What to Know Before Taking Your First Pilates Class

Starting something new can feel a little daunting—especially when it involves unfamiliar equipment, new movement patterns, and a studio you’ve never stepped foot in before. Whether you’re here because your GP suggested Pilates for your back pain, or you’ve simply heard good things and want to give it a go, here’s a gentle guide to help you feel more confident before your first pilates class.

What Type of Pilates Class Is Right for You?

Pilates isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might see mat classes in a local hall, group reformer sessions in a gym, or private equipment sessions in a dedicated studio like mine. Each has its place.

• Mat classes are often more affordable and accessible, using small props like balls or bands.
• Reformer Classes use the reformer and can vary in how much they follow the Pilates principles versus being a fitness class on a reformer (Have a read of What Is A Pilates Reformer?)
• Equipment sessions use larger studio apparatus like the reformer, Cadillac, or Wunda Chair to support and challenge your body in different ways (For more information see More than just reformer Pilates)
• Private sessions offer one-to-one attention, ideal if you’re managing pain, recovering from injury, want to build confidence or simply prefer a quieter space. (5 Advantages to Private Pilates)
• Group classes can be great for energy and camaraderie, but may not offer the same level of individual support.

If you’re unsure, ask. A good instructor will help you find the right fit for your needs and goals.

Choosing the Right Teacher

If you have any health conditions, injuries, or specific concerns, it’s important to find an instructor who understands how to work with them. Not all Pilates training is created equal—some instructors have done years of comprehensive training, while others may have taken a short course.  Do you have a specific condition? If so do they have experience or training in that area? You’re absolutely allowed to ask about their background, experience, and approach. In fact, I encourage it.

Look for someone who listens, adapts, and makes you feel safe in your body—not someone who pushes you into shapes that don’t feel right.

Have a look at the blog How to Choose a Pilates Instructor

Picking the Right Studio

It’s not just about the equipment—it’s about the environment. Is there parking? Is the space easy to access? Does it feel calm and welcoming?

If you’re booking a private session, privacy might matter to you. At Fascial Soul, for example, it’s just you and me in the studio — no audience, no distractions. That sense of safety and confidentiality can make all the difference.

What to Expect (and What Not To)

You shouldn’t be expected to perform Insta-worthy poses or balance on one leg while doing the splits. Social media images and shorts are just that, a snapshot in time. The ‘poses’ you see are not always real life. 

In fact, some of the most powerful work in Pilates is subtle—internal shifts, nervous system regulation, and that famous “Pilates shake” when your muscles are working hard in a small range.

A lot of the ‘work’ in Pilates just doesn’t show up well on visual-based social media. Footwork (one of the main warm-up exercises) doesn’t look hard enough or fancy enough for a lot of social media. However, having your feet working well is essential for balance and walking through life.

The muscle connections needed to ‘perform’ some of the ‘fancy’ looking exercises can take time to find, and the difference between using them to feel an exercise versus not using them and performing an exercise is huge, but not always obvious to the outside observer. Don’t try to hold yourself to an impossible standard on your first Pilates class. It should always be about progress not perfection.

Speak Up—Please!

If something doesn’t feel right, say so. I love when clients check in, ask questions, or tell me how something feels in their body. That’s what Pilates is all about—building awareness, not pushing through discomfort.

And Most Importantly… Relax

You don’t need to be bendy, brave, or body-confident to start. You just need to show up. We’ll take it from there. 

No perfect matching workout clothes required, really as an instructor I don’t care if your leggings match your top or are 5 years old. Provided you are comfortable and can move in them, it’s all good.

Remember you might feel a bit wobbly. You might feel muscles you didn’t know you had. And you might leave feeling taller, calmer, and more connected to your body.