Getting started with Pilates
Slow pace, small movements, and the next day you feel muscles you didn't know you had. This is how to start in Groningen: mat or reformer, what it costs and what to expect.
Sportspots editorial team, updated on
Photo: sportcentrumbalili.nl
Why so many people do it
Pilates looks calm, and it is. You lie, sit or stand and do small, precise movements in time with your breathing. But the work is in your abdomen, back and glutes, and you notice it. Nothing is jumped, so it suits you even if your knees or fitness aren't cooperating. And it combines well: with running, cycling, strength training, or with a day behind a screen.
It's also straightforward. A class lasts three quarters of an hour to an hour, you don't need any prior skill, and within a few weeks you'll see that you do the exercises better.
Mat or reformer?
| Mat | Reformer | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Exercises on a mat using your own bodyweight, sometimes with a ball or band | A bed with a carriage and springs that provide resistance |
| Where | Studios, gyms and neighbourhood classes | Specialist studios only |
| Group | Often a regular group class | Small, so the instructor can see everyone |
| Price per class | Around €9 to €12,50 | €9 to €21 with a card, single €15 to €35 |
| Getting started | Join in straight away | Usually starts with an introductory class |
| Choose it if | You want a low-key start, or you're doing it alongside another sport | You want guidance and resistance, or prefer training in a small group |
Not sure? Start on the mat. What you learn there carries over to the reformer.
Mat Pilates in Groningen, for example:
Reformer studios in Groningen
Cheapest price per class at the top. Almost everywhere you start with a trial class or introductory class; the prices and memberships are listed per studio in the comparison.
| Studio | Per class from | First time |
|---|---|---|
| Sportcentrum Balili | €9 | Trial class, €10 |
| ReformHer | €12,92 | First Timer, €33 |
| Hocus Pocus Pilates | €18,75 | Introductory offer, €60 |
| Pilates Avenue | €18,75 | PA Trial Pack, €20 |
| de Backyard | €21 | Trial class (50% off), €12,50 |
| Moon Social Wellness Club | in the app | Intro pack, €55 |
| Pilates Anders | in the app | Introductory class for beginners, usually on Saturdays, with 2 to 5 people. |
| Rostudios Groningen (Roform) | in the app | Ask the studio |
How often should you go?
Once a week is a good start: you learn the exercises and see whether it suits you. Studios usually recommend two to three times a week if you want to get stronger. Pick a fixed day and it will soon become a habit.
If you go more than once a week, a card or membership is cheaper than single classes. A single reformer class costs €15 to €35; with a membership, that drops to €9 to €21.
Your first class
- Wear something you can move easily in that isn't too loose: the teacher needs to be able to see your posture.
- For reformer pilates, grippy socks are often compulsory. Many studios sell them at the front desk.
- Arrive a few minutes early and say it's your first time. If you have any problems, let them know; there is a lighter variation for almost every exercise.
- It feels relaxed, but the next day you notice it in your stomach and glutes. That's part of it.
Pilates classes in Groningen:
Pilates or yoga?
Both take place on a mat, both focus on your breath, but the goal differs. Pilates is training for your core: abdominals, back and glutes, with small movements that you often repeat. Yoga is more about flexibility, balance and finding calm. If you want to get stronger and sit up straighter, choose pilates. If you mainly want to relax and stretch, choose yoga. Which yoga suits you is covered in this guide.
Frequently asked
Is pilates suitable for beginners?
Yes. You work at your own level and the exercises are gentle. On the mat, you can join in straight away. With reformer pilates, you usually start with an introductory class so you get to know the apparatus.
What is the difference between mat and reformer?
On the mat, you train with your own body, sometimes with a ball or band, in a regular group class. A reformer is a bed with a carriage and springs that provide resistance. These classes take place in small groups at a specialist studio and cost more per class.
How often a week should you do pilates?
Once a week is a good start. Studios usually recommend two to three times a week if you want to get stronger.
What should you bring to your first pilates class?
Clothing you can move easily in and a bottle of water. For reformer pilates, grippy socks are often compulsory; many studios sell them at the front desk.
How much does pilates cost in Groningen?
A single reformer class costs €15 to €35, and with a card or membership €9 to €21 per class. A mat class is often less, around €9 to €12,50 per class.