Starting something new can feel intimidating, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. If you’ve never done Pilates before, you may have questions about the equipment, what to wear, whether you need to be in shape, or how you’ll know when you’re ready to progress.
The good news is that you don’t need any previous Pilates experience to begin. At The Pilates Movement, we teach the classical Pilates method that progresses every client through the complete system. Your instructor will guide you through the fundamentals and help you build your practice one step at a time.
Before your first class or private session, here are a few things we think every beginner should know.
Start With the Original Method to Build a Strong Pilates Foundation
The Pilates Method of Body Conditioning was created by Joseph H. Pilates, who developed a system of exercises along with specialized apparatus designed to support and challenge the body.
Joseph Pilates documented his method in two books and through photographs and films of the exercises. He also trained and trusted students to teach his work. At the Pilates Movement, we preserve his legacy by teaching the classical Pilates method.
The exercises in the Classical Pilates method have been organized by the teachers who learned directly from Joseph Pilates into pre-Pilates, beginner, intermediate, and advanced exercises. This progression helps keep the method organized, teachable, and accessible.
Pilates has earned its reputation because of the results it can deliver. We believe it is important to study with Pilates teachers who have a strong understanding of the original method and who teach as close to its principles as possible.
Pilates Is a Progression
One of the most important things to understand when beginning Pilates is that the exercises are designed to progress.
You will start with the fundamentals and, as your understanding and physical ability develop, gradually work toward more challenging exercises.
This isn’t about rushing to the next level.
Harder is not always better.
The goal is to develop the strength, control, coordination, and understanding necessary to perform the work well.
Consistency Produces the Best Results
Give yourself time to learn. Pilates is a method that rewards consistency.
At first, you may have to think about everything: the exercise name, your spring setting, your breathing, your alignment, and what your instructor just asked you to do.
Eventually, many of those things become second nature.
Don’t worry if you don’t get everything right away. Being a beginner is part of the process.
Come to your first class or private session with an open mind, be willing to learn, and trust the process.
How to choose best session type to start Pilates as a beginner
At the Pilates Movement we recommend private sessions as the best Pilates starting option for beginners. Both of our studio locations (Upper East Side and Tarrytown) offer an introductory plan of 2 private sessions to help you get started. Private sessions allow your teacher to introduce the Pilates method at a pace that is appropriate for you, explain the equipment and exercises, and give you specific exercises and instruction for your goals. If you are dealing with an injury, private sessions are recommended. This creates a strong foundation and helps you feel confident before joining a group class.
We understand that private sessions are not always an option. If you are injury free, small group beginner Pilates classes can also be an excellent way to begin, particularly when the class is appropriately leveled and the instructor is able to provide individual attention. The most important thing is to start with Level 1 and give yourself time to learn the fundamentals before progressing to a higher level.
Questions that we often hear from the new clients
What should I wear for my first Pilates session?
Wear comfortable, fitted clothing that allows your instructor to see your alignment and movement.
Please wear clothing without zippers or other hardware that could damage the equipment, and remove all jewelry before your session.
If you have long hair, please tie it back with a hair tie rather than a clip. This will make it easier and more comfortable to move on the equipment.
Do I need to bring anything with me?
Grip socks are required for all Pilates classes and sessions at the Pilates Movement studios..
If you don’t have a pair, we sell grip socks at both of our studio locations (UES and Tarrytown.)
It’s also always a good idea to bring water with you.
Do I need to be in shape before I begin Pilates?
Absolutely not!
Starting anything new can be intimidating, but Pilates meets you where you are today.
Pilates is appropriate for a wide range of ages and fitness levels. Your instructor can adjust exercises, resistance, range of motion, and positioning based on your individual needs.
You don’t need to arrive strong or flexible. That’s part of what you’re here to develop.
Our goal is to help you gain confidence, strength, mobility, balance, and body awareness over time.
What should I expect during my first private session or beginner group class?
Expect to learn the basics first.
Your instructor will introduce you to the concepts and principles that each exercise is built around. You’ll learn the terminology, what the instructions mean, and how the principles of Pilates are applied to your movement.
Don’t worry if it feels like there’s a lot to remember at first. You aren’t expected to know the exercises or terminology before you walk through the door.
You may also feel muscles you didn’t know you had!
That’s part of the fun of Pilates. Discovering how your body moves—and learning to move it with greater awareness and control—is an important part of learning the method.
How do I know when I’m ready to move from beginner to intermediate?
The best person to answer this question is the teacher who works with you regularly. They know your progress, your understanding of the exercises, and how your body is responding to the work.
Some good indicators that you may be ready for the next level include:
- You remember the names of the exercises and how to perform them.
- You understand your spring settings.
- You feel comfortable moving the equipment, such as putting the box on and taking the bars off.
- You understand how the breath is connected to the movement.
- You have a good understanding of which parts of your body are working during an exercise.
- You feel comfortable with the work and are ready for a new challenge.
Progress isn’t simply about being able to do something more difficult. It’s about developing a deeper understanding of the method and greater control of your movement.
Your teacher will help you determine when you’re ready.
Ready to Begin?
You don’t need to be flexible. You don’t need to be strong. You don’t need to know the exercises.
You just need to start.
At The Pilates Movement, we believe that learning the Pilates Method is a process. Our goal is to teach you the method thoughtfully and progressively, helping you develop a strong foundation that you can build on for years to come.
Your first session is the beginning—not a test.
Come ready to learn, move, and discover what your body is capable of.