Finding the Right Pilates Classes Near Me
How to Choose Pilates Classes Near Me
Pilates has been trending for the last few years, and for good reason—it's a versatile workout that builds strength, flexibility, and body awareness. However, this popularity has led to a surge of unqualified instructors and studios jumping on the bandwagon, often with little real knowledge of the method. This has muddied the waters in the Pilates industry, making it tough for newcomers to spot a quality studio amid the sea of "reformer-based fitness" options that may not truly align with authentic Pilates principles.
A quick Google search for "Pilates classes near me" can yield a mixed bag of results, including:
Quality classical Pilates studios
Quality contemporary Pilates studios
Megaformer studios like Lagree or Solidcore
Questionable reformer-based fitness studios
Yoga or group fitness spots offering "sculpt" classes disguised as mat Pilates
So, how do you, as a consumer, navigate this and find the right fit? Start by asking yourself a few key questions about your goals:
What is your ultimate goal?
If you want to experience Pilates as Joseph Pilates created it over a century ago—perhaps to recover from illness or injury, or to build a progressive practice for longevity using all the apparatus (mat, reformer, tower, Cadillac, Wunda chair, ladder barrel, spine corrector, and more)—search for a "classical Pilates studio near me."
If you value a curated playlist and enjoy blending group fitness elements into your Pilates workout, look for a "contemporary Pilates studio near me."
If you prefer a HIIT-style session focused more on intensity than Pilates principles, try "megaformer studio near me" or "sculpt workout near me."
*Note: Megaformer workouts aren't technically Pilates, but that's a discussion for another post!
Now that you understand how these studio types can serve different needs, let's dive into how to differentiate them.
Here's what to look for on their websites or during your initial visit:
Quality Classical Pilates Studio:
An "About" page detailing the owners' and instructors' education (look for at least a 500-hour comprehensive certification).
A variety of equipment, including reformers without color-coded springs, towers, Cadillacs, chairs, barrels, and small props.
Introductory offers like private lessons to assess your needs and introduce the method and equipment.
Options for group classes, privates, and semi-privates.
Inquiries about your fitness background, including injury history, goals, and preferences.
Quality Contemporary Pilates Studio:
Similar to classical: An "About" page with solid education credentials (at least 500-hour certification).
Equipment like reformers with color-coded springs, towers, Cadillacs, chairs, barrels, and props—but possibly more limited than classical setups.
Intro offers for private sessions to evaluate and educate.
Group, private, and semi-private classes.
Questions about your health history, goals, and preferences.
Megaformer Studio:
Typically one room with 10-12 (or more) megaformer machines.
A brief intro to the machines just before class starts.
Fitness-Based Reformer Studio:
One room with 8-12 reformers featuring color-coded springs.
Minimal info on the "About" page about owners' or teachers' backgrounds.
Quick machine familiarization right before class.
Hopefully, this clears up the confusion so you can confidently search for "Pilates classes near me" and find a studio that matches your vibe. If not, try out a few varieties intentionally to see what clicks!
Close to Home
And if you're looking for the Pilates "studio" nearest to you, it might be right at home—any open floor space will do. Mat Pilates is the most accessible form, requiring minimal instruction (plenty of free YouTube content out there). The traditional mat workout follows an order of 34 exercises, using repetition to build muscle memory and progression. Once you master it, you can practice anytime, anywhere.
To learn the original classical mat work, check out my "Rock the Mat" series linked below!
Building a strong at-home mat practice complements any in-studio classes you take, boosting your core strength, muscle memory, and coordination. It's all accessible from the closest "Pilates classes near me"—your living room!
Denver Locals
If you’re local to Denver, CO there are a few ways to do Pilates with me:
Join my group class Saturday mornings at 10am at B. Pilates Boutique in Greenwood Village
This is a multi-apparatus class in a classical Pilates studio
Join my semi-private classes (3 spots) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 11am in South Denver (fill out the form below and I’ll reach out to you ASAP)
These are reformer/tower/chair classes in a private studio
Book a private or semi-private lesson with me at either location (fill out the form below and I’ll reach our to you ASAP)
Got questions about selecting a Pilates studio or need specific recommendations? Drop them in the comments!
Discover authentic classical Pilates at home with Beginner Rock the Mat – your self-guided path to strength and serenity! Ideal for newbies, postpartum moms (doc-cleared), or injury recovery. Master 11 Joseph Pilates' original mat exercises via on-demand videos: The Opener (11-min breath work), 5 mat classes (15-20 mins each), and The Encore (4-min light weights). Mix/match for custom workouts building core power, alignment, and awareness. Equipment needed: mat, magic circle, theraband, towel.
