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Best Online Pilates Classes

Pilatesology is our pick for the best online Pilates class

Pilates is a type of whole-body fitness that can improve movement, strength, and control that was created by Joseph Pilates. It combines core work, torso stability, strength training, and flexibility into one functional workout, allowing you to increase flexibility, improve posture, work your core, boost energy, and increase your mind-body connection. It's also a low-impact workout, meaning it's a good option regardless of how much experience you have with exercise.

If you can't make it to a Pilates studio, there are many great Pilates classes online. A good online class will incorporate all six Pilates principles, be adaptable to many fitness levels and needs, and usually include a warmup, mat work for strength and conditioning, and a cool-down with stretching and flexibility exercises.

Each class should be run by an experienced instructor who can provide helpful cues and visuals so you can safely learn and execute the movements. While all you need to practice Pilates is an exercise mat and floor space, some courses may also incorporate light dumbbells, exercise bands, a Pilates ball, and other props that increase the intensity of the workout. There are a lot of great options for online Pilates classes, so to help you find the right one, here are our top picks.

Best Online Pilates Classes of 2024

Best Overall : Pilatesology - Pilates Intermediate Mat Blast Workout with Alisa Wyatt


Pilatesology

 Pilatesology

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $20 per month; $179 per year 
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and AirPlay
  • Duration: 33 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths 
Why We Chose It

Pilatesology Intermediate Mat Blast Workout combines technical instruction with a fast-paced Pilates routine to give you a solid mat class.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • More than 1,900 classes specific to the Pilates method

  • Instructor provides excellent verbal cues and text-based captions on the screen

  • Free 14-day trial

Cons
  • Some classes require equipment for maximum benefits

  • Technical instruction might be too advanced for beginners

Overview

Often referred to as the gold standard in online Pilates classes, Pilatesology has a robust selection of beginner through advanced classes with quality instructors who focus on classical Pilates exercises.

To access the Intermediate Mat Blast with Alisa Wyatt, click on the 33-minute video under “Try a free at-home workout.” This mat Pilates class is for intermediate to advanced levels and moves at a faster pace than a beginner mat class. You should also have a solid foundation of Pilates exercises and know how to perform them.

That said, the instructor provides excellent verbal cues as well as text-based captions at the bottom of the screen, so you can follow along. If you’re new to Pilates and want to get a feel for a traditional mat class, consider watching this class before you try it.

If you like the mat class from Alisa, you can enjoy free, unlimited access to other Pilates videos for 14 days. After the free trial is up, a monthly subscription to Pilatesology costs about $20, or $179 for the entire year.

Best for Beginners : Alo Moves


alomoves

 alomoves

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $12.99 per month; $129.99 per year 
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, web browser 
  • Duration: 30 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths 
Why We Chose It

Alo Moves Pilates with Teal Anderson earned the top spot for beginners because it teaches the form and function of the classical Pilates exercises, which is critical for new Pilates students to learn.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • App includes Pilates, yoga, meditation, and other fitness classes

  • Free 14-day trial

Cons
  • Several classes are better for more advanced levels

  • Some technical issues with the app glitching

Overview

With Alo Moves, you get a comprehensive platform that offers individual classes and program series options that range from eight to 20-plus classes. The series include barre, mat, and reformer Pilates programming. Alo Moves also has programs for all levels, with titles like 7-Day Pilates Glow Retreat, Pilates Cardio Sculpt, Pilates Fit, Total Reformer Pilates, and Mat Pilates I and II. 

Each 30-minute class is a full-body workout that specifically addresses the form and technique of the classical Pilates exercises, including the hundred, single-leg stretch, roll-down, rolling like a ball, spine stretch, swimming, and more. The recommended format for this program is to do the six classes (one each day for six days) with one rest day, for four weeks. After successfully completing this schedule, you will be ready for the intermediate series.

If you like the 14-day trial and what to commit to a monthly or annual subscription, Alo Moves offers a monthly plan that costs $12.99 and a yearly plan for $129.99.

Best for Intermediate to Advanced Levels : Pilates Anytime


PilatesAnytime

 PilatesAnytime

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $22 per month 
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV 
  • Duration: 30 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths
Why We Chose It

Pilates instructors and advanced students will enjoy technical instruction, access to more than 3,400 videos, and expert instruction from some of the top teachers in the practice.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Classes come with a full transcript that includes a detailed description of the routine

  • Extensive library of over 3,400 classes

  • 15-day free trial

Cons
  • Some classes require equipment and props

  • Might be too technical for beginner students 

Overview

If you’re looking for a challenging class that will boost your heart rate while targeting every muscle in your body, head over to Pilates Anytime and try the Athletic Mat Flow class.

