A private Pilates session is a one-on-one appointment with a Pilates instructor where the exercises, pace and level of guidance can be adapted around you.

Your first session will usually include a conversation about your experience and goals, an introduction to the equipment if you are using a Reformer, and guided exercises designed to help you understand Pilates technique and become more confident.

For women who are new to Pilates, returning to exercise, nervous about group classes or simply prefer more individual attention, starting with a private session can make the experience feel considerably more comfortable.

Below, we explain exactly what happens during a private Pilates session, what to wear, how many sessions you may need and whether one-on-one Pilates may be the right choice for you.

What Is a Private Pilates Session?

A private Pilates session is a one-on-one Pilates session between you and an instructor.

Instead of following a class designed to accommodate several participants at once, the session can be planned and adjusted around factors such as your:

current Pilates experience
movement confidence
strength and mobility
exercise history
goals
preferences
understanding of Pilates technique
familiarity with the Reformer

Depending on the studio and instructor, a private session may involve Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates or a combination of both.

At Bodi Boutique, private sessions give you time to learn Pilates technique, become comfortable using a Reformer, work through exercises at your own pace and receive more individual guidance than is possible during a group class.

If you are still deciding whether the additional attention is worth paying for, read our guide to Private Pilates vs Group Pilates: Which Is Better for You?.

What Happens at Your First Private Pilates Session?

Your first private Pilates session should not feel like an audition.

You are not expected to arrive knowing Pilates terminology, understanding how a Reformer works or already being strong and flexible.

In fact, one of the advantages of starting privately is having time to learn those things without feeling rushed.

While every instructor and studio will structure private sessions differently, your first appointment will commonly include several of the following elements.

1. A Conversation About You

Before launching into exercises, your instructor will usually want to know a little about you.

You might discuss:

whether you have done Pilates before
what other exercise you currently do
what you would like to achieve
whether you are returning to exercise after a break
movements you enjoy or dislike
anything relevant that may affect your participation
whether you eventually want to join group Pilates or Reformer classes

This does not need to become an intimidating fitness interrogation.

The purpose is simply to give the instructor enough context to make sensible exercise choices.

It is also your opportunity to say things you may not feel comfortable announcing in the middle of a group class.

You can say, “I haven’t exercised in five years.”

Or, “I’m nervous about getting on the Reformer.”

Or, “I have absolutely no idea what engaging my core is supposed to feel like.”

That information is useful.

2. Learning the Reformer Before You Have to Exercise on It

If your private session involves Reformer Pilates, your instructor can introduce the equipment before expecting you to move confidently on it.

A Pilates Reformer generally includes a moving carriage, springs, straps and a footbar. The springs can provide resistance or assistance depending on the exercise and how the equipment is being used.

Healthdirect Australia specifically advises beginners doing Reformer Pilates to become familiar with the equipment and understand how the springs and machine are adjusted.

During a private session you may learn:

how to safely get on and off the Reformer
where to place your feet
how the carriage moves
what the springs do
how to hold and use the straps
how the footbar is used
why different spring settings change an exercise

This can remove a surprising amount of anxiety before your first group Reformer class.

If you want a deeper explanation of Reformer Pilates and the equipment itself, explore our Pilates & Reformer Pilates guide.

If you would feel more comfortable learning the equipment privately before joining a class, you can explore private Pilates and Reformer sessions at Bodi Boutique.

3. Learning the Foundations Rather Than Trying to Keep Up

Pilates can look deceptively simple from across the room.

Then you try it and suddenly someone is talking about your ribs, pelvis, breathing, shoulders, feet and abdominal control at the same time.

There can be a lot to process when you are new.

A private session allows the instructor to slow things down.

You may work on foundational concepts such as:

breathing while moving
trunk and core control
pelvic and spinal positioning
shoulder positioning
controlled movement
coordination
how much effort an exercise should require

And importantly, you have time to ask questions.

If you hear “engage your core” and have no idea what that actually means, you do not have to pretend you understood.

We explain that cue in much more detail in What Does “Engage Your Core” Actually Mean?.

Will My Instructor Assess My Posture?

This depends on the instructor, their qualifications and the type of Pilates service you have booked.

A Pilates instructor may observe how you perform exercises and use those observations to help select, modify or progress movements within their professional scope.

However, a fitness-based private Pilates session should not be presented as a medical diagnosis or physiotherapy assessment unless the professional providing it is appropriately qualified to offer those services.

This distinction matters.

