Pilates

While practising mat or wall Pilates at home is possible, it requires at least some familiarity with the exercises' general form to ensure correct technique.

A 1:1 Reformer session can help you safely refine your practice, due to the personalised adjustments and tailored programs.

1:1 sessions are great if you are trying to rehabilitate an injury, recover or prepare for surgery, or help with a chronic condition.

We recommend that beginners learn Pilates in a class environment under the supervision of an instructor to ensure that your form is correct.

Once you are familiar with the techniques and are confident you are performing them safely, you can move to a self-led practice at home.

Reformer and hot Pilates are most easily performed in a class environment due to the Reformer machine or temperature required.

Streaming an online class or downloading a free Pilates app is the quickest way to squeeze a workout in at home, and makes a self-led, home practice easily accessible.

Most physios offer 1:1 Reformer Pilates classes which are popular for rehabilitation and recovering from injuries.

You may need to travel to a clinic, however it remains relatively accessible from your home.

Classes are a popular way to practise Pilates, and with options like Reformer Pilates or hot Pilates which have grown in popularity, classes are easily accessible in most areas, though you may need to travel to attend.

On a budget? Find free Pilates workouts online or download Pilates apps that start from $15 per month.

1:1 classes usually cost between $90-$130; however, you may be able to claim this through your private health insurance. Check with your provider before booking the class.

Group Pilates classes usually cost between $20-$40 per class.

A small group clinical Pilates class can start from $40+ per class.

You will want to start with a mat for bodyweight Pilates. You can increase the burn by adding the following props into your practice:

- Chi ball ($8-$28)

- Resistance bands ($17-$57)

- Light hand weights ($10-$33)

- Pilates ring ($15-$45)

- Grip socks ($14-$23)

Equipment will be provided by the clinic or studio, however, you might want to consider a pair of grip socks, which are between $14-$23, to prevent slipping.

Equipment will be provided by the studio, however, you might want to consider a pair of grip socks, which are between $14-$23, to prevent slipping.

If you are practising Pilates at home, the potential for socialisation will be low.

You will be practising alone in a private 1:1 Pilates session; however, you will generally be able to socialise and/or connect with your instructor in the session.

Class sizes usually range from 8 students in a Reformer class to up to 30 for mat Pilates. And while there isn’t much opportunity for connection while in class (as you’re focused on your practice), socialisation opportunities are there before and after class

Grip socks are recommended to prevent slipping but are not mandatory.

It will be up to you to pay close attention to the verbal cues offered to minimise injury.

You will need to make your own assessment of whether exercise progressions are suitable for you.

Grip socks are recommended to prevent slipping but are not mandatory.

A private instructor provides instant feedback on form and technique for a safer practice.

A private session is tailored to you, so your progress will improve at a greater rate than if on your own or in a group setting.

Grip socks are recommended to prevent slipping but are not mandatory.

Instructors should catch form and technique errors, however class sizes may not always allow for this.

Options should be suggested for each movement to build on your current strength and flexibility.

Find a suitable room with plenty of space around you to stretch.

Your instructor or physio will ensure that you have the space and privacy that is suitable for your session.

If you are doing a private practice at home, find a comfortable room with enough space around you to comfortably move and stretch.

If practicing mat Pilates, leave enough space between your mat and the next person to stretch without interference.

You can individualise your practice to fit around your schedule.

Private instructors or physios offer flexibility, however you may still have to choose from particular days and times available.

Class days and times are pre-scheduled so you may have to hunt around for a class and time that suits you.

Simply get changed if you need to, pull out your Pilates mat and your phone (or device of choice) and get started.

Doing a virtual session?

Pull out your Pilates mat and phone (or device of choice) and get started.

Doing it privately in a studio or clinic?

Consider:

- Driving to and from the studio or clinic.

- How long it will take to pay and discuss any needs with the instructor.

Consider:

- Driving to and from the studio

- How long it will take to pay and discuss any needs with the instructor.

- How long it will take to grab any props required and settle in.

Simply search online or your Pilates app for a practice that will suit how much time you have available.

We suggest trying a 15-minute class to start with, to give you a good idea of what’s involved in Pilates.

A private Pilates lesson usually runs for between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the instructor and their program for you.

Most classes run for between 45 to 60 minutes.

You can laugh (or grumble) your way through a more challenging pose, and no one will mind.

You can say goodbye to those tight hamstrings when you bend over to tie your shoes.

Your Pilates flexibility might even mean that you can stretch and grab the remote from the far side of the couch.