Taught by fitness expert Tracey Mallett, this 30-minute, intermediate-to-advanced level class will move and work your entire body. One of this course's perks is the transcript accompanying the video, which gives you access to all of the instructor’s verbal cues and directions for the entire sequence. Note that it would be best if you have a basic foundation in Pilates exercises before trying this course.

The pace is moderate, focusing on flow, cardio, strength, flexibility, athleticism, and coordination. Pilates Anytime is one of the most comprehensive online subscription services, offering thousands of Pilates classes for all levels and interests. The site features a wide variety of experienced instructors, with new videos added weekly.

Pilates Anytime is a good choice for instructors or serious students looking for more in-depth practice. After a 15-day free trial, Pilates Anytime will cost you about $22 per month.

Best Comprehensive Program : Daily Burn - Pilates Phase I and Pilates Phase II


Daily Burn

 Daily Burn

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $7.49 to $14.99 per month
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire, Chromecast 
  • Duration: 9 to 32 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths 
Why We Chose It

The Pilates Phase I and Phase II program from Daily Burn is one of the most extensive and structured Pilates routines online.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Provides a comprehensive look at the fundamental of Pilates

  • Classes range from 9 to 32 minutes, ideal for a busy schedule  

  • Free 30-day trial

Cons
  • Equipment required for some workouts

  • No individual training options

Overview

Even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts can benefit from a structured program that takes the guesswork out of working out. Enter: Daily Burn Pilates Phase I and Pilates Phase II programs.

If you’re new to the method, start with Pilates Phase I. This comprehensive program covers the fundamentals of the practice in six different videos, including Intro to Pilates, Classic 1, Classic 2, Core Flow 1, Core Flow 2, and Stretch. Each class length varies, ranging from nine minutes for the stretch workout to 32 minutes for the Classic 2 class.

After mastering this level, you’re on to Phase II. This series takes the foundation of Phase I and increases the difficulty of the workouts by focusing on a controlled flow of exercises and removing breaks in between. Classes include intermediate levels of the workouts from Phase I and range in length from 11 minutes for Stretch Flow to 34 minutes for Classic 3. You’ll need a Pilates magic circle for both phases.

Daily Burn offers a free, 30-day trial where you can check out Pilates Phase I and II, as well as its other fitness classes. Once your trial is up, you can sign up for a subscription plan. Rates start at $7.49 per month for the 12-month plan and go up to $14.99 for the 3-month plan.

Best for Using Props : Pilates on Fifth On-Demand


Pilates on Fifth

 Pilates on Fifth

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $15 to $40 per month
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast & Airplay
  • Duration: App has classes of varying lengths ranging from 9 to 60+ minutes 
Why We Chose It

Pilates is all about the props, and Pilates on Fifth specializes in teaching classes that use props and equipment.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 23 categories of Pilates classes to choose from

  • Subscription includes access to more than 700 videos and educational training 

  • Serious focus on Pilates-only content

Cons
  • Video quality is not as good as some of the more popular apps

  • Livestream subscription plan is significantly more expensive than other subscriptions

Overview

Pilates Mat is the foundation of Pilates classes, but once you understand the basic principles of the workout, it’s time to add a few props. Pilates on Fifth offers classes that incorporate props and equipment such as the small ball, stability ball, chair, Cadillac, Reformer, ladder barrel, magic circle, exercise bands, and more.

To get a better idea of the classes Pilates on Fifth offers, check out its Great Pilates Workout introduction video. This short clip shows how owners and Stott Pilates-trained instructors Katherine and Kimberly Corp use the stability ball, small ball, and exercise bands to increase the intensity of a basic Pilates workout. The on-demand service gives you access to more than 700 videos in roughly 23 different categories, including Pilates workouts, educational training, technique, and more.

The Pilates on Fifth on-demand program runs about $15 per month. You can also sign up for the virtual studio, which offers live classes like Pilates, CARDIOLATES, Barres & Belles, CoreAlign, and SilkSuspension via Zoom for about $40 per month. Plus, Pilates on Fifth offers Pilates Academy International, a teacher training program designed to help you become a Pilates instructor.

