Starting a Pilates class in Singapore is easy and challenging at the same time. It is easy as most likely you can find more than 50 fitness studios offering Pilates classes around this small island. You can even find 3 Pilates studios in one building in some instances. The challenge is which one to go to, what class to attend, and which one is worth time and money.

On average, a Pilates group session in Singapore costs $27.50 on the mat, $45 on the Pilates Reformer machine, and $124 for Pilates private session. There are several factors that can affect the price, such as the location of the studio, the seniority of the instructor, and the size of the group class.

Let’s dive deeper into the details of the variety of classes on offer and which one is suitable for you.

Group Pilates Class or Private session training

The biggest differentiator here is obviously the cost per session as one-to-one training can be five to six times more expensive than a group class. So, which one do you really need?

Here is a simple comparison for you.

	Pilates Group class	Pilates Private class
Cost per session average	$27 for a mat class $45 for the Reformer class	$124
Customization of the exercises	Fixed exercises depending on the type of class	Fully customized to your fitness level
Schedule	Fixed timing	Flexible depending on the availability of the teacher
Safety	Pilates classes are relatively safe in general	Very safe as the teacher will be with you all the time.
Injury prevention	Suitable depending on the class	Best for injury prevention
Rehabilitation	Not suitable for serious and acute injuries.	Suitable for certain types of conditions. Also depends on the qualification of the teacher
Attention from the teacher	Partial attention - depending on the class size	100 percent attention
Intensity of training	Depends on the type of class	Suited to your level
Posture correction	Suitable	Suitable

Disclaimer: The cost and averages posted on the tables of this article are based on what is publicly available online as of writing this article. Some studios’ class pricing is not available so the average cost may vary if you take this into account. The calculation is based on the introductory package price on offer plus the regular package cost (8-15 session package) divided by the total number of sessions. 

Pilates Group Class Price

Pilates group classes can vary in pricing depending on the class size, the instructor’s qualification, location of the class, facilities offered by the studio, matwork, or Reformer class, which are among the list of factors that can affect the cost of the session.

Costs for Pilates Mat and Pilates Reformer Group classes

Pilates Studio	Introductory Mat Package	Regular Pilates mat class	Introductory Reformer Package	Regular Reformer class
Pilates Plus	3 sessions for $75	10 sessions for $345	3 sessions for $105	10 sessions for $445
UMove Fitness	3 sessions for $75	10 sessions for $345	3 sessions for $105	10 sessions for $445
Jalyoga		Unlimited for $99/month
Activ.Co	4 sessions for $58	8 sessions for $184
Core Collective	3 sessions for $63	12 sessions for $336	3 sessions for $90	12 sessions for $504
Pilates Fitness			3 sessions for $59	11 sessions for $550
SmartFit Pilates	5 sessions for $199	10 sessions for $500	5 sessions for $199	10 sessions for $500
Breathe Pilates			1 session for $55	10 sessions for $480
Como Shambala	1 session for $45	10 sessions for $400	1 session for $60	10 sessions for $550
Off Duty Pilates			5 sessions for $38/class	10 sessions for $40/class

Pilates Mat class or Reformer group class

Pilates mat classes are technically done on an exercise mat. Depending on the type of class, the teacher may incorporate the usage of small props such as Pilates rings, foam rollers, and elastic bands to add variety to the session. Pilates mat classes are generally less intimidating as you don’t use any big machine to do the exercises. But doing the exercises on the mat can sometimes be more challenging for beginners.

In a Reformer group class, you will be using a machine that is a size of a small single bed called the Pilates Reformer. It will be quite intimidating for a beginner because of the complexity of the setup but it is actually not as bad as you think. The Pilates Reformer machine is actually very suitable for doing rehabilitation and working with posture alignment.

	Pilates Mat Class	Pilates Reformer Class
Average price per session	$27.50	$45.50
Safety/Injury prevention	Suitable depending on the class	Suitable depending on the class
Rehabilitation	Not suitable for serious injury	Not suitable for serious injury
Class intensity	Depends on the class	Depends on the class
Posture correction	Suitable	Suitable
Core training	Great for core training	Great for core training
Class size	Can go up to 20 pax per session	Generally smaller class size
Instructor	Less qualification	More qualification and experience
Flexibility training	Suitable	Suitable
Eliminate general aches and pain	Suitable	Suitable
Improve general fitness	Suitable	Suitable

Pilates Equipment group class

Another type of Pilates class training that is rarely available is The Pilates Equipment Group class. This class will only be available in a Pilates studio that is fully equipped with all the machines. This is the only class where a student will be able to use all the machines available in the studio and the teacher will be supervising everyone in the class instead of giving instructions to the entire group. 

The main caveat in this type of session is that you need to know how to use the equipment safely and have your own program to do the exercises. At Pilates Plus studio, you can only attend this class after attending the 3-session Private Introductory package so you can get a personalized program for you to do in the group class.

