Should You Do Pilates at a Gym, Boutique Studio, or Reformer Fitness Studio?
If you’re interested in picking up Pilates in Chicago, you have more options than ever. You can join a local studio for Reformer classes (like Core Chicago), take Pilates classes at your gym, join a Mat studio, or try a Reformer-focused fitness company (also called Megaformer) like Solidcore or BodyRok. We’re not going to tell you which one is “best,” because there’s no single answer that applies to everyone.
The best option for you is the one you enjoy the most, but the experience can be very different depending on where you go, the format of the class, class size, instructor training, cost, and personal attention. What we care about most is that you understand the difference between each of them, and know what to expect when you walk through the door.
We’re going to be speaking about Reformer classes in this article. Read Mat vs Reformer classes if you aren’t sure which one you’d like to take.
What is it like to take Pilates at a gym?
Taking Pilates at a gym you’re already a member of can be a practical choice. You’re probably already there for strength training, the other equipment, or recovery-focused amenities like the sauna or steam room. The appeal is that everything is in one place, so adding a Reformer class in your gym routine is simple. Sometimes they have childcare, which is another bonus.
The pros of Pilates at a gym
Convenience. If you already pay for and attend a gym, you don’t have to get to know a new studio or add another location into your routine.
Amenities. Depending on the gym, you may have access to childcare, showers, lockers, a pool, weights, cardio equipment, and several kinds of classes in one place. If you’re busy or have children, or cross train, this can be a huge perk.
Variety. You have the option to take classes when it works for your schedule, lift weights one day, and swim another day.
A familiar environment. You don’t have to get accustomed to a new space, and you might already know some of the instructors or participants.
The cons of Pilates at a gym
The first thing to note is that Reformer classes are usually add-ons to your regular membership, so you still have to pay additional fees. Before you register for a class, ask what the class costs and how you reserve your spot, plus whether or not there are cancellation fees.
Since they’re part of a larger gym, it’s possible they don’t have very many class times available. So if you only have Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons free, those times might not be offered at the gym. Additionally, since spots are limited, they might fill up faster than a Pilates-only studio.
Class size and instructor attention are probably the biggest things to look out for. Instructors may or may not be comprehensively trained (450 hours+ of training) since it’s not technically required. They might also be teaching a wide variety of classes, like yoga, strength, cycling, or HIIT, so their sole focus wouldn’t be the Pilates method.
This matters most if you are brand new, returning after an injury, pregnant or postpartum, or trying to understand why one side of your body feels different from the other. Gym instructors may not have the bandwidth to know you and your body well enough to make personalized recommendations.
Gym classes can still have amazing instructors, and be a good workout, you should just know what you’re signing up for.
Questions to ask before taking Pilates at a gym
Is a Reformer class included in my membership, or do I pay extra? Is it a flat add-on, or per class?
How many people are in each class?
What Pilates training/certification does the instructor have?
Is the class appropriate for beginners?
Can the instructor offer modifications for injuries, pregnancy, or other physical considerations?
What’s the cancellation policy?
What class times are offered? Are they the same every week?
What is different about a boutique Pilates studio?
Boutique Pilates studios are built entirely for Pilates, rather than offering it as one class among many. At a studio like Core Chicago, the equipment, the space itself, the schedule, instructor training, and class structure are all designed for Pilates clients. Our studio is owned by highly trained Pilates instructors, and we only hire comprehensively certified teachers, which is the case for most boutique studios.
The classes also tend to be small. At Core, we cap our equipment classes at 5 so that your instructor can see what you’re doing, remember your history, make hands-on adjustments, and modify for your body. This is the important piece that tends to be missing inside other formats, and that makes small studios so special.
The pros of a boutique Pilates studio
Small classes. With fewer people in the room, there’s more opportunity for the instructor to observe and correct your form, answer questions, and read the room.
Pilates-specific training. Since there’s no single certification that makes someone a Pilates instructor, training can vary greatly. It’s always worth looking into.
More than one piece of equipment. Pilates is not limited to the Reformer, and a boutique studio likely will offer tower, chair, and mat classes.
