With more than 11 million participants and more than 15,000 instructors, Pilates has consistently ranked among the fastest-growing of all physical fitness disciplines since 2001. It's, as they say, all the craze and for good reason. Its ability to provide a routine with consistent results for virtually all participants, while maintaining safe, low-impact stress to your body's joints, gives it widespread appeal. Rather than muscle-builder physiques and crash-course weight loss, Pilates delivers toned, slender muscles and consistent calorie-burn that won't leave you with an urge to "pig-out" 30-minutes after the session is over. And its core principles—breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, and flow—has an intuitive element that appeals to most people.

But enough with the propaganda: Your first Pilates class is the only sales pitch the discipline needs. And here's how to make sure you find the find best possible class in your area for your first Pilates experience.

How to Find the Right Pilates Class for You in Just Minutes
First, get the ball rolling: Submit a request with ServiceMagic for local Pilates classes, and we'll do the heavy-lifting by searching our database for studios and instructors in your area that have passed our screening process (background check, basic credentials, customer referrals) to make sure you're only dealing with legitimate classes. Ideally, we'll be able to find numerous options in your area so you can find the best deals, the shortest commute, and the most experienced instructors. After all, just because you're interested in physical fitness doesn't mean you're not also a smart shopper.

But this is only part of the free service that we offer. You can also peruse our quality-controlled customer ratings and reviews to see how other local Pilates participants feel about their experience with individual instructors. Maybe you're looking for a low-impact Pilates class taught by a middle-aged instructor who can directly sympathize with your limited flexibility and recuperative ability. Maybe you've never been motivated by the traditional cardio-workouts but still want a routine that's going to kick your butt. Maybe you've just gotten some wonderful news and need to search for a Pilates class designed specifically for expecting mothers. Our previous referrals can provide some of the best local wisdom out there: But keep in mind that many fitness studios employ multiple instructors so be sure you end up signing for the right session/time slot.

Average Cost of a Pilates Session
Need to start with a caveat, here: Quoting any type of cost estimate is a dangerous game. The number of variables for the cost of a Pilates class requires that you hedge your bets. Just the local cost-of-living makes it difficult to compare classes in Manhattan, KS with classes on the Upper West Side. That said, you can probably use your own sliding scale to get a feel for where your local classes might fall. And, given the likelihood that you'll fall in love with Pilates, it can be important to budget ahead of time.

That said, unless you have a good amount of disposable income, you're going to want to stick to group classes. Private Pilates sessions frequently hit the $100 mark. Even small group lessons can get the price down to under $50 per session. But for many, even $50 a pop isn't doable. Not to worry, in most places, you can sign up for a package-deal of group lessons and bring the cost all the way down to $10-$35 per session. Plus, by using ServiceMagic to see what's out there and with many physical fitness studios marking down their prices in these tough economic times, you're more likely to find affordable Pilates sessions than ever before.

Tips for Your First Pilates Class

• Be sure to let the instructor know of any individual concerns. If you have neck stiffness, back pain, or if you're expecting, simply exercise modifications may be the difference between a rewarding experience and hurting yourself. Along the same lines, stay within yourself. There's no value in competing with other members of the class.

• Where non-restrictive clothing that you feel comfortable in. This includes certain social standards: Short-shorts or even shorts that have a tendency to ride-up should be avoided. Sweat pants and a comfortable T-shirt are perfect.

• Bring bottled water. You're going to get thirsty and, while there may be a water fountain, it probably won't be located in a convenient spot for a mid-class drink.