You plan to exercise after work, but by the time the day ends, you’re tired and just want to head home. You tell yourself, “I’ll go tomorrow,” but tomorrow comes and the same thing happens again. Sound familiar? Sticking to a workout routine isn’t always easy.
Group Pilates classes can make it easier to follow through on your plans. When you’ve booked a class, you’ve already set aside time for yourself. Having an instructor guide you and other people working alongside you can make showing up feel less like a chore… and more like something you actually look forward to.
But how does exercising with others help you stay consistent? And what makes group Pilates worth trying? From having a regular schedule to feeling more confident as you learn, there are several reasons why a group class might help you make exercise a regular part of your week.
Why Accountability Matters for Maintaining a Consistent Pilates Routine
Motivation comes and goes. On some days you’re ready to get moving. On some, even getting dressed for workouts seems like too much work. When you have a class scheduled you have something to go through with even if you don’t feel like working out.
Remember a time when you had a hectic week. You’ve been sitting at your desk for hours, work has been late and your exercise is always postponed. A Pilates class gives you a set time to make room for movement instead of leaving it until next week… because let’s be honest, “I’ll do it tomorrow” can turn into another week without exercise.
There’s a practical reason to build that routine, too. The 24 Hour Movement Guidelines for Canada suggest that muscle strengthening exercises should be done at least twice a week. The 2025 report from ParticipACTION also takes a closer look at the activity levels of Canadians when they reach adulthood. Using regular classes can assist you in planning your exercise, however, your needs will be determined by your level of activity and individual circumstances.
How Exercising Alongside Others Creates a More Motivating Environment
Sometimes, it is difficult to exercise by yourself. When working in a group class, you are doing what the teacher is doing, and feeling the same things that the teacher is feeling, and you have others in the class that may be experiencing the same things. You don’t have to be outgoing and make friends immediately in order to feel comfortable… being a part of the group is enough.
In some aspects, it is the smaller things that make a class enjoyable. When you arrive, someone is smiling, when a movement is difficult, you share a laugh, or you begin to recognise the people who come every week. Before long, the room might not feel so unfamiliar anymore… and coming back can feel a little easier.
These little things can help make a class more welcoming and provide some reasons to come back, such as:
- Shared Experience: You’re in the same session as everyone else, and exercise feels less like an activity you have to do alone.
- Social Encouragement: A smile or friendly word can make you more comfortable during a movement when it’s getting tough.
- Small Wins: When an exercise is easier than it was last week, there’s something to feel good about.
- Sense of Belonging: It can feel more comfortable to return when you see familiar faces, particularly when you are new.
Research also offers some insight into the social side of group exercise. A 2016 review published in Preventive Medicine identified social connectedness as a theme associated with participation in community group exercise programmes. The review was directed toward older adults, and the results provide helpful context, but do not guarantee that the same outcome will be achieved for all.
4 Ways Group Pilates Classes Encourage You to Show Up Regularly
When you don’t have to make daily decisions, it is easier to maintain your exercise routine. Group Pilates gives you a set time and a session to plan around. When you’ve already decided to attend, it’s a little easier to follow through… and a few simple things can help you make that happen:
- Scheduled Class Times: When you select one of the slots from the group class schedule, you have a designated time to maintain. This is something you can plan other things around, rather than waiting for a spare moment.
- Shared Participation: If you know others are also attending, it can provide an additional incentive to go when you want to stay home.
- Routine and Structure: Selecting a set class schedule will assist you in making space for Pilates within your work, family and daily life.
- Commitment to Attendance: When you schedule a time, you’ve already made the commitment to take some time for yourself.
A little preparation can make showing up easier, too. Pick a class time that usually works for you, pack your clothes the night before and give yourself enough time to get there. You won’t avoid every last-minute change, of course, but you can make things easier on yourself… and spend less time talking yourself out of going.
How Instructor Guidance Keeps Group Pilates Participants Engaged
After exercising, have you ever thought, “Am I doing this right? This is where an instructor’s help comes in. They show you the moves, tell you what you’re doing and help you keep up with the session without having to constantly try to imagine what’s coming up.
The presence of someone who can lead you may also help you to work on your form. Your teacher can give you corrections or suggestions as necessary. Unlike a private Pilates class, in a group class there are multiple people, which means that their attention is spread amongst the participants. Modifications may also be available to suit your experience and ability.
And then there’s the encouragement. A simple reminder to breathe, a helpful tip or feedback on a movement can give you something to work on next time. You’re not going to get everything right straight away… and that’s perfectly fine. Learning takes time and every class gives you another chance to practise.