If you have significant pain, a new injury, neurological symptoms, unexplained symptoms or a medical condition affecting exercise, an appropriately qualified healthcare professional may need to be involved.

If you have been confused by the different terminology used across the industry, our guide to Clinical Pilates vs Fitness Pilates explains the distinction in more detail.

What Exercises Will You Do in a Private Pilates Session?

There is no universal private Pilates workout.

That is rather the point.

One person might spend much of her first session learning basic Reformer footwork, straps and carriage control.

Another may already have years of Pilates experience and want a more challenging session.

Someone else may prefer Mat Pilates and small equipment.

A private session might include exercises performed:

lying on your back
side lying
seated
kneeling
standing
using the Reformer carriage
using straps or spring resistance
using small Pilates equipment

Your session may challenge your trunk, hips, glutes, legs, arms, shoulders, balance, coordination or mobility depending on the program.

Pilates is not simply an hour of stretching.

Research has examined Pilates across outcomes including balance, muscular endurance, flexibility, pain and physical function. An umbrella review of 27 systematic reviews found promising results across several health outcomes, while also noting that the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate.

That is an important perspective.

Pilates can be a valuable form of exercise without needing to be marketed as a miracle workout.

You can read more about this in our guide Is Pilates Just Stretching? What Pilates Actually Does to Your Body.

Do You Need to Be Fit Before a Private Pilates Session?

No.

You do not need to get fit before you are allowed to start exercising.

That would rather defeat the purpose.

Healthdirect Australia notes that Pilates can be planned for different fitness levels, from beginner through to advanced.

A good private session should begin with what you can reasonably do now and progress from there.

This can be particularly appealing if you are in your 30s, 40s or 50s, returning to exercise or simply prefer a quieter and more personalised environment.

For busy women with limited time, the value of a private session may come from quality, privacy, convenience and individual attention rather than simply access to exercise.

What If I Feel Self-Conscious Exercising in Front of Other People?

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

Group exercise is wonderful for many people.

But not everyone wants her first exercise experience in years to happen in front of a room full of strangers.

You may worry that:

you will be the least fit person there
everyone else will know what they are doing
you will get an exercise wrong
you will not be flexible enough
you will not understand the Reformer
you will hold the class up
people will be watching you

A private session gives you space to become familiar with the equipment, movements and Pilates terminology before deciding whether you feel ready for a group environment.

Is Private Pilates Only for Beginners?

Not at all.

Beginners are an obvious group who can benefit from individual instruction, but experienced Pilates clients may choose private sessions for completely different reasons.

You might book privately because you:

prefer individual attention
want more time to refine technique
want exercises progressed specifically for you
do not enjoy group exercise
want a session at your own pace
want to better understand the Reformer
want occasional technique sessions alongside group classes

For some people, private Pilates is a stepping stone into group exercise. For others, one-on-one instruction simply remains their preferred way to train.

Private Mat Pilates or Private Reformer Pilates: Which Should You Choose?

You do not necessarily have to choose.

Private Pilates can incorporate Mat and Reformer work depending on the studio, instructor and purpose of the session.

Private Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates uses your body, gravity and potentially small equipment to create challenge.

It can be an excellent way to understand foundational Pilates movements because the skills do not depend on having access to a large machine.

Private Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates adds an adjustable spring-based apparatus.

The carriage, springs, straps and footbar create different opportunities for resistance, assistance and movement.

For somebody planning to attend Reformer classes, a private Reformer session can also have a very practical purpose: learning how the equipment works before entering a class.

What Should You Wear to a Private Pilates Session?

You do not need an entirely new Pilates wardrobe.

Wear comfortable activewear that allows you to move freely.

Clothing that is reasonably fitted can sometimes make it easier for an instructor to observe your movement, but you should still wear something you feel comfortable in.

For Reformer Pilates, many studios require or recommend grip socks.

You may also want to bring a water bottle.

For Mat Pilates, check whether the studio supplies mats or expects you to bring your own.

Do You Need to Bring Your Own Pilates Equipment?

Usually not for an in-studio private session.

A Pilates studio will generally provide the major equipment used during the appointment.

Depending on the session, this could include:

a Pilates Reformer
mats
Pilates balls
resistance bands
Pilates rings
hand weights
boxes or other Reformer accessories

If you enjoy Pilates and eventually want to practise at home, your first purchases do not necessarily need to include a full-size Reformer.

A quality mat, resistance band, small Pilates ball, ring and grip socks can provide plenty of options for home movement.

If you are considering purchasing a Reformer for home use, it is worth understanding more than the colour and appearance of the machine.

