Choosing the right class is one of the most common questions I get asked, and it is an important one.

The right Pilates class isn't about how fit, strong or flexible you are, but rather where you are in your Pilates practice. Pilates is a progressive movement system, and taking the time to build strong foundations creates better movement, greater control and more confidence as you progress.

At PwA, there are three Small Group options on the Reformer: Foundations, Reset & Refine and Progressions.

Some clients progress quite quickly, while others benefit from spending longer refining their technique. There is no need to rush to the 'harder' class. The aim is to choose the session where you can move confidently, understand the instruction and get the most from your practice.

Foundations

This is the place to start if you are completely new to Pilates or the Reformer.

This class moves at a more considered pace, allowing time to learn the fundamental movement patterns, breathing, alignment and principles of control, while becoming confident using the Reformer.

Foundations is right for you if:

✓ You are completely new to Pilates or the Reformer.

✓ You have had a significant break from Pilates and no longer feel confident with the fundamental exercises, terminology or use of the Reformer.

✓ You are still learning how to connect your breathing, core and alignment during movement.

✓ You need regular demonstrations, reminders or additional cues.

✓ You want to develop your technique and confidence before progressing.

Most people completely new to Pilates will benefit from approximately 5-8 Foundations classes before moving on, although everybody progresses differently. The number of classes you have completed is only a guide. Your confidence, control and understanding of the exercises are much more important.

If you regularly find yourself watching others to work out what comes next, forgetting instructions or feeling flustered by transitions, you will get much more from spending a little longer in Foundations.

Reset & Refine

This class sits between Foundations and Progressions and gives you the opportunity to build on your skills at a slightly more measured pace.

There is less time spent introducing the fundamentals than in Foundations, but more time than in Progressions to settle into exercises and focus on control, breathing and alignment.

You'll still get a good full-body Pilates workout, with strength, stability and deep core work, alongside a little more focus on mobility, spinal movement and reconnecting with your body.

Reset & Refine is right for you if:

✓ You have developed confidence in Foundations but don't quite feel ready for Progressions.

✓ You want to continue building your skills while having a little more time to refine your technique.

✓ You normally attend Progressions but feel tired, have had a busy week or simply want a slightly slower session that day without giving up a good workout.

✓ You would like a little more emphasis on mobility while still working on strength, stability and control.

✓ You are returning to Pilates after a break, still feel familiar with the fundamentals and want to reconnect with your practice at a more measured pace.

Reset & Refine can also be a great starting point if you have recent previous Reformer Pilates experience. If you have previously completed around 5–8 or more Reformer classes and still understand the basic Pilates terminology, fundamental exercises and use of the Reformer, booking at least one Reset & Refine class can be a good way to settle back into your practice before returning to a more continuous Progressions class.

If you have had a longer break and might need a refresh with the basic terminology, fundamental exercises, Reformer set-up or how to move safely and independently around the equipment, please book at least one Foundations class first. Previous experience alone does not necessarily mean Reset & Refine will be the right starting point if those foundations are no longer familiar.

Progressions

This class is for clients who already have a good understanding of the Pilates fundamentals and are ready for greater challenge, coordination and more continuous movement.

The class still includes detailed teaching and individual guidance, but there is less time spent repeatedly correcting or cueing, fundamental movements or Reformer set-up. This allows us to work with smoother transitions, increased challenge and greater full-body integration.

Progressions is right for you if:

✓ You understand the fundamental Pilates cues and terminology.

✓ You are confident setting yourself up and changing positions on the Reformer from instructions.

✓ You can usually move from one exercise to the next without frequent demonstrations or reminders.

✓ You can maintain good control of the carriage throughout most exercises.

✓ You are comfortable following cues while keeping the class moving.

✓ You are ready for greater coordination, challenge and progression.

If you usually finish class feeling challenged but not overwhelmed and can follow most instructions without needing additional explanation, Progressions is the right class for you.

Already attend Progressions but don't feel like working at that pace this week? You are always welcome to book Reset & Refine instead, which is certainly not about moving backwards but simply gives you a different type of session when you want more time to focus on mobility, control and refinement.

Still not sure? Work through the below questions:

What if I've done Reformer Pilates somewhere else?

If you already have Reformer Pilates experience, you don't necessarily need to start from scratch. Where you start will depend not only on how many classes you have previously attended, but how recently you have practiced and how confident you currently feel.

If you have completed around 5–8 or more Reformer Pilates classes recently and are still actively practicing, understand the fundamental Pilates terminology and cues, and feel confident using the equipment and moving between exercises, Progressions will usually be the best place to start.

If you have completed around 5–8 or more classes previously but have since taken a break, while still retaining a good understanding of the fundamental exercises, terminology and Reformer set-up, Reset & Refine is a great way to settle back into your practice. Booking at least one class gives you an opportunity to reconnect with your movement and regain confidence at a slightly more measured pace before moving into Progressions.

If you have previous experience but have had a longer break and no longer feel confident with the basic Pilates terminology, fundamental exercises or use of the Reformer, please book at least one Foundations class first. This gives you the opportunity to refresh those foundations before moving into Reset & Refine or Progressions.

Previous experience can vary considerably between studios, so if you're unsure, please contact me before booking and I can recommend the best starting point.

If you are completely new to both Pilates and the Reformer, please begin with Foundations.

Injuries, surgery or physical limitations

If you have an injury, have previously had surgery or a joint replacement, experience ongoing pain, or have any physical limitation that may prevent you from performing certain exercises, please contact me before booking your first class.

The most appropriate option will depend on your individual history, current movement ability and fitness level, as well as any advice you have received from your physiotherapist, surgeon or other healthcare professional.

In some circumstances, at least one Private 1:1 may be more appropriate option before joining a Small Group class.

Still not sure?

Completely new? Start with Foundations.

Know the fundamentals but want more time to refine them? Choose Reset & Refine.

Confident, independent and ready for more continuous movement? Choose Progressions.

And if you're somewhere in between, contact me and I'll happily help you choose!

A consistent Pilates practice can change the way you move both inside and outside the Studio. Take the time to build your foundations well, refine them as you progress, and the challenge will follow.