Private Pilates vs Group Pilates: Which Is Better for You?

If you are thinking about starting Pilates — or you already attend classes and are wondering whether more personalised instruction would be worthwhile — you may be asking one simple question: is private Pilates better than group Pilates?

The answer depends less on which type of Pilates is supposedly “best” and more on what you want from your time, money and training.

Private Pilates offers greater individual attention, personalised programming and the opportunity to work at your own pace. Group Pilates is generally more affordable, provides a structured routine and can offer the motivation and enjoyment of exercising with other people.

For many women, particularly those who value personalised health and wellness services, the answer isn’t necessarily choosing one or the other. Private and group Pilates can work extremely well together.

Here is how to decide which option makes the most sense for you.

What Is the Difference Between Private Pilates and Group Pilates?

The biggest difference is not necessarily the exercises you perform. It is how much of the instructor’s attention is devoted to you.

In a private Pilates session, the instructor is working with one person. This allows the session to be adjusted according to your experience, movement ability, confidence and goals.

During a group Pilates class, the instructor is programming for several people at once. A good instructor can still provide modifications, corrections and individual feedback, particularly in a smaller class, but their attention naturally needs to be shared.

Is Private Pilates Better Than a Group Pilates Class?

Not automatically.

There is no good reason to assume that everyone will achieve better results simply because a Pilates session is private.

Research generally supports Pilates as a form of mind-body exercise incorporating elements such as strength, muscle control, flexibility, posture, breathing and core stability. Pilates can be performed on a mat or with specialised Pilates equipment, including the Reformer.

A systematic review published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies describes Pilates as a mind-body exercise approach involving these characteristics rather than defining it according to whether it is performed privately or in a group. You can read the research through PubMed.

So the real advantage of private Pilates is not that the exercises suddenly become superior.

The advantage is individualisation.

If individual attention changes how confidently or effectively you perform the exercises, a private session may be very valuable.

Who Gets the Most Value From Private Pilates?

Private Pilates tends to make the most sense when there is something you specifically want from the instructor that is difficult to provide while simultaneously teaching an entire class.

You may value private Pilates if you:

• want individual coaching rather than simply following a class
• prefer exercising privately
• feel self-conscious in larger fitness environments
• want detailed feedback about your Pilates technique
• would like exercises selected according to your goals
• want to learn how to use a Pilates Reformer with more individual guidance
• have questions you would like time to discuss with your instructor
• prefer a quieter, more personalised fitness experience
• already attend Pilates classes but want occasional one-to-one coaching

For women who already invest in services such as beauty treatments, massage, wellness appointments, personal styling or other forms of individual care, private Pilates can fit naturally into the same philosophy: you are paying for someone’s expertise and attention, not simply access to a room or piece of equipment.

If you prefer individual attention and a session built around you, you can also explore our private Pilates and Reformer sessions to see how one-to-one training works at Bodi Boutique.

Is Private Pilates Worth the Extra Money?

This is probably the most important question.

A private Pilates session will generally cost considerably more than attending a group Pilates class.

But comparing the two purely on price can be misleading because you are purchasing different experiences.

In a group class, the instructor’s time is distributed across everyone attending.

In a private session, the entire appointment is yours.

The instructor can observe your movement, change exercises, explain something again, answer questions and spend more time on areas you find challenging.

Whether that is worth paying for depends on how much you value the additional attention.

If you simply want a regular workout and already feel confident in a Pilates class, group sessions may offer excellent value.

If you want the session designed around you, the additional cost of private Pilates can make perfect sense.

For a deeper breakdown of Australian pricing, read our guide to how much private Pilates costs in Australia.

What If You Feel Self-Conscious Going to a Pilates Class?

This is a much more common concern than people sometimes admit.

Walking into a new Pilates studio can feel intimidating, particularly if you haven’t exercised consistently for a while or your body has changed since the last time you felt genuinely fit.

You may be wondering whether everyone else will be stronger, slimmer, more flexible or already know what they are doing.

A private Pilates session removes much of that comparison.

There is no person beside you to keep up with and no pressure to immediately understand every exercise.

You can concentrate on your own body rather than wondering what everyone else is doing.

That doesn’t mean you have to continue private Pilates forever. Some people use individual sessions to build confidence and then move into small-group Pilates once the exercises and studio environment feel familiar.

