What to Anticipate When You Join a Pilates Class for the First Time, According to Experts

Taking a Pilates class for the first time often comes with questions: What should I wear? Is this workout suitable for me? Will I be able to follow along? Understanding what to expect in your first Pilates session can help boost your confidence. (And props for stepping out of your comfort zone!) Pilates is a versatile exercise that can accommodate various fitness levels. “Pilates is highly flexible, and modifications are readily available to make the practice accessible to most people,” says Patricia Sabulis, certified yoga instructor, NASM/ACE–approved Mat Pilates instructor, and Lululemon Studio trainer.

Eager to get started? Discover the key tips experts recommend for Pilates beginners before joining your first class.

Understand the Type of Pilates You’re Signed Up For

Before jumping into a class, there are a few things to consider, says Alycea Ungaro, licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor. You’ll need to choose between mat Pilates, which can be done either virtually or in person, or Pilates with equipment, which requires attending a studio.

You might be familiar with Reformer Pilates, which uses a machine with springs to add resistance, but other types of equipment are available too. “It’s useful to view Pilates as a system,” Ungaro explains. Pilates can incorporate various other equipment like a chair, spine corrector, and tower, all of which may appear in class descriptions. Reformer Pilates and mat classes are typically more widely available, depending on your location. So, how do you decide? It mostly depends on your personal preference and comfort level with learning to use equipment.

“Beginners may find the Reformer makes some exercises feel a bit easier because the springs reduce some of the weight. However, the Reformer can seem intimidating at first, so starting with simple mat exercises is a more approachable way to begin,” says Sabulis. “Mat Pilates helps practitioners build foundational body awareness, which they can then build upon with resistance on the Reformer or other equipment.”

No matter which option you choose, make sure to do your homework and sign up for an introductory session first. Usually, you can select between individual training or a group class (both available virtually or in person), depending on the level of personal guidance you prefer.

You Might Encounter Some New Terminology

It can feel like you’re learning a whole new language when your instructor throws out terms you’ve never heard before in a workout class. In Pilates, there are several terms that may be unfamiliar to you, but don’t worry—they’ll typically be covered in an introductory course, Ungaro says. (This is another great reason to avoid jumping straight into an advanced class!)

Here are a few terms you’re likely to come across:

The Powerhouse: This refers to the core of your body. It’s often thought of as a rectangle from shoulder to shoulder and hip to hip, as explained by Sabulis.

Pilates Stance: Sabulis describes this as a slightly outward-turned position with your heels touching and your toes pointing apart.

The Hundred: This exercise, typically done in a boat position depending on the class level, engages your core and involves pumping your arms to 100 beats, explains Jennifer McNeely, certified Pilates instructor and member of the Mindbody & ClassPass Wellness Council.

Instructions May Be Primarily Verbal

In some Pilates classes, instructors might not demonstrate the movements as they give instructions, says Ungaro. “You’ll need to listen carefully and convert the instructions into physical actions,” she adds. If you’re in a group setting, don’t hesitate to glance at what others are doing for some guidance, she suggests.

Pilates Goes Beyond Just Exercise

Pilates offers many benefits that extend into your everyday life: posture, balance, breath control, body awareness, and alignment, says Ungaro. In fact, you could leave your very first session feeling improvements in these areas, especially alignment.

“In your first session, you’ll learn the proper way to sit up,” says Ungaro. Instead of pushing yourself to complete the most intense workout, focus on performing the movements with purpose because Pilates is all about creating a foundation that helps you move easily in everyday life. “The ultimate goal of Pilates is to improve your overall life—it’s about being able to climb a mountain. Pilates teaches you to apply everything you do in class to your real-world activities,” she adds.