If you love the idea of Reformer Pilates but would prefer to learn the machine without trying to follow an entire class at the same time, private Reformer Pilates can offer a very different experience.

Instead of sharing an instructor with a group, a private Reformer Pilates session gives you one-on-one time to become familiar with the Reformer machine, understand the springs and setup, practise Pilates technique and work through exercises at a pace that suits you.

That individual attention can be particularly valuable if you are completely new to Reformer Pilates, feel self-conscious exercising in a group, want more guidance with technique or simply prefer a quieter and more personalised way to exercise.

But private Reformer Pilates also costs more than joining a group class. So is the additional investment actually worth it?

In this guide, we look at who benefits most from 1:1 Reformer Pilates, when a private session may be worth paying for, when a group class may be perfectly suitable, and what you should know about the Pilates Reformer machine and equipment itself.

What Is Private Reformer Pilates?

Private Reformer Pilates is a one-on-one Pilates session performed primarily using a Pilates Reformer machine.

A Reformer typically includes a moving carriage, springs that provide adjustable resistance, a footbar, straps and other adjustable components. The combination allows a large variety of exercises to be performed in lying, seated, kneeling and standing positions.

Australia’s Healthdirect explains that the Reformer uses a moving platform and springs, with the springs providing resistance during exercises.

During a private session, the instructor can spend considerably more time explaining how that equipment works than would usually be possible during a group class.

This is one of the biggest differences between private Mat Pilates and private Reformer Pilates: you are not only learning Pilates movements and principles — you are also learning how to use a specialised piece of exercise equipment.

If you are completely new to private Pilates, our guide to what happens in a private Pilates session explains the first 1:1 experience in more detail.

Is Private Reformer Pilates Worth It?

Private Reformer Pilates can be worth the additional cost when the individual attention solves a problem that might otherwise stop you from enjoying or confidently participating in Reformer Pilates.

That might mean learning how to use the machine before entering a class, having more time to understand technique, being able to ask questions as you exercise, or simply having an environment where you feel comfortable.

It does not automatically mean you will achieve dramatically better results simply because you are paying more.

Your results still depend on factors such as consistency, appropriate exercise selection, progression, your overall activity and what you are trying to achieve.

However, if individual instruction helps you exercise more confidently and consistently, the additional cost may represent good value for you.

If your main question is about pricing rather than whether the format suits you, see our guide to how much private Pilates costs in Australia.

Who Benefits Most From 1:1 Reformer Pilates?

You certainly do not have to start with private sessions before doing Reformer Pilates.

Many people begin successfully in appropriately instructed group classes.

However, private Reformer Pilates can be particularly useful for people who:

have never used a Pilates Reformer before
want to understand the machine before attending a group class
feel nervous or self-conscious exercising around other people
prefer more individual instruction and feedback
want more time to understand Pilates terminology and technique
find it difficult to follow instructions while simultaneously learning unfamiliar movements
are returning to exercise after a long break
prefer the privacy and quieter atmosphere of one-on-one exercise
already attend Reformer classes but want additional technique guidance
are considering buying a Pilates Reformer machine for home and want practical experience first

For some people, one private session may be enough to remove much of the uncertainty around the equipment.

For others, private Reformer Pilates becomes their preferred long-term way to train.

Prefer to learn Reformer Pilates privately?

If a busy group class doesn’t appeal to you, a private session gives you the space to learn at your own pace, ask questions and receive individual guidance throughout your workout.

Explore 1:1 Private Pilates & Reformer Sessions at Bodi Boutique →

Is Private Reformer Pilates Good for Beginners?

Yes. Beginners are one of the groups who may benefit most from private Reformer instruction, although private sessions are not compulsory before joining a class.

There is quite a lot happening when you first encounter a Pilates Reformer.

You may be learning how to position yourself on the carriage, where your feet or hands should go, how the straps work, what different spring settings feel like and how to coordinate all of that with unfamiliar Pilates movements.

Healthdirect advises beginners to tell their Pilates instructor that they are new so additional support can be provided. It also specifically notes that people attending Reformer classes need to learn about adjusting the machine and its springs.

