat less than 10 people, reformer less than 6 people);

and 3: Don't do anything that doesn't feel right .  If you feel any pain, particularly in your neck or back, ask for a modification or just wait until the class moves on to the next exercise.