How Many Times a Week Should You Do Reformer Pilates?
One of the most common questions we get asked is:
“How often should I do Reformer Pilates to see results?”
Whether you're brand new to Pilates, returning after a break, or just looking for Reformer Pilates classes in Leicester, the answer depends on your goals and it’s also very individual. The most important thing to keep in mind is that, consistency is key.
Let’s break it down.
If You're a Beginner: 1–2 Times Per Week
If you’re just starting out with Reformer Pilates, aim for 1–2 classes per week.
This gives your body time to:
Learn the movements
Build core strength
Improve posture
Adapt safely
Reformer Pilates works deep stabilising muscles that many of us haven’t activated properly before. Even one class per week can make a noticeable difference in how your body feels.
However, if you can manage twice per week, you’ll likely see progress more quickly in strength, control and overall body awareness. For those attending Pilates in Leicester or locally in Wigston, starting steadily is often the best way to build a long-term habit.
If You Want Quicker Results: 2–3 Times Per Week
If your goal is to:
Build visible strength
Improve muscle tone
Support fat loss
Improve posture quickly
Reduce back pain
Then 2–3 Reformer Pilates sessions per week is ideal.
At this frequency, you’ll begin to notice:
Stronger core engagement
Improved balance and coordination
Better posture
Increased muscle definition
Many clients doing Reformer Pilates in Leicester find that two consistent sessions per week delivers noticeable changes within 4–6 weeks.
Can You Do Reformer Pilates Every Day?
While Pilates is low-impact and joint-friendly, your muscles still need recovery time. For most people, 3–4 sessions per week is more than enough. Rest and recovery allow your muscles to rebuild and strengthen.
Quality always beats quantity.
Should You Do Mat Pilates As Well?
Yes! Absolutely.
Incorporating mat Pilates at home or in a studio class alongside reformer sessions can really enhance your progress.
Mat Pilates helps you:
Develop body awareness without equipment
Strengthen stabilising muscles
Improve mobility and flexibility
Reinforce movement patterns learned on the reformer
Even 15–20 minutes at home once or twice per week can make a difference.
If you’re attending our Reformer Pilates classes in Wigston, combining reformer sessions with occasional mat work is a great way to accelerate your results.
Does Strength Training Help Reformer Pilates?
Yes! 100%!
Adding strength training in the gym can strongly support your Pilates practice.
While Reformer Pilates builds deep core strength, control, and stability, traditional strength training can:
Build overall muscle mass
Improve bone density
Increase power and endurance
Support long-term body composition goals
The two complement each other beautifully.
For example:
Stronger glutes from gym training improve your reformer performance.
Better core control from Pilates improves your lifting technique.
If your goal is long-term strength, combining Reformer Pilates with structured strength training is incredibly effective.
The Ideal Weekly Balance
For most people, a well-rounded weekly routine could look like:
2 x Reformer Pilates sessions
1 x Mat Pilates session (at home or in class)
1–2 strength training sessions
Of course, this depends on your schedule and goals. But even starting with 2 reformer classes per week is a great foundation.
The Most Important Factor: Consistency
The real secret to results isn’t doing Pilates every day. It’s showing up consistently.
Whether you’re just starting Reformer Pilates in Wigston, or adding Pilates into your current routine, building a sustainable habit will always outperform short bursts of motivation.
Start with what feels manageable, and build from there.