Is it safe to start Pilates if I already feel unsteady?

It can be, if exercises are adapted and well supported, but check with your doctor or physiotherapist first, especially if you have had a fall or dizziness. Tell your instructor what you have noticed so the session starts with plenty of support.

Is reformer or mat Pilates better for balance?

We did not find trials that directly compare them for balance, so neither can be called better; our guide to reformer versus mat Pilates explains how they differ.

Is Pilates better than tai chi for balance?

We did not find head-to-head trials. The Cochrane review found that tai chi may also reduce falls, and it was most confident about programs that mainly involve balance and functional exercises (Cochrane, Sherrington et al., 2019). The Cochrane summary does not mention Pilates.

Can Pilates help me feel less afraid of falling?

Possibly. The fall risk factor review found that Pilates improved fear of falling compared with control groups (da Silva et al., 2021). Whether it leads to fewer falls has not been established.