You booked it. Now you’re staring at your closet, wondering whether leggings count as “form-fitting,” what a grip sock is, and whether everyone else will know what they’re doing.
Some of them will. Plenty won’t. Every HILI class has someone taking their first one, and our instructors plan for that.
Here’s everything you need to walk in ready for the XFormer, the hot room, or both.
Grip Socks Aren’t Optional. Everything Else Is Easy.
Grip socks are the one thing every HILI class requires. They have rubber treads on the bottom so your feet stay planted on the XFormer platform and the mat. Regular socks slide. Bare feet aren’t allowed.
Don’t own a pair? We sell them at the front desk at every studio. Most people buy their first pair on their first visit.
What to Wear (and What to Leave at Home)
Fitted beats fashionable. On the XFormer, loose clothes catch on the machine and hide your alignment from the instructor. In the hot room, loose cotton gets heavy fast.
- Leggings or fitted shorts: high-waisted works best when you’re lying on your back
- A fitted top: tanks and sports bras are standard in the hot room
- Sweat-wicking fabric: skip cotton, especially for Hot Mat
- Hair tie: you’ll want it by minute ten
- Skip: jewelry, lotion on your hands and feet, and baggy shorts
What to Bring for Each Room
| XFormer | Infrared Hot Mat | |
|---|---|---|
| Grip socks | Required | Required |
| Water | Yes | A full bottle, at least |
| Mat | Not needed | Bring one, or rent at the studio |
| Towel | Optional | Bring one, or rent at the studio |
| Room temp | Cool, climate-controlled | 90–104°F |
| Eat beforehand? | Something light, 1–2 hours before | Light, and hydrate earlier in the day |
Show Up Ten Minutes Early. Here’s Why.
For your first class, arrive 10 minutes early. Your instructor will get you checked in, set you up on the XFormer or show you your spot in the hot room, and walk you through the basics before anyone else is warmed up.
That ten minutes is the difference between spending the first block of class confused and spending it working. Tell your instructor it’s your first time. They’ll keep an eye on you.
I had an amazing time! Cheyenne Hawkins was so patient. It was my first X former class and she made it very easy to learn and helps you through every step of the way! I would definitely recommend her classes to anyone wanting to try it out for the first time as well!
Kiaraliz pWhat It Actually Feels Like
We won’t pretend your first class will be easy. HILI stands for High Intensity, Low Impact, and the first part is real. No jumping, no pounding, but plenty of shaking.
On the XFormer
Every rep is slow. That’s the point. Slow movement keeps your muscles under tension longer, and around the middle of class you’ll notice your legs shaking during holds. That’s not you failing. That’s the workout working. If you want to understand the machine before you go, XFormer vs. reformer explains what makes it different.
In the Hot Room
The heat hits first, then the work does. Hot Mat combines core work, light weights, and holds, and the infrared warmth lets you move a little deeper than you would in a cold room. You’ll sweat a lot. Take water breaks whenever you need them. If the heat is new to you, our hot pilates breakdown explains what to expect.
Anna’s Pilates class was absolutely amazing! The variety of exercises kept things fresh, and it really worked my entire body. As a beginner, I love how accessible it is while still giving me a great challenge. Plus, the mat Pilates session was 🔥—I’m already looking forward to the next one!
GraceYou Don’t Need to Be Fit to Start
This is the question we get most, so here’s the straight answer: you don’t need to be in shape to take a HILI class. Every class is instructor-led, every move has a modification, and you set your own pace.
What you need is to show up a few times. The first class is the hardest one you’ll take, because everything is new. By the third, you’ll know the setup, the cues, and which instructor’s playlist you’d follow anywhere.
I had heard amazing things about Hili and knew I wanted to go for my first time trying Pilates. These classes do not disappoint!!! I have tried both reformer and hot pilates classes and can truly see myself seeing a positive change in my body. Classes with Leana are amazing, she brings so much energy to the room and helps every time I feel close to giving up. Her playlist is PERFECT for latina girls who want to enjoy the sweat and class overall. From the environment to the people it truly is a very motivational and positive experience.
Yaisol CruzCommon Questions
What should I wear to my first pilates class?
Wear fitted leggings or shorts, a fitted top in sweat-wicking fabric, and grip socks. Loose clothes get caught on the XFormer and hide your form from the instructor. For Hot Mat, skip cotton entirely.
Do I need grip socks for pilates?
Yes. Grip socks are required in every HILI class, on the XFormer and in the hot room, because they keep your feet from sliding. Every HILI studio sells them at the front desk.
Is pilates hard for beginners?
HILI classes are challenging for everyone, including beginners, but they’re designed so you can start with zero experience. Instructors give modifications on every move, and the Form Foundation class teaches the XFormer from the ground up.
How early should I arrive for my first class?
Arrive about 10 minutes early. That gives your instructor time to check you in, set you up on the machine or the mat, and walk you through the basics.
Grip socks, water, ten extra minutes. That’s the whole list. Book your first class at Lake Nona or Waterford Lakes, and come find out what the shake feels like.