A private session simply gives you more time to learn those things without worrying about keeping up with the person beside you.

Do You Need a Private Session Before Joining Reformer Pilates?

No.

A well-run beginner-friendly Reformer class should introduce new clients to the equipment and provide appropriate instruction.

Private instruction becomes particularly useful when you know that you learn better with individual guidance or when uncertainty about the machine is making you reluctant to attend at all.

Think of a private session as an option rather than an entry requirement.

If you are comfortable learning alongside other people and enjoy the social atmosphere of classes, starting in a suitable small-group Reformer class may be completely appropriate.

If you would rather understand the machine first, a private introduction can make that transition feel much easier.

What Is a Pilates Reformer Machine?

The Pilates Reformer is one of the most recognisable pieces of Pilates equipment.

Although designs vary between manufacturers, most modern Reformers share several key components.

The Carriage

The carriage is the padded moving platform on which many Reformer exercises are performed.

Depending on the exercise, you might lie, sit, kneel or stand on the carriage.

The Springs

Springs connect the carriage to the frame and create adjustable resistance.

One of the first important lessons in Reformer Pilates is that more springs do not automatically mean a harder exercise.

Depending on the movement and body position, adding or removing spring resistance can change both the challenge and the amount of support provided by the machine.

The Footbar

The footbar provides a surface for the feet or hands during many exercises and can usually be adjusted to different positions.

Straps and Loops

Reformer straps can be used with the hands or feet and allow the carriage to move through a wide variety of upper-body, lower-body and integrated exercises.

Shoulder Rests and Headrest

These components help with positioning during particular exercises, although the appropriate setup depends on the movement being performed and the individual using the machine.

Understanding these components is one reason private instruction can be useful before you begin exercising independently or consider purchasing a Reformer for home.

Is Reformer Pilates Harder Than Mat Pilates?

Not necessarily.

The Reformer can make some movements more challenging by adding resistance or instability, but it can also provide assistance and support during other exercises.

Mat Pilates relies heavily on your body, gravity and sometimes smaller pieces of equipment, whereas Reformer Pilates gives the instructor another set of variables to work with — including springs, carriage movement, straps and equipment setup.

So rather than thinking of Reformer Pilates as simply a “harder” version of Pilates, it is more useful to think of it as a different way of applying Pilates-based exercise.

Private Reformer Pilates vs Private Mat Pilates

Both can provide individual instruction, but the experience is different.

Private Mat Pilates may use bodyweight exercises along with smaller equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates balls, rings or light weights.

Private Reformer Pilates adds the Reformer machine and its adjustable spring resistance, moving carriage and straps.

Neither is automatically better.

Your preference may depend on the type of movement you enjoy, your goals, access to equipment and whether learning to use a Reformer is important to you.

You also do not necessarily have to choose one permanently. Mat and Reformer Pilates can complement each other.

Is 1:1 Reformer Pilates Better Than a Group Class?

Not universally.

The advantage of a private session is primarily the amount of individual attention available.

In a group class, the instructor needs to divide attention between multiple participants. In a private session, the instructor can spend the entire appointment working with one person.

That allows more opportunity for questions, explanation, exercise adjustments and individual pacing.

Group Reformer Pilates, however, generally costs less per session and offers the social atmosphere that many people enjoy.

Once you understand the equipment and feel comfortable following class instructions, a small-group environment may provide everything you need.

For a more detailed comparison, read Private Pilates vs Group Pilates: Which Is Right for You?

Do You Get Better Results From Private Reformer Pilates?

Private Reformer Pilates should not be marketed as a shortcut to dramatically better results.

There is evidence that Pilates may support a range of health and physical outcomes, but the research varies considerably in quality and certainty.

A 2023 umbrella review published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport examined 27 systematic reviews with meta-analyses and found promising outcomes across several areas, while also noting that the certainty of much of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate.

The practical advantage of private instruction is not that one-on-one Pilates somehow changes the basic principles of exercise.

