How To Plan a Pilates Class for Groups

Figuring out how to plan a Pilates class can feel like a lot, especially if you’re a new instructor or you’re still undergoing a Pilates teacher training program. 

But here’s the simple truth that you can use as a rule of thumb: Many people take Pilates classes to get a challenging (yet fun) workout. So, if your session feels too easy or simply disorganized, they’ll be less likely to book again.

That’s why it’s important to plan ahead of time — and this guide is here to help you with that. We’ll walk you through the most effective ways to plan a Pilates class that’ll leave clients feeling good afterward. 

10 Tips for How To Plan a Pilates Class

Learn how to create mat and reformer Pilates classes with these beginner-friendly, easy-to-follow tips.  

1. Decide on what the focus will be

Having a clear objective helps each class feel purposeful and flow smoothly, given that the objective sets the tone for your sequence choices, pacing, and cueing. 

Your class objective can be something broad, like improving full-body balance. Alternatively, you can go with a targeted theme, like focusing specifically on glutes, mobility, or upper body strength. 

Whichever you pick, make sure your objective ties back to these fundamentals of Pilates as much as possible: breathing, control, concentration, centering, precision, and flow. 

2. Match the class based on the listed level

Unless you run a private practice, your gym or studio will typically be the one to decide on the difficulty level of the Pilates class you’re teaching. That said, make sure your class sequences are tailored to the listed skill level: beginner, intermediate, or advanced. 

However, if it’s a mixed-level class where clients’ abilities may widely vary, it’s best to set your default exercises at a moderate baseline. 

You should also provide modifications so each student can do a safe yet challenging version of the exercise without overexerting themselves. They can choose either the easier (e.g., smaller movement, slower pace, extra support) or harder path (e.g., bigger movement, faster pace, more resistance). 

3. Prepare all the room logistics

Besides your class plan, the actual space where you’ll be holding the class should also be ready ahead of time. 

To help you out with that, here’s a quick checklist:

• Capacity and equipment layout: Where will mats or reformers go so everyone can see you? If space is tight, how will you prevent students from bumping into each other during each exercise?
• Props: If you’ll teach exercises involving props, make sure you have you have enough rings, bands, and balls for the group. If not, plan a no-prop fallback so nobody is stuck waiting.
• Sightlines and demo spot: Decide in advance where you’ll demo and when you’ll walk the room. A clear sightline lets clients mirror your setup right away, so you spend less time repeating instructions.
• Safety briefing: You should have an established “protocol” for how you’ll ask about injuries, pregnancy, or first-timer status, and (if applicable) how you’ll get consent for any hands-on cues. 

4. Set realistic timeframes and stick to them

Having clear time limits ensures you’ll cover everything you need to for that Pilates class, and nothing gets rushed or skipped. 

Assign a minute range to each block or sequence and follow it accordingly. Also, build in tiny buffers (around 15–30 seconds) for things like spring changes, strap swaps, or mat resets. 

Here’s an example set of timeframes for a 60-minute class:

5. Start sessions exactly on time

This one obviously goes hand in hand with the previous item. Beginning each Pilates class promptly also helps keep your timing and pacing on track and avoid disruptions. Not to mention, clients are more likely to come back when they know they can trust your start time. 

For starters, if your studio runs classes back-to-back, set at least a 10-minute buffer between sessions. This will allow for enough time to tidy up, reset the room and equipment, and answer quick questions — all without cutting into the next class.

Also, send a reminder at least 24 hours before class, including a clear start time and late-entry policy. Here, you can indicate whether or not you’ll allow late arrivals (some studios don’t for safety reasons, but that’s up to you). 

Lastly, you might want to require first-time clients to arrive 15 minutes early so you can handle waivers, give them a short tour of the studio, and cover any movement restrictions without delaying the group. 

Extra tip for Pilates studio owners/managers: Use Bookedin’s class scheduling features, so you can add buffer times and send automatic confirmations and reminders to prevent late cancellations or no-shows.

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6. Leave a bit of room for variety

Oftentimes, your regular clients would notice when every class feels the same (e.g., same set of moves) or has gotten too easy — and yes, this might turn them off or bore them. 

That’s why it’s important to bring in some variety. This doesn’t mean you can’t ever repeat moves or exercises for each session, given that repetition is part of helping students improve. 