What Are the Advantages of Group Pilates?

Private Pilates gets plenty of attention because it sounds more personalised, but group Pilates has some significant advantages of its own.

First, it is more affordable.

That can make attending two or three Pilates classes each week much more financially realistic than booking the equivalent number of private sessions.

Second, group classes create routine. Instead of continually deciding when you are going to exercise, you book a class and it becomes part of your week.

And for many people, the social element matters.

A 2026 systematic review examining adherence to adult group fitness found that factors including perceived capability, social relationships, group identification and instructor behaviour can influence participation and attendance, although the researchers also noted that the available evidence is heterogeneous.

You can read the review through the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

In practical terms, some people are simply more likely to keep exercising when they enjoy seeing familiar faces each week.

Small-Group Pilates Can Give You the Best of Both

When comparing private Pilates with Pilates classes, class size deserves much more attention than it usually receives.

A Pilates class with five people is a very different experience from one containing twenty or thirty participants.

In a small class, your instructor has fewer people to supervise and generally has more opportunity to observe technique, provide alternatives and learn how individual clients move.

You still don’t receive the same amount of attention as you would in a private session, but small-group Pilates can provide an attractive middle ground between individual coaching and large-format fitness classes.

If personalised attention matters to you, one of the best questions to ask when comparing Pilates classes near you is simply:

“How many people are allowed in each class?”

The answer may tell you more about the experience than the class name does.

Private Reformer Pilates vs Group Reformer Pilates

The same decision applies when choosing a Pilates Reformer class. If you are still deciding between different styles of Pilates, our Pilates & Reformer guide explains the different ways you can practise Pilates and what each option offers.

A Pilates Reformer is a specialised piece of equipment consisting of a moving carriage, springs, straps and adjustable components that allow many exercises to be loaded, assisted or progressed in different ways.

If you have never used a Reformer before, the equipment can look considerably more complicated than it feels once someone has shown you how it works.

Private Reformer Pilates gives you more time to become comfortable with things such as:

• getting on and off the carriage safely
• using straps and handles
• understanding spring changes
• positioning your feet and body
• controlling the moving carriage
• learning common Reformer exercises

Once those things feel familiar, a group Reformer Pilates class may be a perfectly suitable way to continue your training.

Do You Need a Pilates Reformer to Get Good Results?

No.

Reformer Pilates has become extremely popular, but the Reformer is a training tool rather than a requirement for practising Pilates.

Mat Pilates can still challenge strength, control, coordination and mobility without a Pilates machine.

Research definitions of Pilates include both mat-based and equipment-based approaches. Broader research reviewing Pilates across multiple health outcomes also shows that the evidence varies considerably according to the population, program and outcome being studied, which is another reason to be cautious of claims that one Pilates format is universally superior.

You can explore the evidence in this umbrella review of Pilates research.

The Reformer does, however, offer a huge range of exercise possibilities. Springs can provide resistance in one exercise and assistance in another, which is part of what makes the machine so versatile.

What If You Want to Buy Pilates Equipment for Home?

Once people begin attending Pilates regularly, another question often appears: should I buy Pilates equipment for home?

For mat-based Pilates, home equipment can be relatively simple. Depending on the type of workouts you enjoy, you might eventually use items such as:

• a supportive Pilates mat
• a Pilates ring or magic circle
• resistance bands
• small hand weights
• a Pilates ball
• ankle weights
• grip socks

A Pilates Reformer machine is a much larger investment.

Before buying one, think beyond the purchase price.

Consider the available space in your home, machine dimensions, carriage length, spring system, build quality, maximum user specifications, warranty, replacement parts, storage requirements and whether you actually enjoy Reformer training enough to use it consistently.

A cheaper machine that feels unpleasant to use may offer worse value than paying more for equipment that you genuinely want to train on for years.

This is particularly relevant if Pilates is part of the money you deliberately set aside to look after yourself. Quality and usability can matter more than finding the absolute cheapest option.

Should You Buy a Pilates Reformer Before Taking Classes?

For most people, attending some Reformer Pilates sessions first is the more sensible order.

It allows you to discover what you enjoy about the equipment and become familiar with how a full-sized studio Reformer feels before making a substantial purchase.

You may also start noticing differences between machines — carriage travel, padding, spring tension, footbar positions and overall stability can change the experience considerably.