It is that your session can be more individually guided.

For someone who values feedback, struggles in groups or is more likely to remain consistent when appointments are personalised, that may make private sessions particularly worthwhile.

Is Private Reformer Pilates Suitable for Women Over 40?

Reformer Pilates can absolutely form part of an exercise routine for women in their 40s, 50s and beyond.

But Pilates does not need to be your only form of exercise.

Current Australian physical activity recommendations encourage adults to undertake a variety of physical activities, including moderate-to-vigorous activity, muscle-strengthening activities and activities targeting mobility, balance and coordination.

For many women, Pilates can therefore sit alongside walking, strength training and other forms of movement rather than needing to replace them.

Private Reformer sessions may particularly appeal at this stage of life if you have more disposable income but less interest in crowded or intimidating exercise environments.

You may simply value having an appointment, a quiet studio, individual attention and an exercise experience that feels like time deliberately set aside for yourself.

What If You Feel Self-Conscious in a Reformer Class?

This is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider private Reformer Pilates.

Walking into a room filled with unfamiliar machines can feel intimidating when everybody else appears to know exactly where their feet go, which spring they need and what the instructor means by “feet in straps.”

A private session removes much of that pressure.

You can ask questions, stop when you need clarification and learn the equipment without feeling as though other people are waiting for you.

Once the Reformer is familiar, joining a group class may feel considerably less daunting.

Or you may discover that you simply prefer training privately — and that is a perfectly reasonable preference too.

How Many Private Reformer Pilates Sessions Do You Need?

There is no universal number.

If your goal is simply to learn the basic setup of the machine before joining a class, you may only want one or a small number of private sessions.

If you enjoy individual instruction or have particular movement goals, you may decide to continue for longer.

A sensible approach is to avoid purchasing a large number of private sessions because somebody tells you that everybody “needs” a particular number.

Start with your reason for choosing private instruction and reassess as your confidence and experience increase.

How Often Should You Do Private Reformer Pilates?

The answer depends on what else you do during the week, your goals, your budget and whether private Reformer is your main form of structured exercise or one component of a broader routine.

Some clients may choose a regular weekly private appointment.

Others may use private sessions occasionally alongside group Reformer or Mat Pilates.

And some may use only one or two introductory appointments before transitioning completely into classes.

More is not automatically better. Consistency and an overall exercise routine that you can realistically maintain matter more than trying to achieve a perfect Pilates frequency.

What Should You Wear to Private Reformer Pilates?

Choose comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely and lets the instructor see enough of your general body position to provide useful movement cues.

Very loose clothing can sometimes become inconvenient around moving equipment.

Leggings, fitted exercise pants, shorts and a comfortable fitted or semi-fitted top are common choices.

You do not need an expensive Pilates wardrobe before your first session.

Do You Need Grip Socks for Reformer Pilates?

Grip socks are commonly used in Reformer studios because the textured sole can provide additional grip against the carriage, footbar and other surfaces.

Whether they are compulsory depends on the individual studio’s policies.

If you are attending a new studio, check before your appointment rather than assuming ordinary socks or bare feet will be permitted.

From an equipment perspective, grip socks are also one of the simplest Pilates accessories to own because they can be used repeatedly across private and group Reformer sessions.

What Other Pilates Equipment Can Be Used With a Reformer?

A Reformer session does not necessarily involve only the Reformer itself.

Depending on the instructor, program and equipment available, you may also encounter:

Pilates boxes
jumpboards
small Pilates balls
resistance bands
Pilates rings or circles
light hand weights
platform extenders
different handles, loops or strap attachments
mats for exercises performed away from the machine

These accessories can expand the exercise options available, but you certainly do not need to buy every Pilates accessory you see online.

Learning which equipment you actually enjoy using is one advantage of attending studio sessions before building a home Pilates setup.

Should You Buy a Pilates Reformer Machine for Home?

For somebody who genuinely enjoys Reformer Pilates and expects to use the machine consistently, owning a home Reformer can be very appealing.

But a Reformer is a considerably bigger purchase than buying a yoga mat or resistance band.

