Danger of Pilates pirates

If you want to get in shape for some farflung beach or just feel good about the way you look and feel, chances are someone will recommend yoga or Pilates classes to you.

A huge interest in the exercise regimes has been fuelled in recent years by stars such as Madonna becoming devotees.

However, that has meant demand for classes has raced ahead of supply.

The result is that many keep-fit fanatics could be putting their health at risk because they are being taught by unqualified instructors, a watchdog warned yesterday.

The Consumers' Association magazine Health Which? said some Pilates teachers qualified after just one weekend course.

In contrast, experts recommend at least two years of training before practising. There is no nationally recognised system for the training and regulation of instructors.

Monica Burton chairs the British Wheel of Yoga, the most widely recognised regulatory body.

'Loads of people are jumping on the bandwagon,' she said. 'It is downright dangerous.'

Osteopath Jeanette Thomson, of North London, warned: 'Without proper instruction, you could be doing more harm than good and end up with a serious injury.'

She said she was treating an increasing number of people who injured themselves exercising - particularly in Pilates classes.

Ms Thomson added: 'I think it partly has to do with the fact that, unlike yoga, people don't know what to expect with Pilates.'

The magazine's survey of 210 yoga and 98 Pilates enthusiasts found more than half had not checked if instructors were qualified.