If you have been thinking about trying Pilates but keep putting it off because you feel nervous about joining a class, you are certainly not the only beginner to feel that way.

Perhaps you have never used a Pilates Reformer before. Maybe it has been years since you exercised regularly. You might feel self-conscious about your fitness level, worry that everybody else will know what they are doing, or simply prefer having somebody explain things properly before you are expected to follow along with a group.

For some beginners, a private Pilates session can make that first step considerably easier.

But does every beginner need private Pilates? No.

A well-run beginner Pilates class can be an excellent place to start. The real question is whether private Pilates offers enough additional value for you personally to justify paying more for individual instruction.

In this guide, we look at when private Pilates can be particularly useful for beginners, when a group class may be perfectly suitable, what to expect from 1:1 Pilates, and how to decide which option is right for you.

Are Private Pilates Sessions Better for Beginners?

Private Pilates sessions can be particularly valuable for beginners who want more individual instruction, time to ask questions and an opportunity to learn Pilates movements or Reformer equipment without trying to keep pace with a group.

That does not mean private Pilates is automatically better for every beginner.

If you feel reasonably confident entering a class, enjoy learning in a group environment and have access to a genuinely beginner-friendly Pilates class, you may be perfectly comfortable starting there.

Private instruction becomes more valuable when the individual attention itself solves a problem for you.

For example, you may benefit from beginning privately if you:

feel nervous or self-conscious exercising around other people
have never exercised consistently before
have not exercised for several years
feel confused by Pilates terminology
want more time to understand technique
are unfamiliar with a Pilates Reformer machine
worry about keeping up with a group
prefer personalised instruction
want to ask questions throughout the session
simply enjoy the privacy and attention of 1:1 exercise.

For these beginners, paying for individual instruction may make the transition into Pilates feel considerably less intimidating.

Do You Need to Be Fit Before Starting Pilates?

No. You do not need to “get fit first” before you are allowed to start Pilates.

Pilates exercises can be adapted in difficulty, range, resistance and complexity, and beginners are expected to be learning rather than performing everything perfectly.

Healthdirect Australia describes Pilates as an adaptable form of exercise that can suit different fitness levels and recommends that beginners learn the basics carefully and progress gradually.

If you have been inactive for a long time, starting at an appropriate level is generally more sensible than waiting until you somehow become fit enough to begin.

The Australian Government’s physical activity recommendations for adults similarly encourage regular physical activity and recognise that movement can include different intensities and forms of muscle-strengthening, mobility, balance and coordination work.

Your starting point does not have to look like somebody else’s.

Why Can Group Pilates Feel Intimidating When You Are New?

Walking into any unfamiliar exercise environment can feel uncomfortable.

Reformer Pilates adds another layer because there is an actual piece of equipment to understand.

You may walk into the room and see springs, straps, a moving carriage, a footbar and several other people adjusting their machines as though they have been doing it forever.

Then the instructor starts using terms you have never heard before.

For an experienced participant, these details eventually become routine. For somebody attending their first few sessions, they can feel like a lot to process at once.

That does not mean Reformer Pilates is too difficult for beginners.

It simply means there is a learning curve.

A beginner-friendly class should allow for that learning process. But if you know that you learn better when somebody can slow down, explain things individually and let you ask questions, private instruction may make your introduction considerably more comfortable.

Why Private Pilates Can Feel Easier for Nervous Beginners

One of the biggest advantages of a private Pilates session is not necessarily that the exercises are easier.

It is that the environment can feel easier to learn in.

There is no pressure to copy the person beside you.

You do not have to worry about being the last person to change a spring or wondering whether everybody noticed that you moved your foot in the wrong direction.

You can stop and ask:

“Where am I supposed to feel this?”
“Which spring should I use?”
“Am I doing this correctly?”
“What does neutral spine mean?”
“Can you show me that again?”

Those are completely normal beginner questions.

In a private session, answering them can become part of the session rather than something you feel you need to squeeze in between exercises.

What Happens in a Beginner Private Pilates Session?

