How to Know Which Pilates Class Level Is Right For You

At Encore, every class we run — reformer, mat or Wall Tower — sits on a level. Not to rank people against each other, but because the body needs a foundation before it’s asked to do more with it. Understanding where you sit on that ladder is the difference between a practice that builds you up steadily and one that leaves you guessing every time you walk into the studio.

Align classes are where that foundation gets built: breath, control, alignment, and the confidence to manage your own equipment. We recommend two to three months of consistent attendance here before progressing — not because of a fixed timeline, but because that’s usually how long it takes to genuinely know your body on the apparatus.

Here is how the full system works, apparatus by apparatus.

Reformer Classes

Reformer Align — Beginner, Foundation This is the entry point for anyone new to Encore, new to reformer Pilates, returning after a break, pregnant, or working with modification needs. The focus is on how your body works with the reformer — breath, control, alignment, correct joint placement. The pace is deliberate and nothing is asked of you before your body is ready for it. Safe for pregnancy.

We suggest staying here for around 10 – 20 sessions, or at least coming back to this class to build on your foundations . The real marker isn’t the calendar — it’s whether you know your body on the reformer, can adjust your own spring settings, and can modify exercises without needing to be told how.

Reformer Release — All levels Slow, deliberate, and built around releasing tight muscles and improving flexibility. This one sits alongside any other class on your weekly schedule rather than replacing it. If you’re sore, tight, or simply need a gentler day, this is where you come.

Reformer Flow — Intermediate For clients with a solid reformer foundation who know their body and can self-modify with confidence. The tempo lifts, coordination and balance are challenged more, and you’ll spend more time on your knees, in plank, and standing on the carriage. Not a first class, and not suitable during pregnancy or with knee or shoulder concerns.

Reformer Jump — Intermediate to Advanced Adds the jump board for a cardiovascular element. Higher energy, higher tempo — Pilates with a pulse. You need to already be comfortable on the reformer before you start.

Reformer Strength — All levels, strength focus Simple movements on purpose, so the load can go up. Added hand weights and heavier spring settings, higher reps, real strength built through consistent, loaded movement. This one is genuinely good for everybody, regardless of how long you’ve been coming.

Mat Classes

Mat Align — Beginner, Foundation The mat equivalent of Reformer Align. Foundations without apparatus — breath, control, alignment and body awareness. Deliberate pace, modifications always available, safe for pregnancy.

Mat Flow — Intermediate Faster tempo, full-body, compound movement. More dynamic, more demand on coordination and endurance as well as strength. Comfortable in Mat Align first.

Mat Roll & Release — All levels A fascia-hydrating class built around releasing tension and relaxing the nervous system, using massage tools, bands and the foam roller. No Pilates experience required — just the ability to get down to the ground and back up comfortably. It’s not high intensity. It’s deliberate and slow, and clients often tell us it’s the class that makes every other class feel better.

Tower Classes

Tower Balance — Beginner, Foundation The entry point for all tower work. Simple, foundational movements that build the balance and coordination underneath everything else we do standing upright. Steady pace, accessible movements, no prior tower experience needed. This is the class that sets you up for Tower Flow.

Tower Connect — All levels Standing, weight-bearing work with hand and ankle weights — squats, lunges, and loaded movement that challenges the skeleton the way it needs to be challenged to build and maintain bone density. Particularly valuable for clients over 40, post-menopausal women, and anyone managing osteopenia or osteoporosis concerns. This is one of the most important classes we offer for long-term health.

Tower Flow — Intermediate Equivalent to Reformer Flow level. A significant portion of this class is done standing and upright, working against the springs in ways that challenge balance and coordination in three dimensions. Outstanding for posture, longevity and functional strength — but not a beginner class. Comfortable in Reformer Flow first.

Finding Your Own Mix

Most of our clients don’t sit in one class type. A typical week might mean an Align or Flow class for the main work, and a Release or Roll & Release session for recovery. Over time, that combination is what builds a body that’s strong, mobile and genuinely resilient — not just on the reformer, but in daily life.

If you’re not sure where you sit, that’s completely normal. Come to a mixture of classes, be honest with yourself about how the intermediate ones feel, and know your instructor is watching for the same markers we are — not the calendar, but whether your body is ready.

To see the full timetable and book your next class, open the Encore app.

And if you’re new to us start with our 21 Day Pilates Starter Pass and get the support you deserve.