Consider its dimensions, carriage travel, spring system, user weight rating, build quality, warranty, replacement-part availability, storage requirements and how comfortably it fits your body and intended exercises.

A few private Reformer sessions before making a larger equipment investment can also help you understand which features actually matter to you.

Can Private Pilates Help You Learn Before Buying a Reformer for Home?

Yes, and this is an underrated reason to book a few private sessions.

Home Reformers are now widely available, but owning the equipment does not automatically teach you how to use it.

A private session gives you practical experience with:

spring resistance
carriage control
footbar positions
strap setup
body positioning
common Pilates exercises
transitions on and off the equipment

That knowledge can make you a much more informed shopper if you later compare Pilates Reformers online.

It can also help you recognise that the best Reformer for you is not necessarily the cheapest machine or the one currently appearing most often in your social media feed.

How Long Is a Private Pilates Session?

This varies between studios.

Common appointment lengths include approximately 45 to 60 minutes, although shorter technique sessions may also be offered.

Do not assume that a longer appointment automatically means a better session.

Quality programming, appropriate progression, instruction and how effectively the session uses your time matter considerably more than simply keeping you moving for as long as possible.

How Many Private Pilates Sessions Do You Need?

There is no compulsory number.

You might book a single private session because you simply want an introduction to the Reformer before joining a group.

Someone else may prefer several sessions while building confidence.

Another person may choose private Pilates indefinitely because she values one-on-one instruction.

A reasonable question after each session is:

Am I getting what I need from this level of individual attention?

If you now feel confident with the basics and enjoy exercising around other people, transitioning into a small-group class may make sense.

If you continue to value the privacy, individual programming and instructor attention, private sessions may remain worthwhile.

How Often Should You Do Private Pilates?

There is no magic Pilates frequency that applies to everyone.

Your appropriate schedule depends on your goals, other exercise, budget, recovery and how much Pilates you actually enjoy doing.

Some people use a private session occasionally for technique while attending group classes during the rest of the week.

Others train privately once or several times per week.

And Pilates does not need to be your only form of movement.

Australia’s current physical activity recommendations for adults encourage a varied approach that includes moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, muscle-strengthening work and activities addressing mobility, balance and coordination.

Depending on your goals, Pilates might sit alongside walking, cardiovascular exercise, dedicated resistance training or other activities you enjoy.

Is Private Pilates Good for Back Pain?

This needs a more careful answer than “yes, Pilates fixes back pain.”

Research investigating Pilates for chronic non-specific low back pain has produced encouraging results.

For example, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomised controlled trials involving 1,108 participants reported improvements in pain and functional disability compared with control conditions.

However, another systematic review comparing Pilates with other forms of exercise found no strong evidence that Pilates should universally be preferred over other exercise approaches for chronic non-specific low back pain.

That distinction is important.

Pilates may be useful, but “Pilates” and “medical treatment” are not interchangeable terms.

If you have persistent or unexplained pain, a recent injury or symptoms requiring assessment, seek guidance from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than relying on a generic fitness class to diagnose the problem.

When Does Private Pilates Offer Good Value?

Private Pilates tends to offer the most value when individual attention, privacy, personalised pacing and instructor guidance are important to you.

It will rarely be the lowest-cost way to exercise because one instructor’s attention is concentrated on one client, but value is not always the same thing as choosing the cheapest option.

Private Pilates may feel worthwhile if you value:

privacy
individual attention
a quieter environment
learning at your own pace
having time to ask questions
becoming confident before joining group classes
technique guidance
a personalised boutique experience

For many busy women, a private session may be worthwhile when the quieter environment and individual guidance make them more comfortable and more likely to exercise consistently.

We have deliberately kept the detailed pricing discussion out of this article because it deserves its own explanation.

For Australian pricing, read How Much Does Private Pilates Cost in Australia?.

And if you are wondering why Pilates generally costs more than many traditional fitness classes, read Why Are Pilates Classes So Expensive? And Are They Worth It?.

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

Neither format wins automatically.

A well-run beginner group class may be completely appropriate for somebody who enjoys exercising socially and is comfortable learning alongside others.

Private Pilates may be more appealing when you want extra explanation, individual pacing or a quieter introduction.

Some beginners use one or several private sessions to become comfortable before moving into small-group Pilates, while others prefer to continue training privately.

For the complete side-by-side comparison, visit Private Pilates vs Group Pilates: Which Is Better for You?.

What Should a Good Private Pilates Session Feel Like?