A beginner private Pilates session will vary depending on the instructor, studio, whether you are doing Mat or Reformer Pilates, and your individual circumstances.

Generally, however, the first session should involve considerably more than simply giving you a workout.

You may discuss your previous exercise experience, what you hope to get from Pilates, whether you have used Pilates equipment before and what you feel comfortable doing.

The instructor can then introduce movements gradually and explain the terminology and equipment as you go.

With Reformer Pilates, this might include learning:

how to safely get on and off the Reformer
how the carriage moves
how springs change resistance
how to use the footbar
how straps and loops are used
how to position yourself on the carriage
how to change between exercises
basic Pilates breathing and movement cues.

If you would like a more detailed walkthrough, read our guide to what happens in a private Pilates session.

Is Private Reformer Pilates Good for Complete Beginners?

Yes, private Reformer Pilates can be a very approachable way to learn the equipment if you have never used a Reformer before.

A Reformer uses a moving carriage, springs, straps and an adjustable footbar to provide support and resistance during different exercises.

None of those components is particularly mysterious once you understand how they work, but learning them individually can make your first group class feel much more familiar.

Healthdirect specifically advises people attending Reformer Pilates to learn how the machine and springs are adjusted and notes that beginners may sometimes benefit from one-on-one instruction.

If the machine itself is the part making you nervous, even a small number of private sessions may help remove much of that uncertainty.

For a much deeper explanation of private Reformer instruction, see Is Private Reformer Pilates Worth It?

Do You Need a Private Pilates Session Before Joining a Class?

No.

There is no universal rule that says every beginner must complete private Pilates before entering a group class.

Some studios have their own orientation requirements, particularly for Reformer equipment, so it is always worth checking the individual studio’s policy.

Otherwise, the decision largely comes down to your confidence, experience and preferences.

You may be ready to start directly in a beginner class if:

you are comfortable exercising with other people
you do not mind learning while the class continues around you
the class is genuinely designed for beginners
the instructor can provide appropriate guidance
you are comfortable asking questions when necessary.

You may prefer to begin privately if:

the thought of joining a class is stopping you from starting at all
you want to understand the Reformer first
you value individual explanation
you strongly prefer privacy
you want an appointment focused entirely on you.

Private Pilates vs Beginner Group Pilates: Which Is Better?

Neither option is universally better.

They solve slightly different problems.

Beginner group Pilates usually provides a more affordable way to practise regularly while enjoying the atmosphere and accountability of exercising with other people.

Private Pilates provides considerably more individual attention and gives the instructor greater opportunity to work at your pace.

For many people, the best solution is not necessarily choosing one forever.

You might complete one or several private sessions to build confidence and then transition into group classes.

Or you might attend group classes regularly while booking occasional private sessions when you want more individual attention.

And some people simply discover that they prefer private exercise and continue training that way.

Our complete Private Pilates vs Group Pilates guide explores the differences in more detail.

What If You Feel Too Self-Conscious for Pilates?

This is one of the strongest reasons to consider starting privately.

Feeling uncomfortable in a group environment does not mean you are incapable of doing Pilates.

You may simply prefer learning without an audience.

This can be especially relevant for women returning to exercise after a long break, women whose bodies have changed, or anyone who has spent years putting work, family and everybody else’s needs ahead of their own exercise routine.

A private studio environment can give you space to concentrate on what your own body is doing rather than wondering what everybody else thinks.

And as your confidence increases, you can decide whether you would like to remain private or move into group sessions.

Are Private Pilates Sessions Worth It for Women Over 40?

They can be — particularly when convenience, privacy and personal attention matter as much as finding the lowest possible price per workout.

Many women reach their 40s and 50s with very different priorities from those they had in their 20s.

You may have more capacity to invest in your wellbeing, while having considerably less patience for exercise environments that feel crowded, confusing or intimidating.

You may also value having an appointment in your calendar, a quiet environment and an instructor who knows that you are still learning.

That does not mean women over 40 require private Pilates.

