Pilates for Beginners: What to Expect in Your First Class
So, you’ve been hearing a lot about Pilates lately and are curious to give it a try, but maybe you’re not sure where to start or what to expect. It’s completely normal to feel a little intimidated when trying something new, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you feel at ease and confident as you step into your first class! Check out our new client offers.
What is Pilates?
Pilates, created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, was originally called Contrology. Developed to help soldiers recover from injuries during World War I, it focused on strength, flexibility, and body awareness. After moving to the U.S. in the 1920s, Joseph opened a studio in New York, gaining popularity among dancers and athletes. Today, Pilates has evolved into contemporary Pilates, blending Joseph's principles with modern techniques. At Niche Pilates Studio, we combine classical and contemporary approaches for a balanced practice suitable for all fitness levels. Learn more about the differences between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates.
What Class Should I Start With?
Curious about what classes are the best for beginners? At Niche Pilates Studio we have a few good starting options. If you have never done Reformer Pilates before it is best to start with our Beginner Reformer class. This gets you comfortable with the machine and our instructors are able to give you a better understanding of the pilates principles. It’s also fun to be in a class with others who are new too! If you can’t make it to the beginner class we recommend joining Flow class. You can find more descriptions about our Reformer classes here. If you are interested in trying Mat Pilates first move mat is a great starting point. Find more information about our Mat class types here.
Preparing for Your First Class
No matter if you're taking a Mat Pilates or a Reformer Pilates class, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make your first experience comfortable and enjoyable.
What to Wear: Wear form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. This helps your instructor see your alignment and posture, so they can make adjustments if needed. Comfortable leggings, biker shorts, or tight-fitting athletic wear are perfect.
Socks: At Niche, we require students to wear grippy socks or go barefoot to ensure stability and safety during class. If you don’t have grippy socks our studio has them available for purchase!
Bring Your Own Water: We provide water cups at the studio, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your class.
Mats: We provide mats for all classes, but if you prefer to bring your own, feel free to do so.
Arrive Early: Arriving 10 minutes early is a great way to get settled in. This gives you time to meet your instructor, ask any questions, and take a quick tour of the studio. If you’re attending a Reformer class, your instructor will also take time to explain how to use the equipment.
Parking: We are lucky to have a parking lot across the street and free street parking surrounding the studio! Here is a map of where you can find the parking lot.
When You Arrive at the Studio
When you arrive at Niche Pilates Studio, you’ll be greeted by our friendly Client Experience Team (CET). They will check you in, introduce you to your instructor, and give you a brief tour of the studio. If there’s time before class, you can get familiar with the space and ask any questions.
If you’re new to Reformer Pilates, your instructor will give you a quick overview of the equipment, explaining how it works and how to adjust the springs to suit your body. This will ensure that you’re comfortable and ready to move once class begins. Don’t hesitate to ask your instructor if you’re unsure about anything—they’re here to help!
During Your Class: What to Expect
At Niche, our instructors design each class around a specific theme, such as bird dog, rotation, contralateral, or unilateral movements. You can expect a gentle warm-up to get your body moving and prepare you for the exercises ahead. Whether you’re using the Reformer or a mat, our instructors are dedicated to providing modifications and amplifications so you can tailor your practice to your experience level and goals. With great attention to detail, they’ll cue based on the needs of the class and offer hands-on adjustments, as long as you’re comfortable with that. Your journey in class is yours to choose, and we’re here to support you every step of the way!
What Makes Niche Pilates Unique
At Niche Pilates Studio, we believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment, especially for beginners. Whether you're stepping into Pilates for the first time or returning to refine your practice, our community is all about support. We believe in creating an atmosphere where everyone can progress at their own pace, without feeling judged or rushed. At Niche we believe Pilates is for everyone! We always try to keep things fresh each month like class challenges, pop up themed classes and so much more. Check out our studio happenings that change each month!
After Class: What to Expect
After your first class, you may feel some light soreness in your muscles—this is completely normal! Pilates engages muscles that may not be used to working together, so a little muscle fatigue is a sign that you’re challenging your body in a healthy way.
Be sure to stay hydrated and take it easy for the rest of the day. We recommend stretching gently after class to help your muscles recover. The more you practice, the more your body will adapt, and you’ll begin to notice increased strength and flexibility.