With celebrity followers from Pippa Middleton to Hugh Grant, and the NHS adopting them to cure back pain, pilates are becoming increasingly popular. Here are the top ten things to think about when choosing a pilates class:

1. Group classes or individual private pilates lessons? Obviously, the latter comes with a larger price tag, but can be beneficial if you feel you need more time and attention. Group sessions on the other hand can provide an opportunity to socialise as well as get fit.

2. Instructor. Mary Clarke-Mills from Pilates4Life has been teaching pilates for over ten years, "I meet many people who have tried pilates in the past and given up. This is why it's vital to choose the right instructor. They need to be fully qualified in the Pilates Method, which includes all the movements the founder Joseph Pilates would have done, plus studies in anatomy." 

3. Trial sessions. Find out if you can try before you buy. This will allow you to get a feel for the kind of movement you will be doing at your pilates class and the instructor's style of teaching before you commit. 

4. Environment. Anthony Spencer, a dancer at Italia Conti Theatre Arts School, takes regular pilates classes to maintain muscle strength, "The most important thing for me is the environment. Somewhere light and airy is good because you do get quite hot." It might be a village hall, a local health centre or even a school gym - in any case, it's worth researching so you know you'll feel relaxed.

5. Location. Ask yourself, is this pilates class close enough that I will be motivated to go regularly and keep it up? There are so many out there, you should be able to find quality classes nearby.

6. Safety. If you've got a medical condition that your instructor should know about, let them know beforehand. Mary Clarke-Mills says, "A great instructor will ask you lots of questions. They are not being nosey - take this as a good sign - it is important for them to have this information as there may be some movements which need to be modified or avoided."  

7. Mat work or studio equipment? Anyone can join a pilates studio class, but not everyone is suited to a mat work pilates class. You will need to have a certain amount of joint stability and muscular strength because this involves using the weight of your own body as resistance. 

8. Bring your own? If you do choose a mat work class, find out whether you are expected to bring your own mat. A cold wooden floor can be unpleasant if you're in the same position for a while. A bottle of water is also a must!

9. Reviews. Chat to friends and see if they have any recommendations for where to take a pilates course and check how many stars the classes got in the reviews area of Hotcourses.

10. What to wear? Soft, comfortable clothing that you can easily move around in. Your Pilates wardrobe should be tight fitting so the instructor can see your muscles and ensure you are using them correctly.

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