A longer-term approach. Our goal is not to push you as hard as possible, so the experience isn’t just “getting through” class, it’s to build strength, connection, mobility, stability, and confidence over time. Pilates is appropriate for almost every single person. We have clients in their 80s, and in their teen years, and it’s truly a life-long journey.
Relationships. When you come into a small studio regularly, your instructors know your name, your goals, your history, what’s going on this week, and how you feel today. You also get to know the community. These relationships can make coming to class fulfilling in more than one way.
The cons of a boutique Pilates studio
The biggest tradeoff for people is usually cost. Small classes simply cost more to run, since the instructors' time and equipment costs are shared among fewer people. In the city, the cost of running a studio, maintaining equipment, and paying instructors is higher, which makes each class more expensive.
Boutique studios also don’t typically have childcare, and they don’t have a pool or full gym floor. It’s a space entirely dedicated to Pilates, learning how to move, and mindful workouts. If you love big, high-energy workouts in a packed room, a small studio is probably not for you.
But if you want to learn Pilates in a way that is specific to your body, that smaller setting can be worth it.
What are reformer-focused fitness studios like JETSET Pilates or Strong Pilates?
Reformer-focused fitness studios are a third category. They are usually built around a signature, athletic reformer workout, often with a quicker pace, music, lights, and feel like a group fitness class. They usually have many more reformers in one room.
For example, JETSET describes its main offering as a 50-minute, high-intensity, low-impact reformer workout, with classes designed around continuous flow and a consistent branded format. These studios can be a great fit for someone who wants a challenging, predictable workout and likes the energy of a larger group.
The pros of larger reformer fitness studios
More class capacity. Larger studios can often offer more spots in each class and more time options on the schedule, meaning it’s very likely you’ll have your pick of classes.
Potentially lower prices. More people per class usually makes pricing more accessible, though this can vary.
High energy. The music is usually loud, and the pace is faster. If you like the high energy environment, it can be super fun.
Consistency. Regardless of location or instructor, you are probably getting a very specific format. If that format works for you, that’s a pro.
A solid entry point. We hear from many clients that a Megaformer class was their first introduction to the Reformer. The more people discovering movement they like, the better.
The cons of larger reformer fitness studios
The biggest tradeoff is usually less attention on you, your form, and your body. One instructor has to look at 12+ people, rather than 4 or 5, and it’s simply impossible to watch every rep or know every client’s history in that context.
This doesn’t mean there’s no instructor support, it just means you may have to get comfortable looking at your neighbor, making your own modifications, and asking for help if you need it (rather than help coming to you).
Instructors at these studios are typically trained by their studio, to teach that specific type of class. They become very skilled at that class format, but probably didn’t learn the entire Pilates repertoire. Their certifications are usually a weekend training, rather than 450-500 hours.
This means if you have an injury, are pregnant or postpartum, or just like a lot of feedback on your form, they might not have the training (or time during class) to accommodate or modify it for you.
How do you choose the right Pilates option for you?
Start with whatever sounded the best after reading each option.
If you want convenience, other amenities, and the ability to take several kinds of classes, a gym class might be for you.
If you want small classes with highly trained instructors who know Pilates in and out, who can watch each of your reps, work with your care team, and become part of a smaller community, boutique might be your choice.
And if you love a higher intensity, high energy workout with lots of class times, a fitness-focused studio might be for you.
You can always try all of them! There’s nothing that says you can’t do multiple kinds when the mood strikes. Most boutique studios have intro offers and packages, so you can try it out.
Getting Started at Core Chicago
If you want to see whether a smaller, more personalized Pilates setting is right for you, our Intro Week is $110 for unlimited classes during your first week, one class per day, at both our Lincoln Park and Lakeview studios. Every equipment class has a maximum of 5 people.
If you would rather begin one-on-one, our Privates Intro Package is $295 for three private sessions. Our Privates/Group Combo is $255 and includes two private sessions and two group classes.
View Our Full Schedule | See Full Pricing | Learn More About Our Intro Packages
Core Chicago Pilates Locations: Lincoln Park: 2549 N Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 | Lakeview: 3000 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Questions? Email: info@corechicagopilates.com | Call or text: 773-296-9660