New to Pilates
Your first Pilates session, step by step
No experience needed. Here is how a first private session works at our studios in Lowell and Chelmsford, what to wear and how to book.
How it works
From first message to first roll down
Five simple steps. Nothing to prepare except comfortable clothes and a few minutes to tell us about you.
Step 01
Send a message
Use the booking form or WhatsApp. Tell us your goals, your routine and anything we should know about your body, like back pain, an old injury or a recent surgery.
Step 02
Pick a time and a studio
Every session is by appointment. Choose the studio that works for you, downtown Lowell or Chelmsford, and a time that fits your week.
Step 03
A short conversation first
Your first session starts with talking. We go over your goals, how you feel day to day and what you want Pilates to help with, so the plan fits you from the start.
Step 04
Try the apparatus at your pace
You will try simple exercises on equipment like the Reformer, the Cadillac or the Ladder Barrel. Springs are set for you and every movement is explained before you do it.
Step 05
Leave with a plan
At the end we talk about what felt good, what to work on and how often to come. Each session after that builds on the last one.
Before you come
What to wear and what to bring
Fitted, comfortable clothes
Leggings or fitted shorts and a top that stays in place when you are upside down or lying on your back. Loose clothes can get caught in the springs and straps.
Grip socks
Pilates is done without shoes. Grip socks help you feel steady on the Reformer and the floor.
Water and a hair tie
Simple, but you will be glad to have both.
Leave at home
Zippers, belts, buckles and dangling jewelry. They can scratch the apparatus or catch on it.
Your health notes
If you have an injury, chronic pain, a recent surgery or you are pregnant, tell us when you book and share any guidance your doctor gave you.
Choose your format
Private or duet: both are personal
Private, one on one
Just you and your instructor. Every exercise, spring setting and progression is chosen for your body, and your alignment and breathing are watched the whole time. A good fit if you are a beginner, if you have specific goals or if you are coming back after an injury with your doctor’s clearance.
Duet, two people
You and a friend, partner or family member share the session. You still get close attention on the apparatus, with the motivation of training together. Works best when both people have similar goals and a similar starting point.
Prefer a small group? Try our mat Pilates classes, up to 5 people.
Injury or recent surgery
Talk to your doctor first
If you are recovering from an injury or a surgery, ask your doctor or surgeon when it is safe to start and follow their guidance. Then tell us what they said when you book. Sessions respect each person’s time and limits, and nothing is rushed.
Trial class
Try a session before you commit
Your trial class is $30 for a full 60-minute session, so you can see the studio, meet your instructor and feel the apparatus before choosing a plan.
Rates and hours
Clear prices, no surprises
Start with a trial class or a single session. If you enjoy it, ask us about a monthly plan.
Hours
- Mon, Wed, Fri
- 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Tue, Thu
- 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday
- 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- Sunday
- Closed
Sessions by appointment, same hours at both studios.
Apparatus Pilates, private or duet
60-minute sessions, at most 2 clients per instructor.
- Trial class
- $30
- Single session
- $50
Monthly plans for 1, 2 or 3 sessions a week. Ask us for current rates.
Plans can be monthly, quarterly or every six months. We accept credit card, Zelle and check.
Mat Pilates group class
50 minutes, up to 5 people, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 AM and 6:30 PM.
- Drop-in class
- $30
Monthly mat plans are available. Ask us for current rates.
We accept credit card, Zelle, Venmo, cash and check.
See the mat classesQuestions
New client questions
Still unsure? Read our guide to your first private session or send us a message.
Do I need to be flexible or fit to start Pilates?
No. Pilates meets you where you are. Your first private session is planned around your current strength, mobility and comfort, and the exercises progress only when your body is ready.
Do you offer a trial class?
Yes. The trial class is $30 and lasts 60 minutes, so you can see the studio, meet your instructor and try the apparatus. After that, a single session is $50, or you can choose a monthly plan for 1, 2 or 3 sessions a week. Ask us for current plan rates.
How do I pay?
Apparatus sessions can be paid by credit card, Zelle or check. Mat group classes also accept Venmo and cash.
How many people are in a session?
Apparatus sessions are private or duet, with at most 2 clients per instructor. Our mat group classes have at most 5 people.
Can I start Pilates with an injury or after surgery?
Many people do, but check with your doctor or surgeon first and follow their guidance. When you book, tell us about the injury or procedure and when it happened, so the session respects your limits.
What is the difference between a private and a duet session?
A private session is one on one with your instructor. A duet is two people sharing the session, a nice way to train with a friend or partner while still getting close attention.
What should I wear to my first session?
Comfortable, fitted clothes that stay in place when you bend, roll or lift your legs. Grip socks are a good idea. Skip zippers, buckles and loose jewelry, since they can catch on the apparatus.
How long is a session and how often should I come?
We go over session length and frequency when you book, since it depends on your goals and schedule. Many people start with one or two sessions a week and adjust from there.
Ready when you are, at your pace
Studios in downtown Lowell and Chelmsford. Trial class $30, sessions by appointment.