Plenty of women begin and thrive in group classes.

The value of private instruction comes from the experience it provides — particularly if privacy and individual attention make you more likely to actually enjoy your exercise and continue doing it.

Can You Start Pilates If You Feel Unfit?

Yes.

Pilates is not reserved for people who already look like Pilates instructors on social media.

People begin exercise from many different body sizes, fitness levels and backgrounds.

A good starting point should meet you where you currently are rather than expecting you to arrive already conditioned.

Exercises can often be progressed or adjusted according to experience and ability.

If feeling uncomfortable about your body is preventing you from entering a group class, a private environment may give you the confidence to begin without feeling as exposed.

However, if you have a medical condition, significant pain, a recent injury or concerns about whether a particular type of exercise is appropriate for you, speak with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a general fitness article or Pilates instructor for medical advice.

Can Beginners Do Mat Pilates Privately Too?

Absolutely.

Private Pilates does not have to mean Reformer Pilates.

Mat Pilates uses body weight and may incorporate small equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates balls or rings.

A private Mat Pilates session can give a beginner time to understand breathing, body positioning and common Pilates movements without having to follow a group.

This can also be useful if you eventually want to practise some Pilates exercises at home because many Mat-based movements require relatively little equipment.

Should a Beginner Choose Mat or Reformer Pilates?

Both can be suitable for beginners.

Reformer Pilates uses springs and a moving carriage to provide resistance and, depending on the exercise, assistance.

Mat Pilates relies more heavily on your body interacting with the floor and gravity.

It is therefore misleading to assume that Mat Pilates is automatically the “easy beginner version” and Reformer is the advanced version.

Some movements may actually feel more accessible on a Reformer because the equipment can provide support, while other Reformer exercises can be highly challenging.

The best place to begin is usually the environment in which you can learn appropriate movements confidently and consistently.

How Many Private Pilates Sessions Does a Beginner Need?

There is no magic number.

Be cautious of anybody suggesting that every beginner automatically needs a large package of private sessions before they are allowed to progress.

If your main goal is simply to become familiar with the Reformer, you may feel considerably more confident after only a small number of sessions.

If you enjoy private instruction and value individual attention, you may decide to continue indefinitely.

Your budget matters too.

Private Pilates generally costs more per session than group Pilates because you are paying for the instructor’s time and attention rather than sharing that time with several participants.

Our guide to how much private Pilates costs in Australia explains the factors affecting private-session pricing and value.

Is One Private Pilates Session Enough Before Joining a Class?

For some beginners, yes.

If you already have general exercise experience and simply want an introduction to the Reformer machine, one orientation-style private session may be enough to make you feel comfortable entering a beginner class.

Someone who feels extremely nervous or wants more time to learn may prefer several.

There is no prize for moving into a group class as quickly as possible.

Equally, there is no reason to keep paying for private sessions purely because you think you are supposed to.

Choose the amount of individual instruction that actually provides value to you.

Will Private Pilates Help You Learn Faster?

Individual attention can allow an instructor to spend more time explaining movements, correcting misunderstandings and adjusting exercises without simultaneously managing several other participants.

That can make the learning process feel more efficient for some beginners.

However, private instruction is not a shortcut that replaces practice.

Pilates involves coordination, control and familiarity with movements that develop over time.

Consistency still matters.

A private session may help you understand what you are trying to do, while repeated practice helps those movements become increasingly familiar.

Does Private Pilates Give Better Results Than Group Pilates?

Not automatically.

The fact that a session costs more does not guarantee dramatically better physical results.

Research suggests Pilates can contribute to outcomes including strength, balance and flexibility, although the quality and certainty of evidence varies between outcomes and populations.

A 2023 umbrella review of Pilates and multiple health outcomes found promising benefits across several outcomes while also highlighting that much of the underlying evidence ranged from very low to moderate certainty.

Another systematic review comparing Pilates with other forms of exercise found that Pilates may improve strength, flexibility and balance compared with inactivity, but was not clearly superior to other exercise approaches for those outcomes.