How Group Pilates Helps Beginners Build Confidence and Commitment
Your first Pilates class might bring up a few questions. Will you know what to do? Will everyone else be more experienced? It’s normal to feel a little unsure when you’re trying something new. The good news is that you don’t need to know everything before your first class… you can learn as you go.
A few things can help you feel more comfortable along the way:
- Learning the Basics: You’ll get familiar with the movements and how a Pilates class works. Want to learn a little more beforehand? Have a look through the Body Cadence blog.
- Developing Confidence: Clear instructions and appropriate adaptations (if possible) will help make you feel more confident in your learning.
- Building Consistency: It’s important to verify class pricing and scheduling ahead of time so that you can choose something that fits your schedule and budget.
- Staying Engaged: Learning new moves, getting helpful guidance, can provide small goals to progress toward improving.
Don’t try to keep up with others or act like you know what you’re doing. Come a few minutes early, introduce yourself to the instructor and make a note of any injuries/concerns prior to class. It may be easier to begin with 1 class per week when you are new… you can always change your schedule later.
How to Recognise Progress and Keep Your Pilates Motivation Strong
You don’t always have to see progress in the mirror. Perhaps a movement is less awkward, or you’re able to “follow the instructor” better, or you have a more stable position in an exercise. It’s the little changes that matter, too… there’s still much to learn.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how hard it is to keep putting in the work. Give yourself credit if you have been attending regularly. Write 1 thing that was easier after every class and 1 thing you would like to practise next class. Don’t compare yourself to the person sitting next to you… each person progresses at their own rate and you do not have to progress as the other person has.
Are Group Pilates Classes the Right Choice for Your Motivation Style?
Consider what makes it fun exercise for you. Are you more comfortable in the company of others, or do you want to be more alone? If you like having a group, group classes might be right for you, and if you would like more individual guidance, private classes might be right for you. There is no right or wrong choice, it is a matter of which one is right for you.
Here’s a quick look at how the options compare, including the formats available at Body Cadence:
| Feature | Group Pilates Classes | Individual Pilates Sessions |
| Workout environment | Shared space with other participants | More private, one-to-one setting |
| Motivation style | May suit people who enjoy exercising with others | May suit people who prefer individual guidance |
| Instructor attention | Guidance is shared across the class | More direct attention from the instructor |
| Accountability | A regular class time and group setting may encourage consistency | Scheduled appointments can help you maintain a routine |
| Format at Body Cadence | Reformer and trapeze table classes | Private or semi-private sessions for up to 2 people |
| Potential fit | People who enjoy a social, structured workout | People who prefer a more individualised approach |
Still don’t know which one sounds right? Consider what makes you feel comfortable while working out. You may want to be in a group or you may want to have more time to talk about your needs. Body Cadence also offers semi-private sessions for up to 2 participants… a smaller setting to consider if you’d like something between a group class and a private session.
Join Group Pilates Classes at Body Cadence and Stay Motivated on Your Fitness Journey!
Being active does not require your best efforts each day. It refers to locating a regimen that will match your life and provide you with a viable method to get moving. A booked class, clear guidance and the experience of exercising alongside others can make it easier to keep going… even when life gets busy.
Body Cadence offers group Pilates classes using the reformer and trapeze table. You can learn more about the studio and explore the available classes to see which option feels right for you. There’s no need to put pressure on yourself to get everything right from the start… just find a routine that feels manageable.
If you’ve been putting exercise off because your schedule feels too busy or you’re unsure where to begin, maybe it’s time to give yourself that little push. Take a look at the group Pilates class schedule and find a session that works for you, or contact Body Cadence if you’d like to ask a question first. You don’t need to wait until you feel completely ready… your first step doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How do group Pilates classes help you stay motivated?
A regular class time, instructor guidance and exercising alongside others can make it easier to follow through. Familiar faces may also help you feel more comfortable coming back… even on days when motivation is low.
Q2. Can group Pilates classes help me build a consistent workout routine?
They can. A booked class gives you a specific time to plan around. Starting with a manageable schedule can help you make Pilates part of your week… without trying to change everything at once.
Q3. Are group Pilates classes suitable for beginners?
They can be, especially when instructions are clear and modifications are available. Inform your teacher you are new and if you have any injury or concerns, before class, there is no need to be embarrassed about asking for help.
Q4. Are group Pilates classes better than individual sessions for accountability?
Not necessarily. Group classes are for participation, individual for more direct attention from the instructor. It’s the one that’s right for you, and that you’ll feel comfortable going to on a regular basis.
