Long known for building core and full-body strength, Pilates has become a fitness staple, with more people including it as a regular part of their routine. They want to reap its benefits for muscular resilience and tone, as well as spine health, flexibility, coordination, and more.
At Life Time, members looking to add Pilates to their routine can choose from four different options: private or semi-private Pilates; or MAT Pilates or CTR classes.
“What makes Pilates different from any other exercise modality is how it activates your deepest core muscles,” says Theresa Barone, director of Pilates at Life Time. “Pilates works your abs, but it also helps stretch what’s tight and strengthen what’s weak, stabilize your joints, and improve stamina in your entire body. People often leave Pilates sessions feeling mentally recharged as well.”
If you’re new to Pilates, Barone offers this encouragement: “We don’t expect anyone to know how to do any Pilates exercises on the equipment when they walk through our doors,” she says. “We meet you where you’re at and coach you along from there.”
Here, we’re breaking down each of the Pilates and Pilates-inspired options to help you determine which offering might best fit your goals and preferences.
Private Pilates
Private Pilates are one-on-one sessions with an instructor that can be thought of as similar to working with a Dynamic Personal Trainer — just with a different modality of movement. Sessions are customized to the individual, outcome-based, and designed for strategic progression.
“No two bodies are the same, and instructors cultivate specific programming to ensure every exercise has a purpose for the member,” says Barone. “Because Pilates at Life Time is structured this way, expect to be met where you are physically, emotionally, and mentally. Instructors are there to support, coach, and guide you from day one, progressing you through goals. We often help members accomplish things they never thought possible.”
To determine if Private Pilates is right for you, start with an Intro to Pilates Session. In this complimentary private session, the instructor gets to know you and introduces you to the equipment, moving you through foundational exercises and showcasing apparatuses that can optimize results. They can also recommend what type and cadence of Pilates is best for you.
Equipment: Reformer, mat Cadillac, high or low chair, small barrel, ladder barrel, spine corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Power Circle, or other small tools.
Length: 25 or 50 minutes
Included with membership: No
Semi-Private Pilates
Semi-private sessions are closed, meaning individuals are placed into the appropriate session for them and commit to attending the same days and times every week. These sessions are capped at six individuals.
“These ‘home spots’ are determined upon registration and are held ongoing, guaranteeing the member a spot in a regular Pilates practice,” explains Barone. “Many semi-private sessions have consisted of the same individuals for years, creating micro-communities within our studios. By members attending the same sessions each week, instructors can program more effectively and build intentional progression, guiding them toward more advanced Pilates movements and delivering consistent, lasting results.”
If committing to the same days and times each week is not a possibility for your schedule, private sessions are advised as they offer more flexibility.
Before beginning semi-private sessions, you’ll first meet with an instructor to be evaluated and properly places in the best session series for your level, goals, and schedule. It’s recommended to do this through an Intro to Pilates session.
Members are also encouraged to first start with private Pilates sessions to create a solid foundation in Pilates work, which sets them up for success in future semi-private sessions.
Equipment: Reformer, tower, and a mat; instructors may also implement a high or low chair or barrels.
Length: 50 minutes
Included with membership: No
MAT Pilates
Participants in a MAT Pilates class can expect a low-impact workout focused on strengthening the core, improving posture, increasing mobility, and building overall body control. They are available on the “Classes” schedule for anyone to reserve a spot in.
“Most exercises are done on a mat using your own body weight,” says Christi Thibodeau, class collection and brand specialist at Life Time. “You’ll go through movements that target the abdominals, glutes, hips, and back, while also activating the smaller stabilizing muscles that support your joints.
“There is a strong emphasis on connecting your breath to your movement and engaging the deep abdominal muscles,” she continues. “The movements are controlled and precise, but they can be surprisingly challenging. Instructors typically offer modifications so beginners can move at their own pace.”
Because the movements are low-impact and instructors offer modifications, MAT Pilates is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, ages, and abilities, notes Thibodeau.
Equipment: Light hand weights (3 to 8 pounds), Pilates ball, long resistance bands, circular bands, and gliding discs. Some clubs may also choose to include a Pilates ring, THERABANDS, or Bala Bangles.
Length: 45 minutes
Included with membership: Yes
CTR
CTR (Core Tone Reform) is a high-energy, low-impact workout performed on a reformer. Inspired by Pilates, this class blends the power of performance-based training with the precision and control of reformer movement. You can expect to build a strong core from the inside out while improving alignment, muscular endurance, mobility, and stability.
CTR classes are available on the “Classes” schedule for anyone with a Signature Membership to reserve a spot in.
The class is music-driven and tempo-based. It starts with a warm-up before moving into a series of movements that target the whole body.
“Although CTR incorporates some Pilates elements, traditional reformer Pilates emphasizes slow, controlled movements and classical sequencing,” explains Rob Glick, senior director of programming and innovation for Life Time. “Traditional Pilates also incorporates the tower, chair, barrels, and a mat, which we do not use in CTR. CTR involves more athletic, high-energy, and music-driven movement. It’s faster-paced and designed to deliver a fitness-forward experience that connects the core and tones the body, all on the reformer and all in one powerful session.”
CTR is a great class for anyone who wants to experience an athletic reformer workout that is engaging, exciting, and appropriately challenging, according to Glick. “It’s a wonderful complement to anyone’s weekly routine — and many people find they love doing it two to three times per week. Members frequently comment [that they] feel stronger after taking CTR. I’ll hear them say they feel like they’re walking taller and with better alignment, and that all of their other activities are starting to feel easier.”
Equipment: Reformer and accessories; accessories often used include a box, three-pound weights, a weighted bar, a gondola pole, and a soft ball or Pilates ball.
Length: 45 minutes
Included with membership: Yes, with a Signature Membership
