How Much Do Pilates Classes Cost?

Last Updated on September 12, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Pilates is a method of strengthening deep muscles, which are responsible for maintaining posture. Deep muscles are the central muscles, located between the ribs and the pelvis, as well as around the spine (abdominal, pelvic floor, and back muscles). They are the energy center of the body, which allows us to be stronger and more stable. Pilates is also a discipline that allows you to improve your own body’s knowledge, strength, and limits in order to use it more intelligently.

How much do Pilates classes cost?

The average cost of Pilates classes starts from $20 and goes up to $150 per session, depending especially on the type of class, whether it’s a group or private class, and the type of Pilates method. Factors such as the instructor’s recognition and specialization, geographical location, and whether you have a membership or you do the classes online, and so on are also included in the price.

Expect to pay an average of $20-$30 per 45 minutes for a group class with just the mat. If the classes include larger Pilates equipment the cost can go up to $45-$95 per class.

The cost of Pilates classes in semi-private sessions is around $50 to $100 per individual and includes around 3 persons.

A private Pilates session for approx. 1 hour can cost between $50 and $150.

Here are some average costs depending on the type of Pilate:

Please note that the prices provided are approximate and can vary based on location and specific studios or practitioners.

As you may have noticed, the costs vary greatly depending on the gym/studio you go to and the type of session or membership you choose. At a Pilates studio from Manhattan Beach, namely Coe Dynamics, a new client will pay $310 for 4 private sessions for 55 minutes.

Semi-private 8 sessions, 2 times a week, will cost $354. You can also opt for group Pilates, where 8 sessions in the studio cost $269 and 8 sessions online cost $165. On their website, you can find all types of discounts depending on the membership you choose or the period of the year.

Club Pilates appears to offer both unlimited monthly memberships and class packs ranging from 1 to 50 classes. Pricing will vary by location, but sample monthly rates are approximated at around $150-$180 per month for unlimited classes.

Other gym chains like Lifetime Fitness may offer Pilates classes included with gym memberships that start at around $60-$150 per month. Based on what some of its past or active members talk online, it seems Equinox offers Pilates classes either a la carte or included with gym memberships starting at around $200 per month.

Pricing often varies by factors like location, special promotions, and membership level.

You might also like our articles on the cost of Club Pilates memberships, Equinox memberships, or Lifetime Fitness birthday parties.

You might ask yourself why are Pilates sessions so expensive, and according to FusePilates.com, the Pilates trainer’s investments have a price. So, a a Pilates instructor will invest about $4,500 right from the start in his training without additional certification. To this, he will add the purchased equipment for a higher-end Pilates studio that is more than $3,500, and when he buys 10 pieces of equipment, the cost reaches $35,000.

Pilates overview

After the creation of the method by Joseph Pilates, other versions have appeared. Here are 3 different approaches you can also test:

1. STOTT PILATES – A method that is very gentle and accessible to all, which allows you to stay fit and train all your life. It combines stretching, breathing exercises and light gymnastics.
2. PILATES POWER – Body training method that stimulates the mind at the same time and can be practiced with small objects and pieces of equipment (ball, elastic, circle, foam arc).
3. YOGA PILATES – It is a mixture of yoga and Pilates in which the body is stimulated at the same time encouraging slow and controlled breathing throughout the exercise.

In order to obtain visible results, it is recommended to practice 3 sessions of 45-60 minutes every week. Also, because they mainly require muscles, these types of exercises must go hand in hand with a balanced diet.

It is indicated that during the period when you practice Pilates, you should include in the daily menu complex carbohydrates (which we find in whole grains, starch vegetables, and beans), vitamins from fruits and vegetables, but also simple proteins. For example, a protein and fruit shake can be a convenient choice for breakfast.

In addition, Pilates exercises train the abdominal muscles a lot and you probably want to have a light stomach during training. It is ideal to schedule sessions either before a simple snack (a banana or a protein shake) or at least two hours after eating. And don’t forget about hydration, an extremely important aspect when practicing Pilates exercises.

What are the extra costs?

The class requirements could vary based on the level, potentially involving equipment like a yoga mat, exercise ball, flex band, or wrist weights. Just as with any exercise session, the importance of wearing comfortable clothes is also likely to be emphasized.

Yoga enthusiasts will find that a good-quality yoga mat begins at around $21, with ‘good’ defined as a non-slip mat of at least 6mm thickness. The space around you for practice is cost-free, as is the open mindset you bring to your practice.

When it comes to fitness clothes, a fresh set can start at approximately $28. While new options are valuable due to their longevity, thrift stores or budget retailers like Primark offer economical alternatives.

Staying hydrated during sessions is crucial, and water costs nothing from the tap and about $1.4 from a supermarket. Opting for a reusable bottle contributes to frugality in the long run.

Summing up the essentials, the initial investment to embark on your yoga journey comes to an estimated total of $50.

How can I save money?

Here are some tips for saving money when doing Pilates:

• Take advantage of introductory specials and first-time student discounts at local Pilates studios. This allows trying out new places at a lower cost.
• Consider buying discounted class packages rather than unlimited memberships or drop-ins if you will attend sporadically. Packages allow averaging down the per-class cost.
• Inquire about studio membership perks like free classes or appreciation weeks. Maximizing these can reduce the effective price paid.
• Try community center or local gym Pilates classes which tend to be lower cost than boutique studios. Quality can still be good.
• Do mat Pilates at home following free online videos once you are comfortable with the fundamentals. All you need is a mat.
• Invest in a few basic props like resistance bands, rings, and balls to augment mat routines instead of pricey equipment.
• Share the costs of private sessions by splitting with a friend. You each still get personalized attention.

With some savvy shopping and strategic scheduling, you can reduce the cost of Pilates and find affordable ways to incorporate it into your routine.