Size does matter

Why Class Size Matters in Pilates (And What It Means for Your Results)

When it comes to choosing a Pilates class, it’s easy to assume that bigger is better — more energy, more people, more fun. But here’s the truth: in Pilates, quality always trumps quantity. The size of your class can make all the difference to your safety, technique, and the long-term results you want to achieve. Here's our top 4 reasons why size matters in your Pilates class.

1. Pilates is Precision

Pilates is not about simply moving through a set of exercises. Every movement is designed with a purpose — targeting deep muscles, improving alignment, and creating balance in the body. In a large class, it’s almost impossible for a teacher to give each client the corrections and adjustments they need to really feel every moment. You maybe doing 'Pilates' but you are not doing effective Pilates. In a small group, your teacher can notice the tiniest details that will make all the difference. Pilates was after all originally called Contrology and precision is at it's very core.

2. Safety Comes First

Done correctly, Pilates is one of the safest and most effective ways to build strength and mobility. Done incorrectly, it can put unnecessary strain on your body as well as put you at risk from a piece of apparatus that was designed to support you. Smaller classes mean your teacher can ensure you’re moving safely, educate you in how to use the apparatus safely and manage your body on the apparatus, especially if the exercise requires a light spring setting. This is even more required if you’re recovering from injury, managing a health condition, or simply new to Pilates. Sadly there are already injuries out there in the public domain for incidents in large group reformer classes.

3. Faster Progress, Better Results

Personalised attention means faster progress. When a teacher knows your body, your goals, and your challenges, they can adapt exercises to suit you. That means you’ll see improvements in posture, strength, and mobility far quicker than in a “one-size-fits-all” large class environment. In a smaller class everyone can be working towards the same exercise but doing different versions or modifications, in a large class you are a number doing the choreography with only those who look the most at risk getting the corrections.

4. The Experience Matters

Pilates is more than just a workout — it’s a practice for life. Smaller classes create a calm, focused environment where you can tune into your body, connect with your breath, and leave feeling both stronger and more relaxed. Joseph Pilates was very clear 'Contrology is the science and art of coordinated body-mind-spirit development through natural movements under strict control' (The Pilates Pamphlet 1957 written by Joseph Pilates). Moving at pace to music, doing different exercises weekly or every few weeks is not a true Pilates experience.

Class Size Does Matter

Here at The Cornwall Pilates Studio we keep our classes small for good reason, with 15 years experience and multiple awards for her Pilates business, studio owner Stacy Weeks won't compromise this crucial factor. This is further echoed by experienced Pilates teachers around the world with the general consensus being that an effective and authentic Reformer Pilates class has no more than 3-5 in a class. Sadly we are seeing a trend in newly qualified reformer teachers opening up studios around the world trying to manage anything from 8 to 25 people on 8-25 reformers! With one lawsuit out there already for a career ending Reformer class, the industry is sadly predicting more will happen.

With only 3-4 in a reformer/tower class we ensure every client gets the attention they deserve because we want you to get results, get a real experience of Pilates and safeguard your body. Whether you’re here for strength, flexibility, mobility or anything else you’ll always receive expert guidance in a safe, supportive setting and get an authentic Pilates experience.

Ready to experience the difference? Book a small group or private session with us today and see why quality, not quantity, makes all the difference in Pilates.

Book A Class Today