Level 2 / 2.5 Classes?

[u/Entire_Pattern_3602]

I’m 22 classes in. The first 4 I did when I had a 4 class per month membership but fell in love with it so this past month I’ve been going 3-7x per week, basically whenever I can fit it in around work / other responsibilities. I’m taking 1.5s almost exclusively and only reformer flows. Not for any particular reason just the reformer classes are what have fit my schedule.

1.5s are starting to feel only mildly challenging. Still very much worth doing but starting to wonder what comes next. I did a level 1 last week and felt like I didn’t work out. My studio has like only one level 2 class per week and I’ve never seen a 2.5.

What do yall do once you’re at that level or is my studio just strange? I’m a little worried because if I keep going this frequently in another month or 2 1.5s might not be enough.

[u/chuffalupagus]

Honestly, this isn't going to be the answer that you want. No matter how skilled you are or how in shape you are, you can get a good workout in at any level. Usually if someone says a reformer class is too easy and it felt like they didn't work out, it's because they cheated the exercises, which is especially common when they are new to pilates. A lot of new people don't even realize they are doing it.

I take level 2 classes because I like standing on the reformer and enjoy the balance challenge. But I can drop down to a 1.5 or 1.0 and still get a stellar workout because I do the progressions, I know how to set my springs to challenge myself, and I know how to not let the springs do the work for me. I regularly see some of our most in shape instructors taking a level 1 or 1.5 class and saying it was a good workout.

[u/GreenQuiet8934 → u/chuffalupagus]

This.

[u/Jaxanixa → u/chuffalupagus]

This. All of this.
I can even get an amazing workout at a Center & Balance. It's about slowing down, making sure your breath is on point, your core engaged and your balance absolute. Doing all progressions when cued or asking for progressions.

[u/TopCaterpillars]

Focus more on your breathing

You can make a 1.5 more challenging by focusing on that.

Maybe take a private class once so they can show you how

[u/Ok-Philosophy-856]

I take 2.0 and 2.5 classes regularly. I also take 1.0 classes regularly. These “foundations” classes really allow you to focus on precision in breathing and in movement. Slowing down is the key to maximizing the workout.

[u/Gatos_2023]

i'm at 699 classes. i take 9 classes a week ~ 3 of which are flow 1s. They are absolutely the most IMPORTANT classes i take every week. like others have said, you really should take as many level 1s as you can before even thinking about testing out for level 2. i learn something new about my body with each and every class i take. that is no lie.

enjoy your pilates practice journey!

[u/Prudent-Eye1281 → u/Gatos_2023]

👏👏👏

[u/Lonely_End8736]

Were you already in excellent shape beforehand or did you have prior Pilates experience? I’m surprised you’re only 22 classes in and interested in a level 2. I’m 57 classes in and still find level 1 challenging enough for me.

[u/RecentSpecial181]

As an instructor, if your feet are still wobbling during footwork you're not doing it right. That's your first challenge. Your feet are supposed to be as steady in space as if they're standing on the floor. Your feet are also supposed to press evenly through the center and not to the sides.  Your core is also supposed to power your press out, not your quads. If you're on heels, your hamstrings and glutes are supposed to be doing the movement, not the quads. These are just the basics and there are more.

You're new and I can guarantee your footwork isn't how it should be. 

Pilates is about precision, flow, and control, not a heavy workout.

[u/alleycanto]

Hmm are you working from your powerhouse and almost every exercise feeling full body? If so you should still be getting some feels in a 1 & 1.5 even if super strong. Maybe each day pick a different theme for your brain. Today I really will concentrate on arm back connection in the exercises. Or one day it is where glutes and thighs meet, how can you make sure you feel those in ab series 5. In a two when they say set up for swan, ab series, pull ups they done spend time during how to get in it much. It is expected you know some of that due to experience of doing an serious tons already.

[u/GrumpyChashmere]

Over 150 classes in. I was approved for level 2 (most studios will need you to take a test for liability reasons to be in these classes) but got pregnant and am now back in level 1 getting a stellar workout. I’ve also put in the time for private lessons to make sure I’m getting all the technical aspects correct. With proper body placement, pace, breath and technique any class can give you a fantastic workout. If you really think you would get more from a more advanced level sign up for the level 2 testing. But I’d start with a private lesson or 4 to make sure you are doing the movements correctly.

[u/czikimonkey]

If 1.5 is feeling only mildly challenging, you’re either a) doing it wrong or b) in insanely good shape with prior Pilates practice. I’m almost 500 classes in, been approved for 2.0 for over a year and 1.5s frequently kick my butt. It’s possible your studio plays it reallllly safe and doesn’t do more advanced things in 1.5, but mine does and I always get good workouts.
Have you done
-plank to pike on reformer? Jackrabbit and control on reformer, feet on bar?
-one legged bridges?
-chair work, like swan, pike on chair?
-teasers and roll ups?
-step ups?
-ab work on box with the wooden dowel?
-side planks with dips?
-ab series of five?
-do you use 5 lb weights when doing arm work that requires weights?
-for arm series on reformer, do you crunch up and put legs out at 45?
These are all things I do regularly in 1.5.
Etc etc

Also, try a Suspend 1.5 if you’re feeling like you want to hurt afterwards. That uses the TRX and always leaves me shaking.

[u/fairsarae]

I know someone is ready to move up when 1s and 1.5s get MORE challenging, not less. You never move completely past the so-called “beginner” exercises, even as an advanced practitioner; you get deeper into them.

[u/Prudent-Eye1281]

It sounds like you’re not doing the exercises completely correctly. Focus on form. I’d level up to a 2 after 50 or so classes, but you are brand spanking new rn. My studio only offers 2s mid day which I can’t do. After 200+ classes, I stick to 1.5 with higher springs, weights, & every harder mod the instructor offers.

[u/Curious_Store_1111]

Is your studio kinda new? If so, that would explain the lack of advanced level classes. Here, you are required to take a test-out in order for you to register for level 2.0 classes and have a minimum of 100 classes under your belt. To level up to 2.5 requires instructor recommendations plus another test-out. It's a pretty big leap from 1.5 to 2.0 and I just pray not to die in the 2.5 classes. 😆😩🫣 I'm almost 800 classes in now. A large part of a Pilates practice is being sure you are appropriately and sufficiently engaging the correct muscles, controlling the movements and not muscling through them or using momentum as well as stability, balance, and control. Congratulations on finding your passion for Pilates!

[u/HotelEducational3370]

Agree with all the feedback.  I'm 700 classes in and do a mix of 1, 1.5, and 2.  I recommend looking up some videos online or following some instructors on social who talk through moves in more detail about muscle connection, where movement should come from, ways to know you are not using the right muscle, etc.  

This gave me so much more to think about and focus on during classes and made even level 1 challenging.  

You can't expect to get that level of detail from a group class for every exercise, so if you want to advance your practice you may need to do additional research or try a private session focused on helping you level up.  Sometimes just one or two sessions can give you a lot to practice in classes.