That distinction matters.

Private Pilates can provide a different level of service and instruction, but it should not be marketed as a magical exercise format that guarantees superior results simply because it is private.

The most useful exercise routine is generally one that is appropriate for you and that you can maintain consistently.

What Should You Wear to Your First Private Pilates Session?

You do not need an expensive new Pilates wardrobe.

Choose comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely.

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

Extremely loose clothing can sometimes be inconvenient around Reformer equipment and can make it harder for an instructor to observe general body positioning.

If you are attending Reformer Pilates, check whether the studio requires grip socks.

Do Beginners Need Grip Socks for Reformer Pilates?

Many Reformer studios require or recommend grip socks.

They have textured sections on the sole designed to provide additional grip against surfaces such as the Reformer carriage.

Policies vary between studios, so check before attending your first appointment.

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

Do You Need Pilates Equipment at Home as a Beginner?

No.

You do not need to purchase a Pilates Reformer or a collection of accessories before you have even decided whether you enjoy Pilates.

If you want to practise simple Mat Pilates at home, a comfortable exercise mat may be enough to begin.

Over time you might choose to add small equipment such as:

resistance bands
a Pilates ball
a Pilates ring
light hand weights
sliders
grip socks.

If you are considering purchasing a Pilates Reformer for home, trying the equipment in a studio first can help you understand what using a Reformer actually feels like before making a much larger investment.

Bodi Boutique will continue expanding our Pilates equipment resources with practical guides to Reformers, accessories and home Pilates equipment as our online Pilates resource library grows.

When Is a Beginner Group Pilates Class Probably Enough?

A beginner group class may be all you need if you:

feel comfortable learning around other people
enjoy the social atmosphere of classes
have access to a class genuinely designed for beginners
are comfortable asking the instructor questions
want the lower cost per session of group exercise
do not particularly value 1:1 attention.

Private Pilates should be an option because it offers something you value — not because beginners should be frightened into believing group Pilates is unsafe or impossible.

When Is Private Pilates Probably Worth the Extra Cost?

Private Pilates tends to make the most sense when individual attention changes the experience enough that the additional cost feels worthwhile.

That may be because you want privacy.

It may be because you learn better individually.

It may be because you want to understand the Reformer before joining a class.

Or perhaps you simply enjoy having an appointment where the session is centred around you.

For someone with sufficient disposable income who values a quieter, more personalised exercise experience, that can be a perfectly reasonable way to spend money on their wellbeing.

For someone primarily concerned with exercising as economically as possible, group Pilates will usually offer better value per session.

If you are wondering why individual Pilates instruction costs more, read Why Are Pilates Classes So Expensive — And Are They Worth It?

Can You Combine Private and Group Pilates?

Yes — and for many people this may offer a practical middle ground.

You might use private sessions when you want additional instruction or help understanding particular movements while attending group Pilates for regular practice.

For example, a beginner could start with private instruction, transition into beginner group sessions and return to occasional 1:1 sessions whenever individual guidance would be useful.

This allows private Pilates and group Pilates to complement one another rather than treating them as competing choices.

For Pilates Instructors: Teaching a Beginner Privately Is Different

For instructors, a private beginner session should not simply be a group class with the other participants removed.

The opportunity is to use the individual setting to understand what the client actually needs to learn.

That might involve spending more time on:

basic Pilates terminology
breathing and movement coordination
Reformer setup
spring selection
safe transitions
body positioning
exercise regressions and progressions
confidence using unfamiliar equipment.

There is little value in overwhelming a new client with dozens of exercises simply because you have an hour available.

A well-structured beginner session should leave the client feeling more capable and more confident than when they arrived.

As Bodi Boutique expands its instructor resources, we will be developing practical Pilates and Reformer programming resources designed to help instructors plan purposeful sessions rather than simply collect random exercises.

So, Should Your First Pilates Session Be Private?

It depends on you.

If you are excited to join a beginner class and feel comfortable learning in a group, there is no reason you must pay for private instruction first.

