Class Descriptions

Understanding Our Class Levels

At Anthropé Pilates, our class levels are not based on athletic ability, flexibility, strength, or how intense a workout feels. Our level system exists to ensure that every client can move safely and confidently through increasingly complex exercises on the reformer.

​

The reformer is an incredible piece of equipment, but it also requires awareness, control, and experience. As movements become more complex, safety depends not only on knowing what to do, but on having enough familiarity and muscle memory to respond instinctively if something unexpected happens.

​

Advancing levels is about developing:

• Confidence and control on the equipment

• Familiarity with Anthropé’s teaching style and movement vocabulary

• Understanding of proper form and alignment

• The ability to safely execute more complex exercises

• Experience with the pace and structure of our classes

 

A client who has been practicing Pilates at another studio may still need time to become familiar with the way we teach at Anthropé. Every studio has its own vocabulary, sequencing, and approach to movement.

Class levels also allow our classes to flow more efficiently. Our experienced clients are able to move quickly through exercises because they understand our terminology, transitions, and expectations. This allows us to spend more time refining movement rather than stopping to explain foundational concepts.

 

A lower level class does not mean an easier workout. Pilates is about precision, control, and connection. Even our most experienced clients can take a beginner level class and find challenge by focusing on deeper awareness, better alignment, and improved execution.

 

Progression through levels is based on instructor approval and familiarity with the studio. This is not a judgment of your abilities; it is a commitment to creating the safest and most effective experience for every client.

 

If you have previous Pilates experience and feel you may be ready to skip Foundations, please contact the studio directly. We are happy to discuss your experience and determine the best starting point. Private lessons are also available for clients who would prefer a more personalized introduction to Anthropé.

 

Foundations

Foundations is the required introductory class for new Anthropé clients.

 

This class introduces you to our reformer equipment, studio terminology, movement principles, and the teaching style that makes Anthropé unique. You will learn the essential skills needed to safely and confidently participate in our regular classes.

 

Foundations focuses on:

• Understanding our reformers and how they move

• Learning proper alignment, form, and breath

• Building body awareness

• Understanding Anthropé specific terminology and vocabulary

• Establishing safe movement patterns

 

Foundations is about introducing the knowledge needed to progress safely and efficiently through our classes.

 

 

Beginner Level

Beginner classes are designed for clients who have completed Foundations and are continuing to build confidence and familiarity with the reformer and Anthropé

 

These classes focus on:

• Refining foundational movement patterns

• Building strength and control

• Learning Anthropé’s exercise vocabulary

• Developing consistency and confidence on the equipment

 

Beginner classes are an important part of building the muscle memory and awareness needed for more complex movements and for helping your instructor gain familiarity with how your individual body moves

 

 

Intermediate Level

Intermediate classes are designed for clients who have developed a strong understanding of Anthropé’s movement principles, terminology, and equipment.

These classes introduce more complex sequences, transitions, and exercises while continuing to emphasize control, precision, and proper form.

​

Intermediate clients should feel comfortable:

• Moving through classes with less explanation

• Understanding studio terminology

• Maintaining proper alignment during more challenging exercises

• Applying corrections and feedback independently

 

​

Advanced Level

Advanced classes are designed for clients who have demonstrated significant familiarity with Anthropé’s instructors, methodology, equipment, vocabulary, and movement expectations.

 

These classes include more complex exercises, transitions, and sequencing that require:

• Strong body awareness

• Consistent control

• Confidence on the reformer

• The ability to quickly respond to instructor cues

 

Advanced does not simply mean “harder.” It means that a client has developed the experience and awareness needed to safely perform more advanced movement patterns. This process takes time and requires developing a close enough relationship with our instructors that classes can be planned in advance based on known client limitations. This allows our instructors to maintain safety standards during our more advanced exercises.

 

​

Mixed Level

Mixed Level classes are designed for clients with varying levels of experience who have completed Foundations and understand the Anthropé system.

 

In these classes, instructors provide appropriate progressions and modifications while maintaining the flow of the class.

 

Mixed Level is a great option if a more experienced client wants to take a class with their beginner friend. This class is the perfect way for mixed level clients to remain safe while being adequately challenged.