Pilates is an amazing form of exercise. It can relieve stress, improve posture and flexibility, and even lead to weight loss and muscle gain. But before you become a Pilates pro, you might want to know about how much it costs to do Pilates. Don't worry, our experts have taken the time to do the research, and we have all of the answers you need.

On average, it can cost anywhere from $20 to $150 to do Pilates. Of course, this depends on the style of Pilates class that you would like to do. If you are looking for a simple class, you will find options that range from being completely free to about $30 a month. If you would like something more advanced, be prepared to pay from $50 to upwards of $100 a month.

Please keep reading to learn why the cost of Pilates amounts to so much, and review several methods to access these workouts either in-person or virtually. We'll also discuss what equipment is used for Pilates in case you'd like to workout at home.

Cost of Pilates Classes/Instruction

Video or DVD Pilates

If you would like to buy a video or DVD from a specific instructor, there are plenty of affordable options available for you. These videos and DVDs are often pretty cheap, ranging from about $8 to $20, depending on the number of videos/DVDs in the set and the instructor's popularity. It is also possible to find used versions to purchase for even cheaper than this.

Online Pilates

There is an abundance of options for online workouts in today's world, even if you are interested in Pilates! If you are a beginner and just want to try a sample workout, you could go on YouTube and find plenty of short workouts options at no cost.

There are also many different options for online subscription services that will give you access to dozens of workouts. These subscription services typically charge monthly or yearly and cost anywhere from $20 to $100 a month. Although $100 a month may sound like a hefty fee, these subscription services typically include a treasure trove of hundreds of workout videos, swag, workout equipment, meal plans, and access to support communities.

There are even online group Pilates classes. These classes meet in real-time through video chat services such as Zoom. They often cost $20 per class. There are also private one-on-one classes held online through platforms like Skype and Zoom. These courses often cost from $30 to $50 per class.

In-Person Group Pilates

Another great option to exercise is to join an in-person group. There are many different options for groups to join. There are gyms specifically for pilates that charge an average of $20 a class or $120 a month for unlimited classes. You could also consider joining a larger gym that happens to offer group Pilates classes. A membership at a gym like this would cost anywhere from $10 to $50 a month, depending on the gym, and would include access to many other group classes and services.

In-Person Private Pilates

If you are looking for one-on-one time with a Pilates instructor, be prepared to pay a larger amount of money. On average, it costs from $50 to $150 to have in-person private Pilates lessons. This price range depends on the level and the involvement of the instructor.

For example, if you want an advanced Pilates course where the instructor gives feedback on every position and gives advice on breathing techniques, be prepared to pay $150 or more. If you want a beginner's level course where the instructor only gives feedback when absolutely necessary, you may be able to find this for around $50. These prices often include equipment rental as well. In-person private Pilates classes are often more affordable if you get them through your gym membership.

Why Does Pilates Cost So Much? 

Pilates classes are often much more expensive than other exercise classes. There are a few different reasons for this. Pilates instructors have to go through one of the most expensive, intense training to be certified to teach, causing the lesson price to skyrocket. In addition, if you are taking a Pilates class that is specific for a group of people (ex: pregnant women, cancer patients, athletic injuries), your class will cost more as the instructor would have had to pay a hefty fee for a specialization.

Pilates is often done with fairly small class sizes, with an average of 15 people. Other forms of exercise classes like Zumba or Yoga can have over 50 people. Due to the small class size, Pilates is often more intimate, causing it to cost a little bit more than other classes. Pilates also often requires a decent amount of equipment, which is included with the class fee.

What Equipment Do You Need For Pilates At Home?

Although many people choose to go to a gym for pilates, it is very easy to do this fun workout at home. However, you will need some equipment. The equipment that you need depends on the intensity of Pilates that you would like to do. You will definitely need to purchase a yoga mat to do your exercises on. A mat is essential because it's cushioning will protect your spine from pressure when doing intense exercises. Most yoga mats cost anywhere from $15 to $60, depending on the brand, material, and quality.

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You will also want to purchase small and large exercise balls. These exercise balls usually cost $12 to $30 each; however, it is possible to buy them together as a set.

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Flex bands are another essential piece of equipment for Pilates, and they usually come in a set for $5 to $15.

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Ankle and wrist weights are commonly used; however, they are not essential. These weights cost $15 on average. Don't worry about buying new shoes, as most people do Pilates barefoot or in socks!

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Although it is not essential, some people buy reformer machines to create a home gym for their Pilates workouts. Reformers can help take your Pilates classes to the next level and build additional muscle and flexibility. The price of a reformer varies greatly on the model. You could buy a simple model for about $500. Most models average at around $1,200, but they can get as expensive as $6,000 for the most extreme model that comes with a home trapeze gym.

Can You Make a Living as a Pilates Instructor?

Maybe you've been doing Pilates for a bit of time, and you are ready to take the next step and become an instructor. If so, you're in luck. Pilates instructors are some of the highest-paid personal trainers. They make anywhere from $15 to $50 an hour. The average beginner instructor makes a salary of $68,000. More experienced instructors make roughly $90,000 a year.

It is important to note that 82% of pilates instructors do not receive benefits such as medical insurance, dental/eye care, maternity leave, or vacation time. You may qualify for these benefits if you get hired full-time at a Pilates center or a gym.

You can raise your income as a Pilates instructor by receiving specializations and additional certifications. There are many different specializations that a Pilates instructor can study, such as spine care, cancer treatment, and pre/postnatal care, just to name a few. Also, if you can get certified as an expert in different Pilates machinery, you may make a higher salary.

Final Thoughts

Although Pilates is one of the most expensive exercises that you can do, it is definitely one of the best. The health benefits of doing Pilates are parallel to none. With such a wide variety of Pilates options, ranging from DVDs, online classes, group classes, and private lessons, Pilates is accessible for people of all income levels.