But if nerves, self-consciousness, unfamiliar equipment or wanting more personal attention are the things preventing you from beginning, a private session can provide a much gentler introduction.

You can learn the basics, understand the equipment and ask all the questions you need to ask without worrying about keeping pace with anybody else.

Then you can decide what comes next.

You may move confidently into group classes.

You may combine private and group Pilates.

Or you may discover that the privacy and individual attention of 1:1 Pilates is exactly the exercise experience you prefer.

Private Pilates for Beginners at Bodi Boutique

At Bodi Boutique, private Pilates sessions provide an alternative for people who would prefer to learn Pilates or Reformer Pilates outside a group environment.

This can be particularly appealing if you are completely new to Pilates, nervous about joining a class, unfamiliar with Reformer equipment or simply value the privacy and personal attention of a 1:1 appointment.

Explore Private Pilates & Reformer Sessions at Bodi Boutique →

What beginners tell us in the studio

Before their first class, new clients commonly worry that they are too unfit, not flexible enough or will not keep up with everyone else. Those concerns are normal and are one reason beginner instruction should leave room to learn rather than rush.

When we slow an exercise down and concentrate on technique, clients have told us, “I can feel the correct muscles now,” “I get more from it when we slow down,” and “I’m more confident with the movements now.” These are individual studio observations, but they show why pace and clear instruction can matter as much as exercise difficulty for a beginner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private Pilates better for beginners?

Private Pilates can be particularly useful for beginners who feel nervous, want more individual explanation or would like to learn Reformer equipment at their own pace. However, beginners who feel comfortable in a well-designed beginner group class do not necessarily need private instruction.

Do I need a private Pilates session before joining a Reformer class?

Not necessarily. Individual studios may have their own orientation policies, but there is no universal requirement that everybody complete private Pilates before attending a beginner Reformer class.

Can I do Reformer Pilates if I have never exercised before?

Reformer Pilates can be adapted for different experience levels. If you have been inactive for a long period, begin gradually and tell your instructor that you are new. If you have medical concerns about starting exercise, seek appropriate healthcare advice.

Do I need to get fit before starting Pilates?

No. You can begin Pilates from your current fitness level. Beginner-appropriate instruction should allow you to learn gradually rather than expecting you to arrive already fit.

How many private Pilates sessions should a beginner have?

There is no universal number. Some people may only want one or a few sessions to become familiar with Pilates or the Reformer, while others prefer ongoing private instruction.

Is one private Reformer session enough before a group class?

It can be for some people, particularly if they already have general exercise experience and mainly want to understand the equipment. Other beginners may prefer several sessions before transitioning into a group environment.

Is private Mat Pilates good for beginners?

Yes. Private Mat Pilates can provide individual instruction in breathing, positioning, control and foundational movements without requiring Reformer equipment.

Is Mat Pilates easier than Reformer Pilates for beginners?

Not necessarily. Both can be made easier or more challenging. Some Reformer exercises can provide support through the machine and springs, while some Mat exercises can be surprisingly demanding.

What if I am too self-conscious to attend Pilates?

If feeling self-conscious is preventing you from joining a group, private Pilates may provide a more comfortable environment in which to begin. You can always decide later whether you want to transition into classes.

Can I combine private Pilates with group classes?

Yes. Some people use private sessions for additional instruction while attending group Pilates for regular practice, giving them a combination of individual attention and the affordability and atmosphere of group exercise.

Research & Further Reading

Not sure which setting will feel most comfortable?

Use the free First Pilates Guide to compare group Mat, small-group Reformer and one-to-one Pilates before you decide.

Choose My Best Starting Point →

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 through Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab.

Through operating her own studio and teaching Pilates and Reformer sessions, Jazz works directly with clients across different ages, confidence levels and exercise backgrounds — including beginners who may feel nervous about stepping into a Pilates environment for the first time.

Her approach to Bodi Boutique content combines hands-on teaching experience with evidence-informed research, with the aim of making Pilates practical, approachable and easier to understand.