Types of pilates classes

Updated

The main types of pilates are mat pilates, done on the floor with body weight, and equipment pilates, done on spring-loaded machines such as the reformer, tower and chair. Classes also differ by style (classical or contemporary), by format (group, private or duet) and by focus, such as hot pilates or prenatal classes.

Types of pilates at a glance

Type What it is Good first class? Find it
Mat Body weight on a thick mat, sometimes small props Yes Mat pilates near me
Reformer Sliding carriage with springs, footbar and straps Yes, in an intro class Reformer pilates
Tower or Cadillac A frame with springs and bars, often attached to a reformer or mat After some reformer classes Studio schedules
Chair A compact box with a spring-loaded pedal After some classes Studio schedules
Jumpboard A reformer with a padded board for jumping lying down Not first Studio schedules
Classical Joseph Pilates’ original sequences, taught in set order Yes, at beginner level Studio schedules
Contemporary Updated exercises and sequences, often with props Yes, at beginner level Many studios
Hot pilates Mat or reformer classes in a heated room Check with the studio Hot pilates near me
Prenatal Classes adapted for pregnancy With your provider’s go-ahead Prenatal pilates
Private or duet One or two students, one instructor Yes, if budget allows Ask the studio

By equipment

Mat pilates is the base of the method. You work on a thick mat using your own body weight, sometimes with a ring, ball, band or light weights. It’s the cheapest kind of class and the easiest to find; gyms and community centers often teach it.

Reformer pilates is the most common equipment class. The reformer has a padded carriage that rolls along a frame, held back by springs, with a footbar and straps. Springs add resistance or support, so the instructor can adjust every exercise. Our reformer pilates hub covers it in depth.

Tower and Cadillac classes use a tall frame with springs, bars and straps. A Cadillac is a raised table inside that frame. A tower is a smaller version, often fixed to the end of a reformer or a mat. You’ll usually meet them in combination classes rather than on their own.

Chair classes use a box-like seat with a spring-loaded pedal you press with your hands or feet. They often include standing and seated balance work.

Some studios also use barrels (curved wooden apparatus) and jumpboards. Joseph Pilates designed many pieces of equipment; he patented 26 during his lifetime[10].

By style

Classical pilates sticks closely to the exercises and order Joseph Pilates taught. Studios that call themselves classical usually teach on several pieces of apparatus, not just the reformer.

Contemporary pilates keeps the principles but updates the exercises, adds props and borrows from other training. Many group reformer studios teach a contemporary style, though they rarely label it.

Neither is a better fit for beginners. Pick the studio whose schedule and price work for you.

By format

Group classes are the norm. On the reformer, group size is set by how many machines fit in the room.

Private sessions are one student with one instructor. They cost more, and some people start with a few privates to learn the basics before joining a group.

Duets (sometimes called semi-privates) are two students with one instructor, priced between a group class and a private.

By focus

Hot pilates is mat or reformer pilates in a heated room. Room temperature and class style vary by studio, so ask before you book. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your healthcare provider whether a heated class suits you.

Prenatal and postnatal pilates adapt exercises for pregnancy and the months after. See the prenatal pilates guide.

Beginner or fundamentals classes are a level more than a type, but some studios list them as their own class. They’re where everyone should start. See pilates for beginners.

Lagree and Megaformer classes look similar to reformer pilates but use a different machine and a separate method. If a schedule says Lagree, it isn’t a standard pilates class.

Barre classes borrow some pilates moves but come from a different tradition built around a ballet barre. Some studios teach both.

How to choose your first type

Start with mat or an intro reformer class. Both teach the method’s basics. Add tower, chair, jumpboard or hot classes once you know the fundamentals. For the method itself, read what pilates is.

Find classes by type and city

Search by type with mat pilates near me, hot pilates near me or prenatal pilates near me, or start with a city below.

FAQ

What are the main types of pilates?

The two main types are mat pilates, done on the floor with body weight, and equipment pilates, done on spring-loaded apparatus like the reformer, tower or Cadillac and chair. Within those, classes vary by style (classical or contemporary), format (group, private, duet) and focus, such as hot or prenatal pilates.

Which type of pilates is easiest for beginners?

There isn’t an easiest type, only easier classes. A mat class or an intro reformer class labeled fundamentals or level 1 is the usual starting point. Mat has nothing to set up. Reformer has springs that can support you but takes a few sessions to learn. Avoid jumpboard, hot and advanced classes at first.

What is the difference between classical and contemporary pilates?

Classical pilates follows Joseph Pilates’ original exercises and order closely, usually across several pieces of apparatus. Contemporary pilates keeps his principles but updates exercises, adds props and changes the sequence. Both are taught at beginner level. Many group reformer studios teach a contemporary style, often without calling it that.

Is Lagree a type of pilates?

Lagree is a separate method that uses a machine called the Megaformer. It looks similar to reformer pilates and is often grouped with it, but the equipment, pacing and instructor training are different. If you want a standard pilates class, check that the studio’s schedule lists pilates or reformer classes, not Lagree.

What is hot pilates?

Hot pilates is a mat or reformer class taught in a heated room. Room temperature, class length and style vary by studio, so check the class description before booking. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your healthcare provider first. Bring water and a towel, and expect to sweat more than usual.