Private Session or Group Class?

When people search for Pilates in Fort Worth, they often wonder: should I start with private sessions or try small group classes? At The Pilates Center Fort Worth, we’re proud to offer both, and we keep them true to the authentic method developed by Joseph Pilates!

Joseph Pilates originally designed his method to be taught one-on-one, not in crowded classes. That philosophy guides our approach today. Whether you’re seeking individualized attention in a private Pilates session or the supportive energy of a small group Pilates class, we make sure every client gets the focus they deserve.
The Benefits of Private Pilates Sessions in Fort WorthPrivate Pilates sessions are the heart of authentic Pilates training. Here’s why they matter:
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• Rooted in the Original Method

When Joseph Pilates first developed his method — what he called Contrology — he wasn’t running large group fitness classes. He began by rehabilitating injured soldiers during World War I, using springs attached to hospital beds to help patients regain strength and mobility. This work required meticulous observation, careful adjustments, and an individualized approach for each patient’s unique injuries and limitations.
Later, when Joseph and his wife Clara opened their first studio in New York City in the 1920s, their clientele included dancers, performers, and athletes — all of whom needed highly personalized guidance to recover from injuries, improve technique, and build resilience. He worked hands-on with each student, shaping the exercises to their bodies in real time.
For Joseph, Pilates was never meant to be a “one size fits all” workout. His vision was deeply rooted in teaching one student at a time so that the work could restore balance, strength, and precision for that individual body. That’s why private sessions remain the gold standard of Pilates training — they honor the method’s history and deliver the kind of transformative results that group formats can’t always provide.

• Customized to Your Needs

Every client is different. Private sessions allow your instructor to adapt the exercises to your posture, goals, and any limitations. This makes private Pilates especially valuable for beginners, clients recovering from injury, and those looking to deepen their practice.

• Faster Results

When you’re in a private session, your instructor is focused solely on you instead of splitting their attention between multiple students. That means every repetition, every breath, and every transition is being observed and fine-tuned. Small adjustments, like drawing your ribs in a little more or aligning your hips just so, may seem subtle in the moment, but they compound into major improvements in strength and body awareness over time.

Because Pilates is a system built on precision and control, this kind of immediate, one-on-one feedback helps you progress more quickly. You’ll move beyond simply “going through the motions” and start to embody the work,  feeling stronger, taller, and more aligned after just a few sessions. It’s this attention to detail that makes private sessions the most efficient way to accelerate your results.

• Confidence & Comfort

Stepping into something new can feel intimidating, whether you’re brand-new to Pilates, returning after an injury, or even just trying a new piece of equipment. Private sessions provide a calm, supportive environment where you can learn at your own pace without worrying about keeping up with anyone else.

Many of our clients begin with privates for exactly this reason. They gain confidence in how to move on the Reformer, Cadillac, or Tower, and they get to know the language and rhythm of a Pilates session before transitioning into a group class. Others choose to stay in private sessions long-term because they value the comfort of having a session that is truly theirs: personalized, safe, and supportive from start to finish.


In short, private Pilates sessions are not only about building strength and mobility. They’re about building trust in your own body and creating a foundation that supports every movement you do in and out of the studio. I LOVE private sessions for this reason!
Why Small Group Pilates Classes Stand Out at Our Fort Worth StudioPrivate sessions remain the purest way to experience Pilates, just as Joseph intended — individualized, precise, and deeply transformative. But not every client wants or needs to work one-on-one forever, and some enjoy the camaraderie of our group sessions. 

That’s where our small group classes come in!

Small group classes allow you to keep progressing with an instructor who still knows your body, while adding the motivation and camaraderie of moving alongside others.
Our small group Pilates classes aren’t like others. While big chains often fill their reformer classes with 12–14 people, we do things differently. At The Pilates Center Fort Worth, our classes are capped at six students maximum.

Why does this matter?

• More Attention, Better Results: With fewer students per class, instructors can still provide hands-on corrections and modifications– something you won’t find in larger, fast-paced classes.
  
  
• Community & Connection: Clients love the motivation that comes from moving alongside others. With smaller groups, you’ll get to know familiar faces and enjoy the community aspect while still feeling like the instructor knows your body and progress.
  
  
• The Best of Both Worlds: Small group classes combine the energy of community with the personalized feel of private Pilates. It’s an accessible, affordable way to make Pilates a consistent part of your week.

Private or Small Group: Which Is Right for You?

The truth is, many of our clients do both. Some start with private sessions to build a solid foundation, and then transition to group classes when they’re ready. Others do both at the same time: group sessions multiple times a week, combined with a weekly private session for fine tuning. Still others stick with private sessions exclusively for the deep, tailored experience.

What’s best for you? At The Pilates Center Fort Worth, we’ll guide you toward the option — or blend — that best suits your goals and lifestyle. 

Ready to experience authentic Pilates in Fort Worth?
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Book your first session today and feel the difference that private instruction and intimate classes can make. We’d love to meet you!