Before I became a Pilates instructor, I wasn’t a big fan of the practice. I doubted that Pilates would help me build muscle or strength, so I shunned it in favor of cardio-heavy workouts. However, after giving it a try, I realized that Pilates offers an abundance of benefits: better balance, strength and grace, endurance, and an improved mind-to-muscle connection.
I’ve been an instructor for 12 years now and while I love a live class, I really love an online class. I can choose when, and how, I participate and it’s free.
I’m fussy about the teachers I trust, only following instructors who deliver a reliable class each time. I want to share my favorites with you so that you can benefit, like I have, from their fantastic (did I mention free?) offerings.
Best Pilates instructors on YouTube
FitbyMik
FitbyMik is run by Mikala Czubak, who has over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry and a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. Her sessions run from an 8-minute barre arms class to a 35-minute full-body session. Usually, she follows a format of 45 seconds of work followed by 15 seconds of rest, with a different exercise to try every minute. It’s a winning pattern if you get bored easily. To get a taste of her style, try this quick eight-minute barre Pilates core session or this 10-minute arm-toning Pilates workout.
Flow with Mira
I recommend Jakarta-based Pilates instructor Mira Hassan for both beginners and advanced practitioners. Her demonstrations are excellent, but it’s her careful, precise instructions that are really impressive. Even if I’ve done a move a zillion times before, her commentary always gives me something new to focus on or offers some way to make it more challenging. Her 30-minute full-body Pilates classes will get your heart rate up and muscles quivering—and no equipment is required.
Jessica Valant Pilates
Jessica Valant is a qualified physical therapist and a Pilates instructor. She's particularly knowledgeable about exercising with prolapses and abdominal surgery, having experienced these things herself.
She throws in a lot of challenging moves, but beginners can opt for the easy variant of each exercise. She also doesn't indulge in overly cheery chatter, instead focusing on helpful, concise instructions. I like to start my day with this 30-minute full-body Pilates routine from her.
Tracey Mallet
Tracey Mallett is a household Pilates name, having taught the discipline for over 20 years. Her classes are a joy to watch; not only are her cues informative and helpful, so that your alignment and technique are perfect, but she is also excellent company. No matter how many plies and squats, or abdominal crunches she’s doing, she’s smiling as if it’s nothing.
Her five-minute sessions are perfect for when you’re between Zoom meetings, or to wake up in the morning, and her barre classes are the best around. She posts most of her new content on her Instagram now, but you can find a catalog of great videos on her YouTube channel.
