Private Pilates classes are one-on-one sessions where the instructor builds the whole session around you: your goals, your body and your pace. They suit people who are new to Pilates, returning to movement after a break or injury (with clearance from a health professional), or who simply want more focused attention than a group class can give, and no prior experience is needed. Pilates360 offers Private Pilates at its Neutral Bay and St Leonards studios on Sydney’s Lower North Shore, and has been helping people move well since 2015. This guide explains what private sessions involve, who they suit, how they compare with other formats, what affects the cost, and who to contact.
What Are Private Pilates Classes?
A private Pilates class is a session with one client and one instructor, so every exercise can be chosen, adjusted and paced for you. At the studio, private sessions include ones that use only the reformer and ones that use all of its equipment. Sessions commonly run about 45 to 60 minutes, so confirm the length when you book.
Private sessions are available for beginners and for more experienced clients alike, because the instructor sets the level and changes it as you progress.
Why People Choose Private Pilates Classes
- Undivided attention. The instructor watches every movement and corrects as you go.
- A tailored pace. Exercises are chosen for your goals, strength and comfort, not for a whole room.
- A way to learn the basics. It helps if you want to understand the reformer before joining a group, and many people move into small group classes afterwards.
- Working around injuries or conditions. Sessions can be adjusted, as long as your doctor or physiotherapist has cleared you and the instructor knows your history.
- Specific goals. These might be posture, core control, mobility or a return to a sport or activity.
- Comfort and flexibility. A one-on-one setting can feel less self-conscious, and private and studio sessions can be booked across the week (confirm times with the team).
Which Private Option Fits Your Situation?
| Your situation | A private session may suit you if… |
| New to Pilates, nervous, or never used a reformer | you want to learn the equipment before joining a group |
| Returning after an injury or surgery | your doctor or physiotherapist has cleared you and you want exercises adjusted to you |
| An older adult or managing a health condition | you want a slower, tailored pace (check with your health professional first) |
| Pregnant or postnatal | you want to ask whether a private or duet session suits you, after medical clearance |
| Working towards a specific goal | you want a focused plan with feedback |
| Short on time or hard to fit to a timetable | you need a time outside the group schedule |
Private or Small Group: How to Decide
If you are unsure, ask what you most need right now. Choose private if you want to learn the equipment without an audience, need exercises adjusted around an injury or health condition, or have a specific goal to work towards. Choose a small group class if you enjoy the energy of a room, want a lower cost per session and are comfortable following demonstrations.
Many people combine the two: a few private sessions to build confidence, then group classes for regular practice, with an occasional private session to check technique or update goals. Our guide to small group Pilates covers the group side in detail.
What Is Private Group Pilates?
Private group Pilates means a session booked for your own group rather than joining a timetable class. It might be a duet with a friend or partner, or a team or workplace session.
At the studio, Studio Pilates is delivered as private or duet sessions on a range of equipment, including the reformer, chair, trapeze table, ladder barrel and arc. The studio also runs corporate Pilates classes and events, which can be held at an office or a local park. If you want a session just for your own group in the studio, ask the team what can be arranged.
Private Pilates by Class Type: Reformer, Mat, Barre and Prenatal
- Reformer. Private reformer-only sessions are available.
- All-equipment sessions. These can use a mix of the reformer, chair, trapeze table, ladder barrel and arc.
- Mat Pilates. If you prefer floor-based work, ask whether a mat-focused private session can be arranged.
- Barre. Barre is offered as a class. If it is your focus, ask the team whether a private session can include barre-style work.
- Prenatal and postnatal Pilates. If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, ask whether a private or duet session suits you, and get clearance from your doctor, obstetrician or midwife first. Our guide to Pilates during and after pregnancy covers what to expect.
- Older adults and health conditions. Check with your health professional first, and tell your instructor about your history so the session can be adjusted.
How Much Does a Pilates Class Cost?