Before buying one, consider:

Available space: measure the machine’s full footprint rather than estimating from photographs.
Storage: some Reformers fold or can be stored vertically, while others are designed to remain permanently assembled.
Build quality: carriage movement, frame construction and component quality can affect how the machine feels.
Spring system: check what springs are supplied and whether replacements are readily available.
User specifications: check the manufacturer’s height and weight recommendations.
Adjustability: look at footbar, headrest, ropes and other adjustable components.
Accessories: determine whether items such as a box or jumpboard are included or sold separately.
Warranty: compare coverage for the frame, springs, upholstery, wheels and other components.
Replacement parts: consider whether springs, ropes, wheels and upholstery can be replaced in Australia.
Delivery and assembly: Reformers are substantial pieces of equipment, so freight and installation can matter.

If you are considering investing in your own Pilates Reformer, it is worth comparing more than price alone. The size of the machine, carriage quality, spring system, adjustability, included accessories, warranty, replacement parts and available space in your home can all influence which Reformer is the best fit.

Bodi Boutique will be expanding our Pilates equipment resources with practical Reformer comparisons, buying guides and equipment recommendations to help you understand what to look for before investing in a machine for home use.

Should You Try Reformer Pilates Before Buying a Machine?

For most first-time buyers, getting practical experience on a Reformer before spending thousands of dollars on home equipment is sensible.

Photographs and product descriptions cannot tell you exactly how a carriage feels under your body, how spring resistance changes an exercise or whether you actually enjoy Reformer Pilates enough to use a machine regularly.

A studio session also gives you an opportunity to become familiar with common Reformer components before you start comparing machines online.

A private session can be particularly useful if your eventual goal is independent home practice because you can spend more time asking questions about setup and equipment.

However, learning the basics does not mean every exercise is automatically appropriate to perform unsupervised. Continue to work within your experience and seek appropriate professional guidance where necessary.

What Should You Look for When Comparing Pilates Reformer Machines?

The enormous range of Pilates Reformer machines now available can make shopping confusing.

Price alone does not tell you whether a machine is appropriate for your needs.

A useful comparison should look at the entire machine: dimensions, carriage travel, spring configuration, frame materials, adjustability, maximum recommended user specifications, warranty, replacement parts and included accessories.

Also consider who the machine is designed for.

A compact home Reformer designed for occasional personal use may have very different requirements from commercial equipment expected to handle multiple studio sessions every day.

As Bodi Boutique expands its Pilates equipment resources, we will be developing more detailed buying guides to help you compare Reformers and Pilates accessories without relying solely on marketing claims.

Can Private Reformer Pilates Help With Back Pain?

Pilates has been studied in people experiencing chronic low back pain, and systematic reviews have reported improvements in pain and disability compared with some control conditions.

However, this needs context.

Research does not establish private Reformer Pilates as a universal treatment for back pain, and another systematic review comparing Pilates with other forms of exercise found no strong evidence supporting one exercise approach as universally superior.

If you have persistent, unexplained or significant pain, an injury or a medical condition affecting exercise, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than assuming a general fitness Pilates session is a substitute for clinical assessment or treatment.

You can also read our comparison of Clinical Pilates vs Fitness Pilates to understand the difference in scope.

When Is a Group Reformer Class Probably Enough?

Private sessions are not automatically necessary simply because you can afford them.

A group Reformer class may suit you perfectly if you:

are comfortable learning alongside other people
understand the basic equipment setup
can follow class instructions confidently
enjoy the social atmosphere of group exercise
prefer to attend more frequently for a lower cost per session
do not currently feel that you need significant individual attention

The goal is not to convince everybody that private Pilates is superior.

The better question is whether you personally gain enough from the individual attention to make the additional investment worthwhile.

When Does Private Reformer Pilates Offer the Most Value?

Private Reformer Pilates tends to offer the most value when you are paying for something you genuinely need or strongly prefer — not simply because private training sounds more exclusive.

