Maggie Schlegel
Last updated August 11, 2025

Time to Take a Private Pilates Class? Answering One of Your Top Questions

Ever felt like you’re just another body in the room during a group exercise class? Maybe there’s no space for questions, fewer personal corrections, and no time to focus on your goals and needs.

It’s not that you’re in the wrong Pilates studio… you might just be in the wrong type of Pilates class.

At Sultivate, a Reformer Pilates Studio in Sedona, AZ – we believe there’s always a way to get an experience 100% tailored to you: a private Pilates class, customized for your body and your goals.

Today, we’re diving into:

The key differences between private and group Pilates classes.
Science-backed benefits of private Pilates instruction.
Plus, how to choose the right class for your goals.

Let’s break down exactly what a private Pilates class is – and why it might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.

What Is a Private Pilates Class?

A private Pilates class is exactly what it sounds like – a one-on-one session between you and your instructor. But it’s more than just “fewer people in the room.”

In a private Pilates session, the entire workout is designed for your body, your goals, and your fitness level. Whether you’re brand new to Pilates, coming back from an injury, or looking to take your performance to the next level, your instructor tailors every move to meet you exactly where you are.

Most private sessions at Sultivate are done on the Pilates Reformer – our favorite piece of equipment for building strength, flexibility, and better movement patterns. But we often include other Pilates equipment as well, if it will help you meet your goals faster.

Here’s what you can expect in a private Pilates class:

Personalized instruction: The exercises are chosen for you, not for the group.
Immediate feedback: Your instructor will fine-tune your form and make micro-adjustments on the spot – because they aren’t on the other side of the room helping someone else.
Goal-driven programming: Every movement connects back to the results you want to see – creating powerful momentum.
Safe progressions and regressions: Modifying movements so they fit your abilities specifically. Especially important if you’re working through pain, recovering from injury, or are new to exercise.

Think of a private class as your own quiet studio sanctuary – a space where the focus is entirely on you, your movement, and your goals. No distractions included.

A private Pilates session offers a unique pace and focus compared to a group Pilates class – each has its own benefits, but the experience is definitely not the same.

Group Pilates vs. A Private Pilates Session: The Key Differences

At Sultivate, we love both private and group Pilates classes – they simply serve different purposes. Understanding how they compare can help you choose the right option for where you are now and where you want to go.

Private Pilates Classes:

Instructor Attention: Your instructor is right there to guide your form, offer hands-on adjustments when needed, and give you personalized feedback so every move works for your body.
Customization: The workout is built around your body, goals, and any modifications you need.
Pacing and Flow: You set the pace. Need more time on a move? No problem. Want to focus extra on a certain area? We can make that happen.
Atmosphere: Quiet, personal, and focused. A space where you can tune in completely to your body.

Group Pilates Classes:

Instructor Attention: Your instructor still provides guidance and corrections, but their attention is shared among everyone in the room.
Customization: Classes are designed for a general skill level, with optional progressions or regressions to suit different participants.
Pacing and Flow: The class follows a set flow, so everyone moves together, which can be energizing and motivating.
Atmosphere: Social, high-energy, and great for building a sense of community and some serious fitness momentum.

Both formats can help you grow in your Pilates practice – it’s just about deciding which one feels right for your current needs and goals.

Now that you know how private and group classes compare, let’s look at the standout benefits that make a private session such a powerful way to progress.

The Benefits of a Private Pilates Class

Private Pilates isn’t just about working out solo – it’s about maximizing the time you spend on the Mat or Reformer so you see results faster and feel more confident in your movement.

Here are some of the biggest benefits you can expect:

1. Better technique and form correction.

With your instructor’s full attention, you get immediate feedback to fine-tune your positioning. Research shows that targeted cueing and real-time corrections can improve motor learning and reduce injury risk – meaning you’re not just exercising, you’re training your body to move well and effectively.¹

2. Faster progress toward your goals.

No movement is wasted… but some can be more effective at meeting certain goals than others. With every exercise chosen for your specific needs, you’ll be able to meet those goals faster. Each session builds on the last, creating a steady upward path toward your personal milestones.

3. Confidence before joining group classes.

If the thought of jumping straight into a group setting feels overwhelming, private sessions give you a safe space to learn at your own pace. You’ll build skills and familiarity so that when you do join a group class, you walk in with confidence.

4. Tailored support for injuries or special conditions.

Private classes allow for modifications that keep you moving safely and effectively, whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or navigating mobility limitations.

5. Focused attention on strengths and weaknesses.

We can spend more time building on what you do well – and working on what needs improvement – so you leave feeling balanced, strong, and capable.

