Group or private Pilates: what to choose to start and for yourself

We hold group classes in small groups of up to 4 people. We train on BASI Systems equipment, mainly the reformer, and classes last about 55 minutes. The instructor leads the whole group, but with so few people they see each of you, correct your alignment and choose the spring resistance individually. That is what sets our classes apart from large groups, where an instructor has no chance to notice every movement.

Classes run with at least two people signed up. You book online through the Fitssey system and choose a time and level in the schedule, for example a beginners class. You can cancel a class free of charge up to 12 hours before it starts.

In a private session you work only with the instructor. The programme is matched to your body, goal and how you feel, and you set the pace. The instructor can give all the time to one person: show an exercise from the start, stop at what is difficult and come back to what matters most to you. Times can be flexible, and you arrange the details through Fitssey or with us.

You can read more about this format on the page private Pilates sessions in Warsaw.

There is a third option: duo classes, where you come with someone close, such as a partner, a friend or a family member. You train together, and the instructor adapts the programme to both of you. It is a good solution if it is easier for you to start in company and at the same time you want more attention than in a group.

Below are the most important differences, and under them hints on when each format fits better.

• Instructor's attention. In a group of up to 4 the instructor sees everyone, but shares attention. In a private session it is focused on you.
• Matching the programme. In a group the exercises are shared for the class level, and the instructor adjusts resistance and variation. In a 1:1 session the programme can be entirely yours.
• Atmosphere. A group adds motivation and company. A private session gives more privacy and calm.
• Flexibility of times. A group has fixed times in the schedule. Private sessions can more often be matched to your possibilities.
• Cost. You will find the prices of both formats in the pricing, where you can compare them without guessing.

Group classes are a good choice when:

• you want to start Pilates and get to know the method at a calm pace, and a beginners class is your starting point,
• you like exercising in company and need the regularity that a fixed time gives,
• you feel well, have no serious complaints and the attention of an instructor in a small group is enough,
• you want to get to know the reformer and see whether this form of movement suits you.

In a group of up to 4, most beginners feel at ease, because nobody judges and the instructor explains every exercise. You can read more about the course of a first class in the article First Pilates class: what to bring and what to expect.

It is worth considering 1:1 sessions when:

• you have a specific goal or complaint and need a programme matched to your situation (after consulting a doctor or physiotherapist),
• you prefer to start alone, because exercising among others makes you self-conscious,
• after an injury or operation you need a calm, controlled return to movement,
• you are pregnant or over 55 and want to be sure the exercises are matched to how you feel,
• you have an irregular schedule and are looking for flexible times.

With back pain, pregnancy or at an older age, it is worth consulting a doctor before you start exercising. More in the articles Pilates for back pain, Pilates during pregnancy and Pilates for seniors.

You do not have to choose once and for all. Many people begin with one private session to get to know the equipment and the basics with the instructor, and then move to group classes. Others train in a group and from time to time take a 1:1 session to work on a particular exercise or complaint. The instructor will gladly help you work out which rhythm is best for you.

Many people hesitate before signing up for a group for similar reasons. Here are the most common worries and short answers:

• "Everyone will be better than me." In a small group each person trains at their own pace, and the instructor chooses spring resistance individually. There is no race and no judging.
• "I will not keep up with the group." The instructor explains each exercise step by step and offers an easier or harder variation. You can take a break whenever you need.
• "In a private session I will be under pressure." There is none. You set the pace, and the instructor is there to help, not to judge.
• "I do not know if this is for me." Start with one class and decide afterwards. You do not have to decide in advance.

In the first session the instructor will ask about your goals, experience with movement, complaints, injuries and operations. Then they will show how the reformer works and take you through the basics: breathing, pelvic position and calm movements in a small range. They match the spring resistance and pace to how you feel. After class you decide together whether you want to continue privately or move to a group, and at what rhythm. There is no pressure to choose anything straight away.

• What matters more to me: company or the instructor's full attention? The first points to a group, the second to a private session.
• Do I have complaints that call for special care? Then start with a conversation with your doctor and consider private sessions.
• What does my week look like? If you need flexible times, private sessions may fit better, while a fixed time in a group helps many people build regularity.
• Do I want to start with a calm introduction? A beginners group class or a first 1:1 session is a good way in.

You can start at any age and at any level, in a group as well as privately. Check the class schedule and book through Fitssey, or have a look at the pricing to compare the formats. If you do not know what to choose, write to us at studio@las-pilates.pl and we will help you pick your first class.