That knowledge makes you a much more informed buyer if you later decide to purchase Pilates equipment for home.

Private Pilates vs Group Pilates for Women in Their 30s, 40s and 50s

There isn’t a special Pilates format that suddenly becomes necessary at 40.

But priorities often change.

Many women reach a stage where exercise is no longer about doing the cheapest workout available or trying to burn the maximum number of calories in an hour.

You may care more about feeling strong, moving well, protecting time for yourself and choosing exercise you genuinely enjoy.

You may also be balancing work, family and other commitments, which makes the time you spend exercising more valuable.

In that situation, private Pilates can make sense because your session is focused entirely on you.

Alternatively, a boutique small-group Pilates class may provide enough individual attention while also giving you a regular appointment in your week.

The Australian Government’s current movement recommendations encourage adults aged 18 to 64 to participate in a variety of physical activity, including muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week and functional activities involving mobility, balance and coordination on at least three days.

You can read the full Australian Government physical activity recommendations.

Pilates can form part of that broader movement routine, but it doesn’t need to be the only exercise you do.

Can You Combine Pilates With Strength Training?

Yes — and for many women this is an excellent combination.

Pilates and traditional resistance training don’t need to compete with each other.

Depending on how your Pilates sessions are programmed, Pilates may challenge muscular endurance, stability, coordination and control while resistance training provides another way to progressively strengthen the body.

Your ideal mix will depend on your goals, training history and the activities you actually enjoy enough to continue.

What Should Pilates Instructors Consider When Teaching Private vs Group Sessions?

The difference between private and group Pilates is also important from an instructor’s perspective.

Private programming allows an instructor to build an entire session around one client.

Group programming requires a different skill: creating a class that flows well for several participants while allowing exercises to be progressed or simplified without the session becoming confusing.

A good group Pilates class therefore involves much more than collecting a list of exercises.

Instructors need to consider:

• logical exercise sequencing
• transitions between positions
• appropriate exercise progression
• regression and modification options
• overall class intensity
• equipment changes
• time spent in each movement pattern
• balanced programming across the body
• clear verbal cueing
• how the class fits within a longer programming block

This becomes even more important when programming a Reformer Pilates class because spring changes, equipment setup and transitions can significantly affect the flow of the session.

For Pilates instructors undertaking Pilates instructor training or building confidence after completing a Pilates instructor course, studying complete class structures can be just as valuable as continually collecting individual exercises.

Education and recognised instructor training should establish the foundations of safe teaching. Well-designed class plans and programming resources can then help qualified instructors develop variety, structure and confidence in their ongoing teaching practice.

Should Beginners Choose Private or Group Pilates?

You do not have to complete private Pilates before attending a group class.

A properly structured beginner-friendly Pilates class should provide an accessible entry point.

Private instruction may simply be preferable if you would feel more comfortable learning the foundations individually.

If you’re completely new to Pilates, we have a separate beginner Pilates guide that covers getting started in much more detail.

Can Private Pilates Help With Pain or Injury?

Private instruction gives the instructor more opportunity to observe you and adapt a general fitness session, but it is important not to confuse private fitness Pilates with clinical treatment.

If you have significant pain, an injury, unexplained symptoms or a condition requiring diagnosis or rehabilitation, assessment by an appropriately qualified health professional may be necessary.

Research has found that Pilates may be helpful for some people with low-back pain, although results depend on the population and comparison being studied. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 36 Pilates studies involving low-back pain and found positive effects compared with no exercise, while comparisons with other exercise approaches were more nuanced.

You can read the research on Pilates and low-back pain here.

For a more detailed explanation of the difference between fitness instruction and clinically directed Pilates, read Clinical Pilates vs Fitness Pilates: Which Is Right for You?.

Can You Do Both Private and Group Pilates?

Absolutely.

In fact, this can be one of the most practical approaches.

You might:

• attend group Pilates each week and book an occasional private session for technique
• start privately and move into group classes once you feel confident
• use private sessions when working towards a specific goal
• combine mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates and strength training throughout your week

There is no reason your Pilates routine needs to fit neatly into one category.

Private Pilates vs Group Pilates: Which Should You Choose?

If you enjoy exercising with others, feel comfortable following instructions and want an affordable way to practise Pilates regularly, a group Pilates class may suit you beautifully.

