Clinical Pilates vs. Small Group Reformer Pilates: Which One Is Right for You?
Pilates has been around for nearly a century, originally developed by Joseph Pilates as a method of improving strength, flexibility, and control. At its core, Pilates is about moving with precision and efficiency. It uses resistance, often via springs on specialised equipment such as the reformer, to challenge stability, build strength, and improve mobility.
Over the years, Pilates has been embraced not just by dancers and athletes but also by health professionals for rehabilitation and injury prevention. At Bounce Back Osteopathy, we take Pilates seriously. Our practitioners and instructors have studied far beyond a weekend course to understand the body in depth, and we deliver programs that are safe, effective, and tailored to the individual.
One of the most common questions we hear is: What’s the difference between Clinical Pilates and Small Group Reformer Pilates? Let’s break it down.
What Is Clinical Pilates?
Clinical Pilates is a form of Pilates that’s tailored specifically to you and delivered under the guidance of a qualified health professional.
Each participant has an individualised program, created after a thorough assessment of your history, goals, and current physical condition. That means if you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or aiming to prevent future issues, your program will directly address those needs.
In a Clinical Pilates session:
Everyone in the room is working on their own program.
Exercises are carefully selected to improve strength, stability, and mobility in a way that supports your recovery or management plan.
Progressions are introduced gradually and safely as you improve.
Clinical Pilates is ideal if you’re managing pain, recovering from injury, or have specific movement goals that require professional oversight.
What Is Small Group Reformer Pilates?
Small Group Reformer Pilates is designed for people who are generally healthy and injury-free. These classes are led by experienced and highly qualified movement professionals and follow a structured flow rather than a personalised program. Our skilled instructors will provide modifications and progressions where required so that everyone in the class feels safe and gets the challenge they want.
In a Small Group class:
All participants follow the same class plan.
The instructor provides progressions for those who need more challenge, and regressions for those who need things scaled back.
With a maximum of three people per class, you’ll still receive plenty of attention and support.
These sessions are fantastic for building strength, improving mobility, and supporting overall wellbeing. They’re also a great complement to other forms of training or sport.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you have an injury, pain, or a condition that needs managing, Clinical Pilates is the safer and more effective choice. The individualised approach ensures the exercises directly target your needs.
If you’re injury-free and looking to build strength and move better, Small Group Reformer Pilates is an excellent option.
If you’re unsure, we recommend starting with a one-on-one session. That way, we can assess your needs and point you toward the program that’s right for you.
The Bottom Line
The best thing about Pilates is its adaptability. Whether you’re in Clinical Pilates or Small Group Reformer Pilates, the method meets you where you are. Our skilled team knows when to challenge you and when to rein things in. You don’t need to be a fitness superstar to start — but if you are one, don’t worry, we’ll still find ways to push you.
At Bounce Back Osteopathy, our goal is to help you move better, recover well, and feel stronger in your everyday life.