Pilates for Beginners: Where to Start and What to Know

Written by Currie Gossett, owner and instructor at C.O.R.E. grow strong in Greenville, South Carolina. Updated October 2026.

If you have ever watched a Pilates class and thought, I would love to try that, but I have no idea what I am doing, you are exactly who we love to meet. Most of our clients started out feeling the same way. Nobody walks in knowing the springs or the names of the exercises, and nobody expects you to. Most people just know they want to feel better and move better in everything they do.

The short answer for new Pilates students: start with a private lesson or a beginner-friendly group class, wear fitted clothes and grip socks, tell your instructor about any injuries, and plan on one to three sessions a week. The longer answers to the questions beginners ask most are below.

Do I need to be flexible or strong to start Pilates?

No. Pilates meets you where you are. A good instructor adjusts every exercise to your body, whether you have not worked out in years, you are coming back after an injury, or you are an athlete who wants to move better. Strength, control, and flexibility come from doing the work. They are not entry requirements.

Should a beginner start with a private lesson or a group class?

Either one can work, but we think privates are a gold standard, especially in the beginning, to get you familiar with the equipment and work with any limitations you might have in your body. Others jump straight into a group class and do just fine. If you are unsure, tell us about your goals and any injuries and we will help you pick.

What is a reformer, and what other Pilates equipment will I see?

The reformer is the piece most people picture: a sliding carriage with springs for resistance, straps, and a footbar. You will also hear about the tower, the chair, and the mat. Each one challenges your body a little differently, and you do not need to learn them all at once. At C.O.R.E. we teach on all four, so you can try what interests you as you go.

What should I wear to my first Pilates class?

Choose clothing that is comfortable and fitted enough for your instructor to see your alignment. Very loose clothing can get caught in the springs. Wear grip socks if you have them, and skip dangling jewelry.

Should I tell my instructor about injuries?

Yes, every time. Share any injuries, surgeries, pregnancy, or pain before class starts. If you work with a physical therapist or a chiropractor, mention that too. Your instructor can modify almost any Pilates exercise, but only if they know what is going on.

What does a first Pilates class feel like?

Pilates is slower and more precise than most people expect, and it is usually harder than it looks. You will work on control, breath, and the deeper muscles around your spine and hips. You might shake a little, and you might feel it in places you forgot you had the next day. Muscle fatigue is normal. Sharp or pinching pain is not, so speak up if you feel it.

How often should a beginner do Pilates?

Once a week is a fine way to learn the basics. Two or three times a week is where most people start to notice a real difference in how they move and feel. Pick a pace you can keep up, because consistency matters more than intensity.

"You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions."

- Joseph Pilates

What is the difference between classical and contemporary Pilates?

Classical Pilates follows the original exercises and order that Joseph Pilates developed in the early 1900s. Contemporary Pilates builds on that foundation with more variety and modern ideas about movement. You do not have to choose before your first visit. Tell us what you want from Pilates and we will point you to the right class.

How long does it take to feel comfortable in Pilates?

Coordinating your breath, your alignment, and the movement all at once takes time. The first few classes can feel awkward, and that happens to everyone. By your fourth or fifth class, a lot of it starts to click. just know true Pilates is a system of progression. It is a practice over a lifetime, just like learning how to play a masterpiece on the piano. You have to work and practice to become truly proficient at this discipline

Where can I start Pilates in Greenville, SC?

C.O.R.E. grow strong is a full-method Pilates studio on East North Street in Greenville, South Carolina. We are the only Greenville studio offering both classical and contemporary Pilates, with group reformer, tower, chair, and mat classes plus private lessons and duets. New students can begin with a New Client Special intro pack, or a Private Lesson Intro Pack, whichever feels right. Send us a note or stop by the studio and we will help you get started.  You can also give us a call at 864-923-5974

Currie

C.O.R.E. grow strong