If you prefer privacy, value individual attention, want detailed instruction or simply enjoy investing in a more personalised service, private Pilates may be worth paying more for.

And if you want something between those two experiences, look for a boutique Pilates studio offering genuinely small classes.

The most important question isn’t:

“Which type of Pilates is better?”

It is:

“Which environment will help me enjoy my training enough to keep doing it?”

Frequently Asked Questions About Private and Group Pilates

Is private Pilates better than group Pilates?

Private Pilates provides more individual instruction and greater opportunity to personalise exercises. Group Pilates is usually more affordable and provides the motivation and social environment of exercising with others. Neither is inherently better; the right choice depends on your goals and preferences.

Is private Pilates worth it?

Private Pilates can be worth the additional cost if you value personalised programming, individual feedback, privacy or having an instructor focused entirely on you. Someone already confident in Pilates who mainly wants a regular workout may find group classes better value.

Which Pilates class is best for beginners?

A beginner-friendly class with an instructor who provides clear guidance is appropriate for many newcomers. Private Pilates can be useful for someone who wants additional attention or feels uncomfortable entering a group class immediately.

Should I do private Pilates before joining a group class?

You don’t have to. However, one or more private sessions can help you become familiar with Pilates terminology, common exercises or Reformer equipment before joining a class.

Is private Reformer Pilates worth it?

Private Reformer Pilates may be particularly worthwhile when learning how to use the machine, wanting detailed technique feedback or wanting a session programmed specifically for you. Once you feel confident, a small-group Reformer class may provide excellent ongoing value.

Do I need a Pilates Reformer machine at home?

No. You can practise Pilates without owning a Reformer. If you are considering purchasing one, attending studio Reformer sessions first can help you understand the equipment and decide whether a home Reformer is an investment you will genuinely use.

What Pilates equipment do I need at home?

You can start mat Pilates with very little equipment. A supportive mat is usually the foundation, while resistance bands, Pilates rings, small balls, weights and other accessories can add variety depending on your workouts.

Are Pilates Reformers worth buying?

A Reformer can be worthwhile for someone who trains regularly at home and has enough space for the equipment. Consider construction quality, spring system, carriage dimensions, warranty, replacement parts and how frequently you realistically expect to use it rather than choosing purely according to price.

How many times a week should you do Pilates?

There is no universal number that suits everyone. Your frequency should reflect your goals, other exercise, recovery and schedule. Pilates can be combined with walking, cardiovascular exercise and resistance training as part of a broader weekly movement routine.

Final Thoughts

Private Pilates and group Pilates aren’t competing versions of the same thing.

They solve slightly different problems.

Group classes make regular Pilates accessible, structured and social.

Private sessions provide time, attention and personalisation.

For someone who values investing in her health and wants a fitness experience built around her rather than simply fitting into the room, private Pilates can be a worthwhile luxury with a practical purpose.

For someone who loves the routine and atmosphere of attending Pilates with others, a good small-group class may be exactly what keeps her coming back.

And for many people, the best answer is simply to use both.

Choose your best first format

If you are still weighing up private and group Pilates, the free Pilates Starter Guide gives you a clear overview of Mat, Reformer and one-to-one options before you make a booking.

Research and Further Reading

The following sources were consulted when preparing this article:

• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing – Movement Recommendations for Adults
• Wells C, Kolt GS, Bialocerkowski A. Defining Pilates exercise: a systematic review
• Pilates and Multiple Health Outcomes: An Umbrella Review
• Perceived Capability, Social Belonging and Behavioral Adherence in Adult Group Fitness Classes: A Systematic Review
• Effectiveness of Pilates Exercise on Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

About the Author

Jazz is the owner and instructor behind Bodi Boutique, a boutique Pilates, fitness and wellness studio in Queensland, Australia.

Jazz completed her Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate III in Beauty in 2016 and has spent the past 10 years working across the fitness, beauty and wellness industry.

Her Pilates education includes training with Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab, with practical experience teaching both mat and Reformer Pilates alongside strength and group fitness sessions in her own studio.

Through Bodi Boutique, Jazz combines her industry experience with ongoing professional education to provide practical, evidence-informed information about Pilates, fitness, movement and wellbeing. Her articles are written from both formal training and real-world experience working with clients in a studio environment.