That 24 hour club pilates mat class sounds crazy! Unfortunately, I have a feeling it's taught that way at many other fitness centers. My sister had a similar opinion about pilates mat classes taken at a gym, and also at a local studio called "PILATES STUDIO".

The muscle work involved in Pilates is so specific. There's just no short cuts to it, and thankfully so. I think many folks get into it because the celebs are doing it, and they think it's about ab crunches in slo-mo, and they'll get six-pack abs, when the truth is that isn't even the point, and that ain't even the target muscle group (rectus abdominus), and those hidden vital core muscles lurking beneath are being completely ignored.

It seems with pilates' surge in popularity comes the increasing demand for more teachers, and short cuts in training.

I don't know of training centers in the bay area. But in case you or someone else on this list are interested in training centers in Socal, Orange Coast College has an top-notch certification program. OCC's Dance Dept has been a pioneer by offering Pilates long before it became a household name. They've got two new Pilates studios, and great equipment. The teachers are experienced and knowledgable, and are real sticklers about correct technique and a deeper understanding of Pilates:
(scroll to bottom)
www.orangecoastcollege.edu/acad...t.htm


There is also Long Beach Dance Conditioning, which I've heard has a good, solid and thorough program:
www.longbeachdance.com/

I looked into absolution but prefer Physical Mind because they have perhaps the most stringent and discerning certifying teachers anywhere. One of my classmates took classes from Joe-he was into squeeze your butt when you were in poses and was generally an affable lech.