At The Pilates Movement, we offer private sessions, duet sessions and small groups of 3 students in each class.
Private Sessions are the best way to learn and to have the workout designed specifically for you. However, small group classes can be just as beneficial as private sessions.
Before Covid shutdown, our classes were 4 students in each class. With the pandemic we had to reduce class size and we all really enjoyed teaching groups of 3 and decided to keep the small groups going.
A small group Pilates class with 3 students offers clear advantages over a larger class of 6 or more, especially in a technique-driven practice like Pilates:
1. More Personalized Attention
With only three students, the teacher can closely observe each person’s alignment, breathing, and movement patterns. This means:
- More hands-on corrections
- Exercises tailored to individual needs or injuries
- Fewer bad habits forming unnoticed
In larger classes, teachers simply can’t give the same level of detail to everyone.
2. Better Results and Faster Progress
Pilates is about precision, not speed. In a small group:
- You perform exercises correctly from the start
- You progress more safely and efficiently
- You’re more likely to see strength, mobility, and posture improvements sooner
- Groups that work together weekly, progress together as a group and more quickly than random people each week.
Quality beats quantity every time.
3. Reduced Risk of Injury
Small classes allow teachers to:
- Modify exercises in real time
- Catch compensations before they become problems
- Ensure proper use of equipment (especially on Reformers or Towers)
Larger classes increase the chance of missed form issues, which can lead to strain or injury.
4. Higher Accountability and Focus
With only three people:
- There’s less distraction
- You’re less likely to “hide” in the back of the room
- You stay engaged throughout the session
This often leads to better effort and consistency.
5. Customized Equipment and Flow
In smaller classes, teachers can:
- Adjust springs and props precisely for each student
- Change the class plan on the fly based on how everyone is moving
- Spend time setting up equipment correctly
In large classes, programming must stay more generic.
6. Premium Experience Without Private Pricing
A 3-person class sits in the sweet spot:
- Nearly private-level instruction
- More affordable than one-on-one sessions
- A calm, boutique studio feel
7. Stronger Teacher–Client Relationship
Smaller groups allow instructors to:
- Learn your goals, limitations, and preferences
- Track your progress over time
- Offer meaningful feedback and encouragement
This relationship is harder to build in larger classes.
In short: a 3-person Pilates class delivers safer movement, faster results, and a more personalized, high-quality experience than larger group formats.