However, it would be good to incorporate a few new things (e.g., one or two small changes) to make that session feel different from their last. Here are some ways you can go about this:

• Increasing the tempo for some of the regular, familiar exercises
• Using a new prop (e.g., mini ball, ring, light band) each time
• Adjusting resistance slightly (e.g., one spring lighter/heavier, or a thinner/thicker band) 
• Replacing or adding a single move in a sequence 
• Changing the order of the same moves 

As you can see, it’s possible to make each session feel different without changing every exercise or reinventing the wheel altogether. The goal is to keep things fresh whenever possible, but not random or different just for the sake of being different.

7. Arrange exercises for a smooth flow and transition

Plan your Pilates class in a way that students stay in one position long enough to get quality reps before they have to switch to a new side or setup. 

This involves grouping exercises by body position and orientation, so you can minimize constant flipping, keep people focused, and save your voice from re-explaining setups.

For instance, if your group is already kneeling on the reformer, finish the kneeling series before you switch them to supine. If they’re on the mat, stack side planks, side-lying work, and a short prone block before they have to roll to the other side. 

It’s also good to train one side at a time within a sequence. Working the right side fully, then switching to the left (or vice versa), makes differences more obvious, as students can feel where one side is tighter or weaker — building better body awareness.

Of course, use transitions that make sense in the body — that is, following a natural movement path. 

For example, kneeling facing the reformer footbar can flow into a down stretch, then a long or up stretch, and finally an elephant pose. On the mat, a side plank can drop into side-lying legs and then turn smoothly into swan prep. 

8. Lead with simple cues and steady breathing

Use this three-part cue pattern to keep clients on the same page as you:

1. Name the start position so everyone is set up the same way. Example: “Lie on your side, your elbow under your shoulder, knees bent.”
2. Explain the choreography or movement in one plain sentence. Example: “Lift your hips and reach the top arm to the ceiling.”
3. Layer in breath and form once they’re moving. Example: “Inhale to grow tall through the crown; exhale to knit the ribs while keeping the pelvis stacked.” → revise for better clarity

This cue pattern prevents information overload and helps newer students succeed on the first try. For some sequences or moves, you might also want to finish with a  three-two-one countdown so your students can “see the finish line.” 

9. Don’t hesitate to use props — but only with purpose

Props are great because they can help improve an exercise. Think clearer muscle engagement, better alignment, or adding gentle resistance without changing the movement. 

However, keep in mind that it’s best to use props only when they solve a specific problem or create a targeted training effect. Below are some good examples you should consider: 

• A Pilates ring between the thighs to wake up the inner thighs and deepen core connection
• Light weights to help feel and maintain proper shoulder position during arm work
• A mini ball behind the mid-back during wall squats to guide posture

10. Learn from other Pilates instructors

When it comes to planning a Pilates class, you don’t have to invent everything from scratch. Spend a little time each week on Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok to check out videos by other instructors (especially those who’ve been teaching for years).

This is especially useful on the rare days you’re low on ideas or you’re short on planning time.

When watching those videos, observe what they’re teaching and how their classes are structured, so you can use these as inspiration for when you have to plan your next session. Make sure to take notes whenever something clicks, so you don’t forget anything. 

Also read: 10 Best Group Fitness Class Ideas for Your Gym

Final Word

As a Pilates instructor, properly planning your classes matters. Sure, there might be times that some instructors simply wing it — but even they will probably tell you to avoid doing that as much as possible. 

Planning ahead helps give you a clear intent, smoother sequencing, cleaner cues, and safer progressions, so every section gets the time it needs and clients leave feeling worked (in a good way, of course).

Whether you’re new to teaching Pilates, a seasoned instructor, or running your own studio, having well-planned classes is how you’ll keep clients coming back. 

P.S. — Want to make your studio’s front-desk work flowing as smoothly as the Pilates sessions you offer? Give Bookedin a spin, if you haven’t already! 

With this class scheduling software, you can let clients book 24/7, set up online or hybrid classes, take deposits or prepayments, auto-send reminders via text/email, and more! Start your 14-day free trial now and see the difference it makes for your studio. 

FAQs About How To Plan a Pilates Class