The cost of a Pilates class depends on the studio, the class type, whether it is a group, duet or private session, and whether you pay per session or buy a pack or membership. Private sessions typically cost more per session than group classes, because you have the instructor’s full attention.
The studio’s pricing pages list a single session pass, class packages, memberships, a clinical Pilates package and a new client offer, so you can try a session before committing to anything longer. For current private session prices, check the pricing page or ask the team. Some private health funds may offer rebates for some services, so check with your fund too.
Who to Contact for Private Pilates Classes in Sydney
To book a private Pilates session at Pilates360, email info@pilates360.com.au or call the studio you prefer:
- Neutral Bay: 0499 283 490, Unit 2A/211 Ben Boyd Road.
- St Leonards: 0499 283 499, 45 Chandos Street.
New clients also get a short consultation, online or by phone, so the team can answer your questions and get you booked in.
What to Expect at Your First Private Session
- A conversation first. The instructor asks about your goals, injuries and health history.
- An introduction to the equipment. They explain how the reformer, or other equipment, works before you begin.
- Guided exercises. The instructor demonstrates each movement, then watches and corrects as you do it.
- Adjustments as you go. Resistance, range and positions are changed to suit you.
- A plan for next steps. You can talk through whether to continue privately, mix in group classes or move across.
Wear close-fitting activewear and grip socks, and let the team know about any injuries, surgery or pregnancy when you book.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Booking Private Pilates
- Leaving out your history. The instructor can only tailor the session around injuries, surgery or pregnancy if they know about them.
- Expecting private to mean intense. The session is built around you, so it can be gentle or challenging depending on your goals.
- Booking one session and stopping. Change builds with regular practice, so plan a short series or a mix of private and group.
- Skipping medical clearance. If you are recovering from injury or surgery, or are pregnant, speak with your health professional first.
- Not asking what is possible. If you want a mat, barre or prenatal focus, ask the team before assuming it is not available.
Getting the Most From Private Sessions
- Share your goals clearly, even if they are simple, such as feeling steadier or less stiff.
- Say so when something feels wrong, since instructors can only adjust what they can see or hear about.
- Ask the instructor to explain what each exercise is for, so you can follow the thinking and practise it between sessions.
- Review your progress after a few sessions and decide together whether to continue privately or join a group class.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are private Pilates classes?
Private Pilates classes are one-on-one sessions in which an instructor designs the session around your goals, body and pace. At Pilates360 they include reformer-only sessions and sessions using all of the studio’s equipment.
How long does a private Pilates session last?
Private sessions commonly run about 45 to 60 minutes. Confirm the exact length with the team when you book.
Are private Pilates sessions suitable for beginners and advanced clients?
Yes. Because the session is built around you, the instructor sets the level for beginners and advanced clients alike and adjusts it as you progress.
What is private group Pilates?
Private group Pilates is a session booked for your own group, such as a duet with a friend or a team session, rather than a timetable class. Pilates360 offers duet Studio Pilates and corporate classes and events.
How much does a private Pilates class cost?
Cost depends on the session type and whether you pay per session or buy a pack. Private sessions typically cost more than group classes, so check the pricing page or ask the team for current prices.
Who do I contact to book private Pilates in Sydney?
Email info@pilates360.com.au, or call Neutral Bay on 0499 283 490 or St Leonards on 0499 283 499. New clients get a short consultation to answer questions and book in.
Can I book private mat, barre or prenatal Pilates?
Private sessions are reformer-only or use the studio’s equipment, so ask the team what can be arranged for mat, barre or pre and post natal focus. If you are pregnant, get medical clearance first.
Final Thoughts
Private Pilates gives you an instructor’s full attention and a session built around you, which is why it works well as a starting point, a way back to movement, or a way to work on a specific goal. If you are unsure whether private or group suits you better, a short conversation with the team is the easiest way to decide.
View the Pilates360 timetable for group classes, or get in touch about a private session at the Neutral Bay or St Leonards studio.
