How much are Pilates Classes? This is not as simple a question as it seems. This is because Pilates is delivered in many different formats.
The cost of a Pilates class varies depending on multiple factors, such as:
- Whether it is online or in person
- Whether it is a group class
- Whether it is a one-to-one session
- What the location is
- Whether it is Pilates for fitness
- Whether it is Pilates for rehabilitation
- Whether you are block booking Pilates classes
- Whether you are signing up to Pilates memberships which include certain classes?
In this blog, we will be exploring all of these questions.
Cost of online Pilates
You can find lots of Pilates videos online for free which will show you Pilates classes, for example on YouTube but these are not such a good option if you have never done Pilates or if you want to get the most out of your Pilates class.
If you are willing to pay you can find some good classes online which have been carefully prepared by a qualified Pilates instructor.
Click below to access Complete Pilates’ very own On Demand service which includes a 7-day free trial.
Group Classes
The most inexpensive option is a group matwork class particularly if it is online. Group Pilates classes that take place in a gym or a studio may be slightly more expensive due to the overheads, whereas you might find a local class in a community centre is slightly cheaper.
You may find gym classes are good value but a note of caution – you want to check how many people are in the class. If it is a large class you may not be getting the attention that Pilates requires in order to get the most from it. A good class size to look for is 8 – 10 people especially if you are new to Pilates.
Group mat Pilates classes: in person from £10 – £20
Group mat Pilates classes: online from £5
One-to-One Classes
How much are one-to-one Pilates classes?. They are more expensive, however that should be a direct reflection of the bespoke nature of the class and the input that you are getting. Close supervision and hands on feedback should mean that the improvements you make are much faster.
Your sessions should include an assessment and goal setting so that you can see how you are improving.
In addition, those sessions can be made challenging for both mind and body, or appropriately adjusted for any difficulties that you may be having. Think of it as personal training. The cost of Pilates may vary depending on whether you visit a studio or whether you have these sessions at home.
One-to-One Classes: in person £70 - £220
One-to-One Classes: online £50 upwards
Equipment Pilates
One-to-one equipment sessions are the most expensive. They are bespoke and the equipment allows an infinite variety of ways to mix the workout up.
Pilates Equipment uses springs to provide resistance for a greater challenge. What you might not know is that these springs can be used in a way to assist movements which can help you to work at some of the more advanced exercises at a level that is appropriate to you.
This means it is also suitable for clients returning to exercise after a long break or who are recovering from an injury. These classes may need to take place in a studio, therefore the overheads of running the studio and maintaining equipment may necessarily push the price up.
One-to-One Equipment Pilates: £70 - 220
Reformer Pilates
The most well-known Pilates equipment is the Reformer. Many studios offer group Reformer Pilates classes. Cost-wise these are a nice compromise between the relative low cost of a matwork class and the higher cost of one-to-one sessions. It is worth taking a couple of 1:1 sessions so that you are familiar with the Pilates reformer which will help you get the most out of your session. Otherwise, be sure to ask questions so that you feel comfortable and start with a beginning class if you have never used one before.
Reformer Classes: £22 - £35
Duet Classes
Another option may be a Duet class. Please can you also put an anchor to lead the reader to the last section titled Duet classes), sometimes marketed as a Duo or other similar. This is a class where you and a friend or a partner can enjoy a session together, both getting good individual feedback and customised adjustments but at less than the price of a full class. In a Duet class there is the added advantage (depending on the provider) of being able to use other pieces of Pilates equipment other than the Reformer.
Duet classes: £60 – £130 (for two).
Who is delivering your classes?
Who is delivering your Pilates class can affect how much you pay for Pilates. In the UK, Pilates is not a protected term so a Pilates instructor could mean a lot of different things. As with everything you should expect to pay more for quality. If you just want to get moving in a new fun way and are relatively active with no injuries, then you may be happier with the cheaper options. However, you should always be working with someone who has the appropriate accreditation a level 3 or 4 Diploma in Pilates with a recognised Pilates training provider.
If you are recovering from an injury or have a long-term health condition, then you should seek to work with someone who is trained to work with these conditions. In this case you should look to work with someone who has trained in ‘Clinical’ Pilates or a Pilates instructor who is also a Chartered Physiotherapist. Remember to ask what their training is and do a bit of research on the school if you are unsure about the qualification.
Chartered Physiotherapists are medical professionals who undertake training within the NHS in a variety of conditions and work closely with doctors and other health professionals.
You may expect to pay more for Physiotherapy led Pilates. Although the physio will likely understand your injury or illness, it is important to remember that you are going somewhere to move. This means you also need to ask what their training in Pilates is and again look for a highly qualified practitioner.
Location
As with everything, geographical location will impact on the cost of Pilates classes with central City locations being more expensive. The prices we have quoted are generally for Pilates classes in London.
Premises
Pilates can take place within gyms, Pilates studios or rehabilitation clinics. If the Pilates classes take place with a general gym there is a good chance that there is less of an emphasis on learning and development of Pilates instructors. Although obviously there are some exceptions to this.
Within a dedicated Pilates studio there is more likely to be specific training and ongoing development so you may find the quality is better overall. A good idea is to try different ways of doing Pilates and see what suits you best that is affordable for YOU.
Block Booking and Memberships
Most gyms and Pilates studios will offer discounted classes if you buy them in multiple blocks. For example, Complete offers blocks of 5, 10 and 20 sessions at a reduced rate. Other options that reduce the cost per class are monthly memberships where you pay a set cost per month to use an agreed number of sessions for the month.
Cost of Living
At the time of researching this article, prices everywhere for everything are going up due to the increase in cost of living and energy prices. Prices quoted are correct, but they may go up in response to the current economic climate.
So, is the cost of Pilates worth it?
Spending money on your health and on your body is a long-term investment with important gains. Delivered well, Pilates can change the way your body feels and moves. Pilates can help you achieve your fitness goals and support your gym based, or sporting activity.
Pilates can help improve your strength and balance which are important for maintaining health and independence throughout the lifespan. If you are consistent with Pilates and especially if you work on a one-to-one basis with a knowledgeable instructor, you will learn a great deal about your body that you can continue to apply to any future exercise endeavours.
Complete Pilates pride ourselves on offering high quality Pilates classes delivered by Physiotherapists and Clinical Pilates instructors.
Want to experience Pilates for yourself?
Get in touch! You can find us at one of our Pilates studios in London and speak to us about your needs. You can find us at our studios below:
– Complete Pilates Islington
– Complete Pilates Kensington
– Complete Pilates City of London
Alternatively, find out how much our Pilates classes are.
These blogs are designed to give information to everyone, however, it is important to remember that everyone is different! If you have not seen one of our therapists and have any questions about injuries, what you have read or whether this may be useful to you, please just ask. We are more than happy to help anyone and point you in the right direction. Our biggest belief is that education is key. The more you understand about your injury, illness and movement, the more you are likely to improve.