Best When You’re Short on Time : Gaia - Supercharged Abs


Gaia

 Gaia

Key Specs
  • Pricing: $12 per month
  • Platforms: iOS, Android, Roku, Chromecast, AppleTV Amazon Fire TV 
  • Duration: 13 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths 
Why We Chose It

Gaia’s Supercharged Abs is a no-nonsense, quick way to fit a Pilates-based core workout into your day.  

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Class is only 11 minutes and focuses on core, glutes, shoulders, arms, chest, and back 

  • Monthly subscription is more affordable than other apps

  • Website is easy to navigate

Cons
  • Requires hand weights

  • Subscription plan does not have as many Pilates classes as other apps 

  • Content might be too extensive if you only want Pilates classes

Overview

When time is tight, and you can’t fit a full workout into your schedule, give Gaia's 11-minute Supercharged Abs class a try. Taught by Caroline Sandry, this class is part of the comprehensive video library offered by Gaia. In the time it takes to check email and scroll through social media, you’ll target every muscle in your body in this simple yet effective sequence.

Sandry takes you through a series of Pilates exercises using a set of light dumbbells. If you don’t have weights, she recommends using full water bottles. Sandry demonstrates each move while providing detailed cues to walk you through the steps. In addition to working your core muscles, this class also focuses on the glutes, shoulders, arms, chest, and back.

You can try the Supercharged Abs class for free on YouTube. If you enjoy the course, consider joining Gaia, which offers thousands of other videos. Gaia offers a free, seven-day trial, followed by three subscription plans, including a monthly one for about $12 per month, an annual package for around $99, and the Live Access plan for about $25 per month.

Best to Fit Your Budget : Ultimate Pilates Toning Workout


Lottie Murphy

 Lottie Murphy

Key Specs
  • Pricing: Free
  • Platforms: YouTube
  • Duration: 30 minutes; app has classes of varying lengths 
Why We Chose It

Not only is the Ultimate Pilates Toning Workout a great choice for intermediate levels, but it’s also free.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Free classes

  • Lottie for Pilates also offers a live Zoom subscription plan 

  • Free YouTube channel also has yoga classes and healthy recipe tips

Cons
  • Live classes are held in British time zone (+5 hours to Eastern Standard Time)

  • Subscription/paid version does not offer as many classes as other paid apps

  • YouTube classes only added occasionally

Overview

Who doesn’t love a free class? The 30-minute Ultimate Pilates Toning Workout with Lottie Murphy is not only free, but guaranteed to tone, lengthen, and strengthen your body.

The routine targets the abs, glutes, and back muscles, while also focusing on proper posture and form. Aimed at intermediate levels, the class moves at a moderate pace with very little rest between exercises. However, there are plenty of opportunities for stretching that allow for active rest. Murphy provides excellent cues and detailed instructions, and she counts down when performing the exercises.

If you enjoyed the Ultimate Pilates Toning Workout, you can subscribe to Lottie Murphy’s YouTube channel, which offers several free Pilates classes along with yoga-inspired workouts and healthy recipes. Some of the top picks on her channel include Upper Body Pilates Workout, Flat Lower Tummy Pilates, Quick Morning Pilates Routine, and 3-Minute Inner Thigh Burn.

Final Verdict 

Online Pilates classes provide students of all levels with an alternative to studio classes. By taking a class online, you save money, have access to an extensive library of programs and educational videos, and can squeeze in a Pilates routine on your time. 

Our best overall pick, Pilatesology, offers comprehensive programs, like the Intermediate Mat Blast Workout, that allow you to move through a series of classes that get progressively more difficult. Plus, you can access over 1,900 other Pilates classes with the affordable monthly subscription plan. If you are new to Pilates and what to see what it's all about without breaking the bank, give Lottie Murphy's free 30-minute Ultimate Pilates Toning Workout a try.

Guide to Choosing the Best Online Pilates Classes

What Are Online Pilates Classes?

Pilates classes are a mix of core work, total body toning, and flexibility that improve overall strength and posture alignment. Classes are generally 10 to 45 minutes long and include a thorough warmup and cool-down. The basic Pilates mat classes are appropriate for all fitness levels, and you don’t need to be familiar with the method to start. Once you’ve mastered the core principles and exercises, you can move on to intermediate and advanced Pilates classes that introduce new exercises, incorporate props, combine mat with barre, and add cardio intervals.

How to Choose an Online Pilates Class

Choosing an online Pilates class to fit your needs is individual. While it may take some trial and error to find what works for you, there are a few factors to consider. 