That could be:

privacy
individual attention
more time to learn the equipment
additional technique guidance
the ability to ask questions throughout the session
a pace that feels less rushed
greater confidence before entering group classes
an exercise appointment designed around one client rather than a room of participants

If none of those things matter much to you, a suitable group class may provide better value.

For a deeper look at what drives Pilates pricing generally, read Why Are Pilates Classes So Expensive — And Are They Worth It?

For Pilates Instructors: 1:1 Reformer Is Not Just a Group Class With One Person

For instructors, private Reformer programming creates an opportunity for much more individual observation and adaptation than is usually possible in a group environment.

That does not mean making every session unnecessarily complicated.

Strong one-on-one programming still benefits from clear objectives, appropriate exercise selection, logical sequencing and the ability to progress or regress movements based on what you observe.

Reformer instructors also need to understand how spring selection, body position, carriage movement, range, tempo and equipment setup can alter an exercise.

As Bodi Boutique’s instructor resources expand, we will be developing Pilates and Reformer programming resources designed to help instructors plan structured, adaptable sessions without relying on random collections of exercises.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Reformer Pilates

Is private Reformer Pilates worth the money?

It can be if you value individual attention, privacy, additional technique guidance or time to learn the Reformer before entering a class. If you are already confident using the machine and enjoy group exercise, a class may offer better value.

Do I need private Pilates before joining a Reformer class?

No. Many people successfully begin in beginner-friendly group classes. Private instruction is an optional way to gain additional confidence and familiarity with the equipment.

Is 1:1 Reformer Pilates better than a class?

It offers more individual attention, but that does not make it universally better. The best format depends on your preferences, experience, budget and how much individual guidance you want.

How many private Reformer sessions do I need?

There is no set number. Some people use one or several sessions as an introduction before joining classes, while others prefer ongoing private instruction.

What should I wear to private Reformer Pilates?

Wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely. Avoid extremely loose clothing that may interfere with moving equipment.

Do I need grip socks?

Many Reformer studios require or recommend grip socks, but policies differ. Check with the studio before your first appointment.

Can women over 40 do Reformer Pilates?

Yes. Reformer Pilates can form part of a broader exercise routine throughout adulthood, with exercise selection and intensity adjusted appropriately for the individual.

Should I try Reformer Pilates before buying a machine?

It is generally sensible to gain practical experience before making a significant equipment purchase. Using a Reformer first can help you understand what features, dimensions and accessories actually matter to you.

So, Is Private Reformer Pilates Right for You?

Private Reformer Pilates is not something everybody needs.

But if the thing stopping you from trying Reformer Pilates is feeling intimidated by the machine, uncomfortable in groups or unsure whether you will understand what to do, one-on-one instruction can provide a much gentler introduction.

It can also suit experienced clients who simply value privacy, personalised attention and the opportunity to focus more closely on their technique.

And if you are considering investing in a Pilates Reformer machine for home, learning on studio equipment first can give you considerably more context before you begin comparing machines and accessories.

The best Pilates format is ultimately one that suits your goals, preferences and lifestyle well enough that you actually want to keep doing it.

Explore Private Reformer Pilates at Bodi Boutique

At Bodi Boutique, our private Pilates and Reformer sessions provide a quieter, one-on-one option for people who would like more individual attention or time to become comfortable with the Reformer before joining a class.

Explore Pilates, Reformer and Private Sessions at Bodi Boutique →

Research & Further Reading

To compare the available support in more detail, read Reformer Pilates or Private Training: Which Support Do You Need?.

About the Author

Jazz is the owner and operator of Bodi Boutique, a boutique Pilates, Reformer, fitness and wellness studio in Millmerran, Queensland.

Jazz completed her Certificate III in Fitness in 2016 and has approximately 10 years of experience across the fitness, beauty and wellness industries. Her Pilates education includes training with Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab.

Alongside running Bodi Boutique, Jazz teaches Pilates and Reformer sessions and works directly with clients in both small-group and private studio environments. Her approach to Pilates content combines practical teaching experience with evidence-informed research, with a particular focus on making Pilates understandable and approachable for everyday clients.