PILATES REFORMER & MAT PILATES

Pilates Reformer and Mat Pilates provides participants with strength, flexibility, coordination and endurance. Classes are available for beginner to advanced students.

MAT PILATES

The Y is rolling out the mat for our members. Mat Pilates offers the same benefits and techniques as a Pilates Reformer class but without the equipment. Tone your muscles, increase flexibility, improve mindfulness and control and nurture your connection between your mind and body. Pilates offers a rich and thorough core workout that will leave you strong and well postured. Bonus: Mat Pilates can also help you improve your Reformer work.

Pilates - Mat

Mat Pilates is a core conditioning program that improves muscle control, flexibility, coordination, strength and tone while performing body weight exercises on a mat. With a focus on proper breathing, good posture and body awareness, a Pilates practice coaxes the body back into its natural alignment.

Pilates Mat Fusion

This class strengthens the core and balances the body through a blend of breath, traditional Mat Pilates movements and a combination of contemporary core-strengthening exercises.

PILATES REFORMER

Pilates Reformer Level 1

If you’ve never done reformer work, this is the place to begin or take the introductory Pilates Fundamentals class. Attend Level 1 before attempting other levels. Challenge both your brain and the way you organize the body to move. Reservation is required.

Level 1 Practitioners:

  • Understand the Reformer spring values and how they are used in exercises
  • Are comfortable with spinal articulation
  • Are becoming more familiar with the names of the exercises
  • Can control the equipment, including the closing of the carriage
  • Use breathwork appropriate for the movement
  • Are honing their skills in moving the body with precision
  • Are beginning to create flow in their transitions in between exercises

Exercises may include, but are not limited to, full expressions or variations on: Pulling Straps, Long Stretch Series, Short Box Series, Knee Stretch, Stomach Massage, Short Spine.

SCHEDULES

Pilates Reformer Level 2

These classes continue to guide you on your journey in Pilates. The pace will be quicker, and there will be less cueing than found in  Level 1 exercises. New choreographies and exercises will be incorporated to provide a vigorous workout. Range of motion and stamina will increase as the instructors find more and more ways to challenge you. Reservation is required.

Level 2 Practitioners:

  • Show proficiency in Level 1 exercises
  • Know the Reformer springs for each exercise
  • Can confidently mobilize or stabilize
  • Can safely modify exercises
  • Can perform exercises that require kneeling or standing on the Reformer
  • Are learning more complex sequencing and organization of the body
  • Are competent at enhancing movement with breath

Exercises may include, but are not limited to, full expressions or variations on: Rowing, Teaser, Coordination, Chest Expansion, Back Stroke, Swan, Breast Stroke, Semi Circle, Climb a Tree.

SCHEDULES

Pilates Reformer Level 3

These classes celebrate the rhythms of higher level Reformer sequences. Admittance into Level 3 classes will be at the instructor’s discretion. If you are new to Level 3, schedule a brief interview or assessment with the instructor before signing up for class. With permission from the instructor, you may also observe a class to see if it’s the right level for you. Reservation is required.

Level 3 Practitioners:

  • Show proficiency in Level 2 exercises
  • Show proficiency in spinal articulation
  • Show proficiency in breathwork
  • Can easily incorporate cues or adjustments given in class 
  • Can easily flow through sequences

Exercises may include, but are not limited to, full expressions or variations on: Jacknife, Long Back Stretch, Thigh Stretch, Corkscrew, Snake, Twist, Tendon Stretch, Star, Splits, Control Front/Back.

SCHEDULES

 

An Important Note About Pilates Reformer Classes: Pilates Reformer classes have a 6-8 person capacity (depending on location) to allow for personal attention and correction from qualified, experienced instructors. As with any physical activity, please consult your health care provider to ensure that Pilates is right for you. Group exercise classes are appropriate for healthy persons without injury. People with injuries should not participate in group classes without permission from their healthcare provider and instructor. People with injuries who wish to explore the rehabilitative qualities of Pilates should begin with private sessions. Participants in classes with injury issues (who are cleared by their healthcare provider) should approach the instructor before class to inform them of their needs or to ask for modifications.

Ultimately, each participant is responsible for their own health and safety within the class.
Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to allow for set-up time. For safety reasons, participants are not allowed in the Pilates Studio without an instructor present. If you are more than 5 minutes late you will not be able to join the class.