What to look for in a Pilates class?

Before you try to select a class, it is better to reflect on your goals for attending the Pilates class. Typical goals for starting Pilates classes will be:

• Improve posture
• Increase core strength
• Eliminate aches and pain in the body
• Improve general flexibility
• Improve general strength
• Improve general fitness

Once you have listed your goals, you can then select which class type that is suitable for your goals.

Here are a few items that you need to look for in a Pilates class:

1. Teacher qualification - as there are many Pilates studios in Singapore, there are even more Pilates instructors you can choose from. This ranges from teachers who only took a 3-day weekend certification to those who have attended 18-months to 2-years courses. Needless to say that you want the best guidance for your first Pilates class, especially if you are dealing with some posture issues or recurrent injuries from the past.
2. Class size - small class size will always be better for most beginners as you will have more attention from the teacher in which you will learn the movement faster and is generally a safer session. Some group mat sessions in community centers, outdoor classes, and big fitness centers can take as much as 20-30 participants. Though this session can have higher energy, the quality of the session is greatly compromised as the teacher won’t be able to manage the participants individually.
3. Class type and level - some classes are suitable for beginners, intermediate, or advanced practitioners. Some classes are also designed for certain types of conditions or goals, such as Prenatal class (Pilates during Pregnancy), back pain, stretch specific class, or worked around a specific type of equipment. So, make sure to check the class you are attending, and if you are in doubt, you can always call the studio, and they will be happy to assist you with your queries. You can read more about the types of Pilates classes we offer in our studio.

Pilates Private Class Cost

When it comes to the price of the private Pilates session, it all most likely boils down to the decision on how much they will charge per session. Though the teacher’s qualification and experience influence the price of the class, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you equate the price per session to the quality. Some are just plain expensive, and some experienced teachers don’t want to charge more.

Pilates Studio	Introductory Private session Package	Regular Private session package
Pilates Plus	3 sessions for $295	10 sessions for $1280
UMove Fitness	3 sessions for $295	10 sessions for $1280
Activ.Co	Single session for $90	10 sessions for $800
Pilates Fitness	1 session for $130	15 sessions for $1800
SmartFit Pilates	5 session for $600	10 sessions for $1250
Breathe Pilates	3 sessions for $330	10 sessions for $1200
Como Shambala	1 session for $220	10 sessions for $2000
Off Duty Pilates	3 sessions for $110/class	10 sessions for $120/class
LocoMotion Clinic	3 sessions for $280	8 sessions for $920

Private class at home or in a Pilates Studio

Suppose you are going to the route of taking personal training in Pilates. In that case, you have the option of either having it in a Pilates studio or at home. Here’s another table of comparisons for you to see which one you would like to consider.

	Pilates at Home	Pilates in the Studio
Pricing	It will be a bit higher as you need to factor in the travel time of the teacher	Regular private session price
Convenience	Most convenient	Need to travel to the studio
Intensity of the exercise	Same for both
Posture correction	good	Slight edge with the use of equipment
Injury prevention and safety	Equal for both
Rehabilitation	good	Best for rehabilitation with the use of all equipment
Flexibility training	good	Best as some stretches will be done best with the machines
General fitness goal	Equal for both

Pilates Trainer’s Experience and Qualifications

Because of the rising career opportunities in the Pilates industry, the attractiveness of being able to exercise for your own health, help other people, and earn money at the same time, the numbers of Pilates Instructors have risen up the last decade. So are the educators in the industry who are not heavily controlled. 

Anyone can be a certified Pilates instructor on a 3-day weekend course. At the same time, some certified teachers have to undergo a long process of studying, practicing the exercises, and practice teaching for a year or more.

This means that there is a big gap in experience, teaching skills, and the quality of certifications of the teachers offering Pilates classes in the market.

Since the teacher’s qualifications and experience will be the most important aspect in selecting to whom you will give your trust, it is essential that you have a good idea of the teacher you’re going to have your first session with. Here are 4 simple steps you can take to know if you have the right teacher for you.

1. Do short research of the teacher - generally, for a more established and qualified teacher, they will have their own page on the studio’s website that they work with. 

Here is a page of the list of teachers at UMove that so you can check their background and qualifications.

2. Speak to the teacher or give them a visit so you will have a better knowledge about them. You can ask them for some information that was not available on the website, or you can check with them on how comfortable they are handling you, especially if you have some specific conditions that may have to be addressed in the session.

3. Check for referrals of people that are in a similar condition or circumstances as you have.

4. Go for an introductory private session package, so you get to meet and have the session with the teacher without any long-term commitment. Most Pilates studios will give you a one-time or 3 sessions package with reasonable pricing for you to try out the private sessions. At UMove Fitness, we offer an introductory private session package but we will not take any payment unless we have timing that you prefer and that is available with our teacher. You can contact us here to inquire more.