One-on-One Pilates vs Group Classes: Why Private Sessions in Camberwell Just Work Better

Why Private Pilates in Camberwell Makes a Difference

Tailored Support from the First Movement

Every body is different. That might sound obvious, but it’s something group classes can’t fully accommodate. Some people are dealing with shoulder issues. Others haven’t exercised in years. And some have tried every class out there and still feel disconnected from the work.

In a private session, I’m not just watching you—I’m working with you. We can adjust the plan on the spot. If something feels off, we change it. If something clicks, we build on it. There’s no need to keep pace with anyone else or fit into a sequence that wasn’t designed with your needs in mind.

It’s not about working harder. It’s about working smarter—with movements that suit your body, not a generic template. The difference that makes, even after just a few sessions, is often clear. I’ve seen it: clients moving better, standing taller, and understanding their bodies in a way they hadn’t before.

Rebuilding Safely After Injury

Coming back from an injury? Then you already know how tricky it is to trust your body again. Group classes move quickly. Modifications are limited. And if something doesn’t feel right, you’re left wondering whether to keep going or stop.

That’s not a great space to be in—especially when your priority is healing.

In one-on-one Pilates, we slow everything down. We check how your body’s responding, ask the right questions, and work carefully. Sometimes, it’s a matter of adjusting one small thing—foot position, a softer knee bend, a different breath pattern. Other times, it’s about activating muscles that haven’t been firing properly in months, or years.

Most importantly, it puts you back in control. You’re not just going through the motions—you’re learning how to move with purpose and awareness. There’s a sense of safety that comes from being seen and supported, every step of the way.

Reformer Pilates, Customised for You

Let’s talk about the Reformer. It’s an incredible piece of equipment—but only when it’s used properly. In a group class, you often follow the same routine as everyone else, with limited adjustments to spring tension or positioning. That might be fine for general toning, but it doesn’t come close to the potential of private Reformer work.

In a one-on-one session, we use the Reformer differently. We fine-tune things like resistance, footbar placement, and range of motion so that each movement supports exactly what your body needs—no more, no less.

For someone with joint sensitivity, we might focus on control and balance. For someone with postural issues, we dig into stabilisation and breath. Every small tweak changes how your body engages with the movement—and that’s where real progress starts to happen.

And it’s not just about recovery. Even if you’re already strong and moving well, private Reformer sessions help refine technique and deepen understanding. It becomes less about ‘getting a workout’ and more about how your body functions as a whole.

What Group Pilates Classes Offer – And What They Can’t

The Perks: Energy, Routine and Affordability

There’s no denying that group Pilates has benefits. The atmosphere can be uplifting. There’s structure, consistency, and often a real sense of community. For many people, that shared space helps them stay committed and return week after week.

It’s also usually more affordable than private training, which makes it an easy starting point if you’re testing the waters or budgeting for regular movement. You show up, move with the group, and head home feeling like you’ve done something good for your body.

But—and this is important—the value of group classes depends entirely on what your body needs right now.

What Gets Missed in Group Settings

Most classes have anywhere from six to ten people. That means the instructor’s attention is divided. You’ll hear cues, yes—but are they landing in your body the way they should? That’s often hard to tell.

If your form is slightly off or your body’s compensating in subtle ways, it might not be picked up. You could be relying on your quads instead of your glutes, or tilting your pelvis without even realising it. And over time, those little misalignments can slow your progress—or worse, cause discomfort.

It’s not about the teacher not caring. It’s just the nature of group work. Everyone gets a little bit of support, but no one gets full attention. And if you’re dealing with something specific—past injury, chronic tightness, or just uncertainty about how you’re moving—that’s where it starts to fall short.

Is Private Pilates Worth the Investment?

I get asked this a lot. “Is it really worth paying more for private sessions?” And I understand where that question comes from. But here’s how I see it:

You’re not just paying for time on a mat or a Reformer. You’re paying for undivided attention. For a plan built around your goals. For real-time feedback that adapts with you, not a pre-set class plan.

And it adds up. You’re not wasting effort repeating movements that don’t serve you. You’re not left guessing if you’re doing it right. Instead, your time is well used, your energy is well spent, and progress tends to come quicker because we’re working efficiently, not just frequently.

I’ve seen it in my own clients—people who shift from group sessions to private work and suddenly feel stronger, more capable, and more at home in their bodies. That kind of change is hard to put a price on.

Choosing a Pilates Studio in Camberwell

Camberwell has a growing list of studios offering everything from mat classes to Reformer circuits. Some focus on volume—lots of slots, big groups, fast turnarounds. And while that model suits general fitness, it doesn’t always meet the needs of people looking for tailored attention.

If you’re comparing studios, here’s what I’d look for:

• Check the teacher’s background: Do they have experience working one-on-one? Do they understand injuries or how to adapt for different body types?
• Ask about class size: Anything over six people makes it hard for an instructor to give meaningful individual feedback.
• Be sure private really means private: Some places call small-group work “personalised Pilates.” If you want true one-on-one support, double-check that it’s just you and the teacher.

My own studio in Camberwell is built entirely around individual sessions. No distractions. No rushing through exercises. Just focused time to figure out what your body needs and how to support it properly.

Final Thoughts – Slowing Down and Paying Attention

There’s something powerful about slowing down. About moving with awareness, not urgency. Private Pilates gives you the space to do just that—to reconnect with your body and actually hear what it’s been trying to tell you.

It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing what matters.

Over time, that shows up in how you move through the world. You walk taller. You breathe differently. You feel a little more grounded—less reactive, more in control. And that shift? It stays with you, long after the session ends.

If you’re based in Camberwell and looking for something beyond the basics, I’d love to help. You don’t need to be “ready.” You just need to be curious enough to start.