And to make the most of these benefits, it helps to walk into your first private class with a clear sense of what you want to achieve.

How to Communicate Your Goals to Your Private Pilates Instructor

Your Pilates instructor will guide you through your first session and ask the right questions to understand your needs – but thinking about your goals before walking into the studio helps you get the absolute most out of your time together.

Some common goals for private Pilates sessions include:

Building core strength
Improving flexibility
Recovering from injury
Enhancing athletic performance
Supporting posture and balance
Making everyday tasks easier and more enjoyable

Before your first class, take a few minutes to reflect on:

Your body today: Any aches, injuries, or areas that feel tight or weak.

Your short-term goals: What you’d like to feel or achieve in the next few weeks.

Your long-term vision: Where you want your Pilates practice to take you – stronger hikes, better posture, pain-free gardening, you name it.

When you share this with your instructor, it becomes the foundation for your personalized program. From there, they can adjust every exercise, set, and stretch to bring you closer to the results you’re looking for.

But don’t worry, if you’re not quite sure what you want to accomplish, that’s ok to. Your instructor will still work with you to find the best workout plan. It’s likely you have goals and don’t even realize it!

Now that you know how to prepare for your first private session, let’s talk about who can benefit from a private Pilates class the most. (The truth… almost anyone can enjoy and thrive in this setting).

Who Should Choose Private Pilates Classes?

While private Pilates is a great choice for nearly everyone, there are certain situations where it can be especially helpful.

Beginners who want a strong start.

If you’re new to Pilates or coming back after a long break, private sessions give you the time and guidance to learn the fundamentals without feeling rushed or out of place in a group setting. You’ll build confidence, develop good habits, and feel ready for any class setting.

People recovering from injury or managing pain.

A private class allows for modifications that protect your body while still helping you progress. Whether you’re working through back pain, joint issues, or post-surgery rehab, you can move safely with expert support.

Athletes seeking targeted performance gains.

From golfers to hikers, cyclists to runners – private Pilates can be tailored to improve the strength, mobility, and control you need for your sport. It allows you to target extremely specific muscles and movements for the best results.

Those with specific strength, posture, or flexibility goals.

If you want to improve posture, increase range of motion, or strengthen a particular area of your body, private classes let you focus deeply on those goals.

Busy schedules that need flexibility.

Unlike set-time group classes, private sessions can often be booked at times that work best for you, which makes it easier to stay consistent even when life gets hectic.

And while some people stick with private classes exclusively, others find a combination of private and group sessions gives them the best results.

How to Transition from Private to Group Classes (and Blend Both)

Some people love the focus of private Pilates sessions so much they stick with them – but adding group classes to the mix can give you an even better outcome to your fitness journey.

Start with confidence.

Private classes give you the skills, strength, and familiarity to walk into a group class knowing exactly what to do. You already understand the movements, the cues, and the right form for your body, which makes the transition smooth and stress-free.
But when you add in group classes… You also get incredible benefits.

Enjoy the Motivation of a Group Setting.

Working out with others brings a sense of community and shared energy that is incredibly motivating.² Many people find the social connection of group classes keeps them more consistent and makes workouts more enjoyable.

Keep Growing with Both Formats

Blending private and group classes can help you progress in a well-rounded way. Research suggests that a combo of personalized instruction with a social environment can increase motivation, improve self-confidence, and support long-term commitment to fitness.³

How to Make the Switch… or Mix

Alternate weekly: One private class, one or two group classes.

Use private Pilates classes for fine-tuning: To keep your form sharp and address specific goals.

Use group classes for variety and energy: Try different instructors, flows, and challenges to spice up your workout routine.

With this approach, you get the personalized attention that helps you move well and the social boost that keeps you coming back day in and day out.

What’s not to love?

Your Personalized Pilates Plan

Private Pilates classes offer a level of personalization, focus, and safety that can transform your exercise routine – especially when you’re building a foundation, recovering from injury, or chasing specific fitness goals.
Group classes, on the other hand, bring energy, variety, and a sense of community that keeps you coming back.

The sweet spot? Finding the balance that works for you.

Whether that means starting privately, transitioning to groups, or blending both formats, you’ll be giving your body the attention it deserves while staying inspired and consistent.

At Sultivate, we’re here to help you find that perfect fit. Book your first private Pilates class today, and let’s create a plan that moves you toward feeling stronger and fully confident in every movement.

Resources:

¹ Effects of real-time feedback – IJSPT

² Reducing Stress – American Osteopathic Association

³ Benefits of Small Group Training – PubMed