How Pilates training works and what to expect in an intermediate-level Pilates class.
You’ve been taking Pilates for a little while, maybe you’ve started to feel a little stale in your practice. So you’re ready for a new challenge. We designed our classes to have Levels; 1, 2, 3, and 4, and each Level progresses from assessing and developing your baseline to creating real change through challenging movement. At Pure Movement, intermediate-level Pilates classes are all about expanding your range of movement through well-aligned, coordinated, and balanced exercises.
Level 3 Intermediate Classes
Our Level 3 classes are really smack in the middle of beginner and advanced.
Well duh, that’s what intermediate means! We know, we know.
But what we mean by that is Level 3 classes can be a real turning point for students in their Pilates journey! To clarify, intermediate classes go from learning how to move to enhancing your physical performance!
If you walk into an Intermediate Pilates class, your instructor assumes you have taken Pilates for sometime, ideally a year, are well versed in the method and exercise names, and have built good body awareness. Every instructor addresses this uniquely, and taking classes from different instructors will help challenge your physical performance further.
Everyone’s body moves differently, your instructor is there to help each person maximize their workout.
Dawn, student for over 10 years
What Makes Intermediate Classes Harder?
Choreography and cueing.
Intermediate-level Pilates classes involve a lot more detail, taking your previously, once simple beginner exercise and transitioning right into another, keeping you engaged and working. Think of the following before signing up for a Level 3 class:
How is your breathing?
Breathing is the first Pilates principle and probably the hardest aspect of mindful movement to master. For sure, your instructor will start exploring breath from the very beginning, but using it to challenge an exercise doesn’t come until later.
Are flexion and extension ok for you?
Pilates is intended to be a full-body workout, so we’re not talking just bending (flexing) your knee. Our intermediate-level Pilates classes address all the key muscle groups and movements, they incorporate joint, abdominal, and spinal flexion/extension, spinal rotation, and lateral spinal flexion.
If you don’t know what flexion or extension means – that’s another telltale that maybe you’re not ready for Level 3 classes.
How easy do you get around?
Keep it moving! Don’t slow down! Stay present! That is to say, level 3 classes are all about how you move between exercises, switch to another apparatus, and add or subtract props in new ways that can be a lot of fun and challenging.
Are you body aware?
For example, you’re instructor cues you to flex your left adductor. Do you know how to? Our intermediate Pilates classes will move you through “I can’t do and don’t know how to do this exercise” to “I can do it if I think about it” very quickly!
I LOVE that I can immerse myself in the class for an hour and I can be the “putty” in the hands of the wonderful instructors at the Studio.
Cindy, student for over 10 years
Who is Intermediate Pilates For:
Level 3 classes at Pure Movement are for the experienced mover! The intermediate level builds upon your pre-existing body awareness and Reformer knowledge, then adds new apparatus – like the Chair, Tower, or Bodhi Ropes, or plays with and changes the set-up of your beginner exercise. Level 3 progresses you towards advanced work. Thus is really important students have good body control, precision of movement, breathing, and whole-body strength and endurance.
Intermediate Pilates at Pure Movement
At Pure Movement, Level 3 Intermediate Pilates classes move beyond exploring and assessing, they’re all about performing! Get excited to learn about new Pilates apparatus and practice a lot of new exercises. Without a doubt, challenge your Pilates journey by introducing an Intermediate, Level 3 Pilates class, but know that Pilates isn’t about going harder, better, faster, or stronger. It’s about being mindful of how we exercise to move with more energy and efficiency through life!
Disclaimer
THE INFORMATION EXPRESSED ON THIS SITE IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DRAW ON OUR EXPERTISE AS PILATES AND MOVEMENT SPECIALISTS BY EXPANDING OUR PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCES. WE AIM TO PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION CONCERNING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PILATES, FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT, AND FITNESS. YOU TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL DECISIONS NOW OR IN THE FUTURE CONCERNING YOUR HEALTH, LIFE, AND WELL-BEING. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE EITHER TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE, OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE OR AILMENTS. YOU SHOULD CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE BEGINNING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM.
