More explanation. More time to learn. A slower pace.

Level 1 is a great starting point for anyone new to Pilates—or to exercise and movement in general. These classes introduce Pilates fundamentals, common alignment cues, equipment setup, and the movement skills you'll use throughout our other classes.

The exercises can still be challenging. The difference is that your teacher will spend more time teaching the how and why behind what you're doing.

Consider Level 1 if you:

• Are new to Pilates or haven't exercised regularly in a while.
• Prefer a slower pace with more explanation and guidance from your teacher.
• Are still learning common Pilates positions, terminology, and equipment setups.
• Are learning how to stabilize one part of your body while moving another.
• Want more time to understand where you should feel an exercise and how to adjust it.
• Have physical limitations that require more time and attention when making modifications.

Already experienced? You're still welcome in Level 1. Going to a lower-level class doesn't mean taking an easier class. It may simply give you more time to work on precision, fundamentals, or a particular movement—and sometimes it's simply the class time that works best for your schedule.

More flow. Less setup. More movement complexity.

Level 2 assumes you have a basic understanding of Pilates fundamentals and can follow familiar cues without needing each one explained in detail.

Your teacher will still teach, cue, and offer guidance, but the class generally moves at a steadier pace. You'll encounter more variations and more complex movement patterns, and you'll take on more responsibility for recognizing when something needs to be adjusted for your body.

Consider Level 2 if you:

• Understand common cues such as neutral, tuck, flex, extend, rotate, and stabilize.
• Can adjust your position when your teacher gives a verbal cue.
• Can maintain control of your trunk and pelvis while moving your arms or legs.
• Are beginning to coordinate breath with movement.
• Can follow changes and variations without needing to stop for a full explanation each time.
• Are becoming comfortable recognizing when you need to modify an exercise or ask for help.

New to Pilates but otherwise experienced with movement?

Level 1 is usually the best place to begin because it gives you a chance to learn our equipment, terminology, and teaching style. But you may not need to stay there long.

If you're healthy, physically active, body-aware, comfortable learning new movement patterns, and not intimidated by occasionally having to figure something out as the class keeps moving, Level 2 may be appropriate fairly quickly.

More independence. More complexity. More continuous movement.

Level 3 classes assume that the fundamentals are already familiar. Your teacher doesn't need to spend as much time explaining basic setups or familiar exercises, which allows the class to move more continuously and tackle more complex combinations, transitions, balance challenges, and endurance work.

An important part of Level 3 isn't simply being able to perform harder exercises. It's knowing your own body well enough to make good decisions when an exercise isn't appropriate for you.

Consider Level 3 if you:

• Are very familiar with the exercises and equipment used in Level 1 and Level 2 classes.
• Can follow familiar setups with relatively little explanation.
• Have the stamina and movement control to work at a quicker, more continuous pace.
• Can maintain and adjust your spinal and pelvic position in a variety of positions.
• Are comfortable with more complicated transitions, balance challenges, and changing positions on the equipment.
• Can recognize when an exercise isn't appropriate for you and confidently choose a modification or alternative.
• Need less individual guidance from your teacher to move safely and effectively.