Starting Pilates: choosing your first class

For your first Pilates class, start with a format suited to your experience. The stated level, teaching, location and planned structure are practical points for choosing, without a promised result or timeline.

Unsure between a studio, live online class and video? This guide helps compare formats and prepare questions before class. Movement instructions come from the teacher supporting you.

#Define what you want from a first class

Before booking, note what you want to explore and look for a class listed for beginners. You can identify these preferences:

• The format : mat, Reformer or another listed class
• Teaching support : opportunities to ask questions
• The location : studio, home or online space
• Organisation : times and travel
• Equipment : what is provided and what to bring

When choosing your first class: explain your experience to the studio and ask which level the class is intended for.

#Six terms to ask the teacher about

Here are words you may encounter in a class description. Ask how they are used in the exercises offered instead of treating them as universal instructions.

1. Centering

If the term appears, ask what the word powerhouse means in the exercise being shown.

2. Concentration

Ask which points to focus on during the explanation.

3. Control

Ask how the teacher indicates the start, finish and adaptations of a movement.

4. Precision

If an instruction is unclear, ask for a demonstration or another explanation.

5. Breathing

Follow the teacher’s guidance for the exercise offered and ask if anything is unclear.

6. Fluidity

Ask how to move between exercises in this particular class.

Remember: discover the pace and instructions with the class teacher, without one formula for every beginner.

#Ask about the class structure

The format and duration are listed in the class description or can be confirmed with the studio. Clarify these points:

What to confirm	Where to look	Useful question
Arrival	Studio reception	When should I arrive and where can I leave my belongings?
Equipment	Class description	What should I bring and what is provided?
Level	Studio team	Does this class welcome beginners?
End of class	Schedule and reception	How much time should I allow to change afterwards?

Ask for an explanation of exercise names when they are announced:

• The Hundred: ask to see the movement and its adaptations.
• Roll-up: ask which reference points are used to explain it.
• Single Leg Stretch: ask how the teacher will help you try it.

When an explanation is new to you, ask your questions before starting. You do not need to memorise movements from an article.

#Studio, at home or online: which option should you choose?

Three formats coexist, each with its own advantages:

Studio classes, Reformer or mat

Check the level and group size. Ask how explanations and adaptations are offered. Check prices, cancellation terms and provided equipment directly with the studio.

Live online classes

Check whether the teacher can see participants, how to ask a question and what space to prepare at home.

Home practice with videos

Check the stated level and required equipment. This format involves no live exchange with a teacher; choose according to the guidance you have received and your experience.

Before choosing: ask how the class welcomes beginners and what happens if you need an extra explanation.

#Prepare an outfit without extra purchases

For the first class, start with what you already own and check studio guidance. Three points help prepare a trial:

1. Bottoms

Try the size and length you feel comfortable in. Compare:

• Waist height according to your preference
• The cut for your preferred coverage
• Seam contact while wearing it

2. A sports bra

For the sports bra, compare the stated support with your preferences, along with your coverage needs, then try the size and available adjustments.

3. Model information

Compare the composition listed with your preferences and read care instructions, without inferring comfort from a fibre name alone.

To compare Galaya pieces, look at cuts, sizes and compositions listed in our leggings collection and our sports bras, then choose references that suit your trial.

#Five useful questions before starting

1. Is an instruction unclear? Ask for another explanation before starting.
2. Not sure about the pace? Ask how to follow the class guidance.
3. Have a question about a position? Ask the teacher for a demonstration or adaptation.
4. Not sure where to set up? Ask which space and equipment to use.
5. Want to book another class? Ask which level matches your current experience.

#Plan what comes next around your schedule

After your first class, review the organisation : location, times, listed cost and opportunities to ask questions. Discuss frequency for your situation, without a results timetable set by this article.

Question	Information to seek	Person or source
Which level should I book next?	Class descriptions	Teacher or studio
Which time fits my week?	Schedule and travel time	Studio schedule
How can I ask a question between classes?	Contact arrangements	Studio team

One useful question to keep: “Do this format and level fit my experience and current needs?”

#Ready to begin?

To prepare your first class, keep a few practical points : the stated level, time, location and how you can ask for an explanation.

Before your first class, prepare two things:

• Book your studio after confirming the level and booking conditions
• Prepare an outfit you have tried on and the belongings requested by the studio.

Discover our Galaya sets to compare cuts, sizes and included pieces. Designed to move.