  • Class level: If you're new to Pilates, it’s a good idea to start with a structured beginner program that gets progressively more difficult. These programs typically have eight to 12 classes that build on each other. Once you finish an introductory program, you can move to standalone classes that fit your time and workout needs. But, if Pilates is your wheelhouse, a subscription-based service with a comprehensive library of intermediate and advanced classes is the way to go. 
  • Pilates type: Pilates classes include several formats like mat, Reformer, ball, barre, and circle. If you want variety, choose a plan that offers different styles of Pilates. Take note of the props needed to participate in different styles.
  • Cost: Online Pilates classes can range in cost from free to over $20 a month. Try choosing a program with at least a seven-day free trial before subscribing.
  • Equipment required: Pilates mat classes can be done in a small space with just a mat. But, if you’re interested in other class types, you may need to invest in a Pilates ball, magic circle, resistance bands, block, or small hand-held weights. 
  • Instructor experience: Pilates is an exercise modality with specific movements, techniques, and cues. Choosing classes with experienced instructors is key, especially if you are new to the practice. When shopping for an online platform, check out the instructor bios and look for Pilates-specific certifications, personal training or group instructor certifications, continuing education hours, years of training, and other professional expertise, like teachers who are also physical therapists or professional dancers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are Pilates Classes Worth It?

    Most platforms offer a free class or trial period that allows you to try it before committing to a membership. Plus, many have introductory classes and don't require much, if any, equipment to get started, so your upfront costs will be minimal to none. Advantages include the flexibility to work at your own pace and from the comfort of home as you improve stamina, endurance, and overall fitness.

  • Is Pilates Good for My Health?

    Pilates as an exercise can have both physical and mental health benefits. It improves posture, flexibility, and cardiovascular function, as well as tones muscles. It can also help with stress relief and overall mental health and well-being.

  • Who Should Take Pilates Classes?

    Pilates is a low-impact activity that is appropriate for most people, but if you’re new to this exercise style or you’ve never taken a Pilates class, it’s a good idea to start with a beginner or introductory course, regardless of your fitness level. Most of a mat class is spent on the floor, so if lying prone or getting up and down off the ground is contraindicated, talk with your healthcare provider before trying a class. A skilled instructor will be able to offer modifications and alternatives such as chair Pilates.

  • What Equipment Do I Need to Take Online Pilate Classes?

    At the very least, you'll want a Pilates mat, which is thicker than a regular yoga mat. You can do some classes with just a Pilates mat, but investing in resistance bands, an exercise ball, and sliders may also be beneficial. Different equipment can expand the number of exercises you do and keep Pilates challenging.

Methodology

We looked at 15 online Pilates classes for this review. Our first consideration was to find a mix of free- and subscription-based Pilates classes. A trial period was also important, and we made sure to include programs that you can try before you buy. Unlike other fitness programs, Pilates is a method that takes time to learn, so we highlighted subscription services that offer comprehensive programs that allow you to move through a series of classes that get progressively more difficult. Finally, because Pilates requires highly trained instructors, we also considered the teachers’ training and chose classes taught by experts.

Best Online Pilates Classes

VERYWELL FIT/ DESIGN BY AMELIA MANLEY

Article Sources
Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Meikis L, Wicker P, Donath L. Effects of Pilates Training on Physiological and Psychological Health Parameters in Healthy Older Adults and in Older Adults With Clinical Conditions Over 55 Years: A Meta-Analytical ReviewFront Neurol. 2021;12:724218. doi:10.3389/fneur.2021.724218

  2. Lim EJ, Park JE. The effects of Pilates and yoga participant’s on engagement in functional movement and individual health levelJ Exerc Rehabil. 2019;15(4):553-559. doi:10.12965/jer.1938280.140

By Sara Lindberg
Sara Lindberg, M.Ed., is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, nutrition, parenting, and mental health.

Edited by
April McCormick
April McCormick

April is the health editor for performance marketing at Verywell, where she oversees family health, wellness, and lifestyle content. Her work has appeared in Time, Parents Magazine, The Huffington Post, TripSavvy, Parenting.com, First Time Mom and Dad, Mama Mia, All4Women, the New York Times Bestseller, A Letter To My Mom, and more.

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Ally Hirschlag
Allison "Ally" Hirschlag

Ally is a senior editor for Verywell, who covers topics in the health, wellness, and lifestyle spaces. She has written for The Washington Post, Scientific American, The Guardian, BBC Future, and more.

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