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What to Expect from Your First Pilates Mat Class
- Laura Carter
- Oct 8
- 6 min read
You're a beginner and you're wanting to come along to your first Pilates mat class - but you're not sure what to expect. That's totally normal! Trying something new can feel a little nerve-wracking — especially when it involves moving your body in unfamiliar ways.
If you’re thinking about joining one of our Pilates mat classes in Frome, or you’ve just booked your first session with us at Thrive Pilates Frome, here’s a little guide on what to expect so you can arrive feeling confident, comfortable, and ready to move.
We don’t run specific beginner-only classes, but all of our Pilates group mat classes are suitable for beginners. Every session includes clear explanations, demonstrations, and options for all levels — so you’ll always be supported whatever level you’re starting at.
If you’re feeling a little nervous or would like more individual attention, you may want to choose one of our quieter classes. Our Monday 6 pm and Thursday 9 am sessions are the busiest classes of the week and consistently fully booked. Instead try one of our slightly quieter classes like the Thursday 7 am class, Tuesday 9 am class (brand new!), or the Friday 9 am class. If you’re after an evening class, our Wednesday or Thursday evening classes are generally quieter than a Monday evening. You can check the class numbers on our online calendar to get a feel for what’s available — and of course, if you’re unsure which one to pick, just ask! I’m always happy to help you find the right fit. Check out our up-to-date timetable below.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about movement, out of place in traditional gym settings, or been put off exercise by experiences of PE at school - Thrive Pilates was made for you. I’ve designed Thrive to be a welcoming, supportive space where everyone can move, breath, reconnect with their own body at their own pace, and rediscover the joy of movement.
A Warm Welcome
When you arrive at Thrive Pilates, I’ll be there to greet you with a smile. Our Thrive Pilates community is kind, welcoming, and down-to-earth — you’ll find a lovely mix of people who come for all sorts of reasons: to build strength, ease pain, improve posture, find a moment of me-time, or simply to feel better in their bodies.
It’s best to arrive about 10 minutes early if you can. Take your shoes off, sit in our lounge chairs and either have a chat with me or the others, or head into the studio to pick your mat. Some people like to take a few quiet breaths and decompress before we start — and we always begin class with gentle breathing to help everyone settle into their bodies.
What to Bring
Just bring yourself! We provide all the equipment, so you don’t need to remember a thing.
Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely. There’s no need for special “Pilates outfits” or fancy gym wear here. Comfort is the priority. Baggy joggers and a loose T-shirt, old paint-stained DIY clothes, bright leggings, funky hedgehog socks, or a favourite worn-in top - it’s totally up to you. Show up as you are and however you feel comfortable. It can be helpful sometimes for me to be able to see your spine and body, to check your alignment - so if you’re wearing something loose, I might just ask you to tuck it in occasionally to be able to check your alignment – but it won’t be for long.
You might like to bring a water bottle, but don’t worry if you forget — there’s always a glass of water available.
What Happens in a Pilates Mat Class
Each of our Pilates group mat classes begins with a few quiet moments to settle, begin to connect with our bodies and focus on your breathing. From there, we move through a series of exercises designed to build strength, mobility, and awareness of how your body moves. We’ll start off with more gentle mobility, and flexibility exercises and then we’ll move onto a range of other exercises which will have more opportunities for challenge for those who want it.
I demonstrate each movement first, then move around the room to see how everyone’s getting on. I’ll offer gentle hands-on corrections, guidance, or adaptations for anyone who needs them - whether you’re working with an injury, want to progress, or just need something to feel a bit easier that day. This class is your time so if at any time you need some help, or are looking for more, or less challenge, then please let me know so that I can offer suggestions.
Expect to move in a slow, controlled, and mindful way. Pilates is all about quality over quantity, and we make sure every movement has purpose. It can feel quite different to work in this way, and quite a challenge at the start to ask your body to move (or not to move as is often the more challenging part!) in the ways we want, but overtime with practice and repetition this will come. Often, I’ll be asking people to make movements smaller to ensure that we’re achieving the aims of the exercise – this can feel counterintuitive on the surface but it’s a really important aspect of why Pilates is so beneficial. In Pilates we want to mobilise specific joints, and stabilise others. This active stability is one of the ways in which we strengthen our joints, our spine and improve our posture.
If you ever feel pain or discomfort doing an exercise let me know – I can come and help check your form, or offer adjustments to help you get more out of the movement.
Adapted to You
Every body is different, and each class includes options so you can move at your own pace. If you’re new to Pilates, or had a long break, I’ll probably encourage you to stick with the base version of each exercise until you feel confident. Sometimes I might suggest a simpler version to help you get more from the movement and build strong foundations. When I offer the levels or options for challenge, I encourage everyone to listen to their bodies and choose the right option for them on the day – and this might change week by week. There is no pressure from me or anyone else to try the more challenging options, and absolutely no shame in sticking to the base level exercises or asking for something simpler – there is a lot to be gained from doing these foundational exercises precisely, in a controlled way and you will see the benefits of doing this consistently. Bigger movements, harder challenge levels, and more repetitions are not always better for long term success! Everyone’s bodies are unique, each week they’ll feel different depends on what you’ve been doing.
Our classes are perfect for beginners — you’ll learn how to find your neutral, engage your core, use your breath, and move safely and effectively while building confidence and strength.
How You’ll Feel Afterwards
After your Pilates class, you might notice you feel taller, looser, and more grounded. Clients often tell me how they leave their class feeling relaxed, refreshed, and energised.
It’s completely normal to feel a gentle muscle ache the next day - especially in areas you don’t usually notice - but it’s also normal not to feel much at all. Every body is different, and Pilates isn’t about exhaustion or soreness; it’s about moving better and feeling better.
Building Confidence Over Time
With each class, the movements will start to feel more familiar. You’ll begin to notice subtle changes - improved posture, a stronger core, better balance, and a greater sense of connection to your body.
I often describe learning Pilates as learning a new language - you’re developing a deeper awareness of how your body moves and learning to control it in new, precise ways. It takes time, but it’s incredibly rewarding.
At Thrive Pilates Frome, progress isn’t about perfection - it’s about celebrating what your body can do and enjoying the journey.
Ready to book your first Pilates Mat Class?
If you’re ready to start your Pilates journey, we’d love to welcome you. You can join any of our Pilates group mat classes in Frome, or book a 1:1 Pilates session instead if you’d like a more personalised introduction.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be supported every step of the way — so you can move better, feel better and thrive!
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