You should feel as though you are being taught rather than simply entertained for an hour.

That does not mean the instructor needs to correct every centimetre of every movement.

And it certainly does not mean Pilates needs to become so technical that you are frightened to move without permission.

Useful instruction should gradually help you become more confident and capable.

Over time, you should increasingly understand:

what you are doing
why you are doing it
how the exercise should broadly feel
how to set up the equipment
when an exercise needs to be modified
how exercises can progress as you improve

The goal should not be to make you permanently dependent on somebody counting repetitions beside you.

Good coaching develops understanding as well as compliance.

For Pilates Instructors: What Makes a Quality 1:1 Session?

Private Pilates requires more than simply delivering your usual group class to one person.

A quality one-on-one session should consider the client’s current ability, goals, exercise history and response to the movements being used.

For instructors, useful skills include programming, regressions and progressions, observation, cueing, communication, equipment setup and understanding professional scope.

This is particularly important in Reformer Pilates, where changes to springs, body position, range, tempo and leverage can significantly alter an exercise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Pilates

What happens during a one-on-one Pilates session?

You will generally discuss your goals and experience before working through Pilates exercises selected or adjusted for your ability. A Reformer session may also include learning how to use the carriage, springs, straps and footbar.

Is private Pilates good for complete beginners?

Yes. Private Pilates can be particularly useful for beginners who want extra explanation, are nervous about group exercise or want to learn how to use a Reformer before entering a class.

Do I need Pilates experience before booking a private session?

No. You can book a private session as a complete beginner.

Do I need to be flexible to do private Pilates?

No. Flexibility is not an entry requirement for Pilates. Exercises can be selected and adapted around your current ability.

Can I do private Reformer Pilates if I have never used a Reformer?

Yes. In fact, learning privately can give you time to understand the equipment before joining a group Reformer class.

Will private Pilates help me lose weight?

Pilates is physical activity and can contribute to an active lifestyle, but body-weight change is influenced by much more than whether your Pilates session is private or group based. Choose private Pilates primarily for the individual instruction and training experience rather than expecting the format itself to create greater fat loss.

Is private Pilates harder than group Pilates?

Not necessarily. Private Pilates can be gentle or highly challenging. The advantage is that the difficulty can be adjusted more specifically around you.

How many private Pilates sessions should I do before joining a class?

There is no required number. Some people feel comfortable after one introduction while others prefer several sessions. You may also decide that you simply prefer private Pilates.

Can I combine private and group Pilates?

Absolutely. Private sessions can complement group Pilates by giving you additional time to work on technique, learn new equipment or explore progressions.

Is a private Pilates instructor the same as a physiotherapist?

No. Pilates instructors and physiotherapists have different professional scopes and qualifications. Some physiotherapists teach Pilates, but booking a private Pilates fitness session does not automatically mean you are receiving physiotherapy or a medical assessment.

Who Is Private Pilates Best For?

A private Pilates session may be particularly well suited to you if you:

are completely new to Pilates
feel nervous entering a group class
prefer privacy
want to learn Reformer equipment first
value individual instructor attention
want to ask lots of questions
are returning to exercise after a long break
want occasional technique-focused sessions
simply prefer a more personalised one-on-one exercise experience

Choosing private Pilates can simply come down to preferring a calmer, more personalised exercise experience that you genuinely enjoy and want to return to.

Thinking About Your First Private Pilates Session?

If you are new to Pilates, nervous about joining a class or simply prefer the experience of one-on-one instruction, starting privately can give you the time and space to learn without feeling rushed.

At Bodi Boutique in Millmerran, private Pilates and Reformer sessions offer individual instructor attention with the option to work on Mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates or a combination of both.

You can learn the foundations, become comfortable with the equipment and build confidence at your own pace before deciding whether private or small-group Pilates suits you best.

Explore Private Pilates, Reformer Pilates and Small-Group Classes at Bodi Boutique →

Research & Further Reading

About the Author

Jazz — Bodi Boutique

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

She completed her Certificate III in Fitness in 2016 and has worked across the fitness, beauty and wellness industry for approximately 10 years. Her Pilates education includes training with Online Fitness Education, Studio Pilates and Core Collab, alongside hands-on experience teaching Pilates and programming classes within her own studio.

Through Bodi Boutique, Jazz works with women across different ages, abilities and exercise backgrounds, with a particular focus on making Pilates approachable, helping clients understand what they are doing and creating a supportive environment where people can build strength and confidence at their own pace.

Learn more about Bodi Boutique →