CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
EQUIPMENT-BASED CLASSES (IN THE BODYLAB STUDIO)
The Reformer is the backbone of our equipment-based classes. If you’ve never used a Reformer, please sign up for an introductory class prior to enrolling in one of our equipment-based classes.
Intro Our 45-min introductory sessions are the perfect way to become acquainted with the Reformer, our most important piece of equipment in mall group classes. In addition to learning safe equipment set up, your session will cover the biomechanical principles of Pilates and Level 1, or essential exercises upon which your Pilates foundation will grow. Our Intro sessions are perfect for Pilates newbies or those who are returning to the method. Your Intro class is included with your first package purchase, or you can purchase the class individually. Align This workout is for Pilates lovers (we all are!) who enjoy the traditional Reformer repertoire. Get ready to move your body in all planes of motion utilizing the Reformer, long and short box, straps and platform extender with the occasional small prop, like the fave fitness circle, aka “ring of fire." For newbies or individuals with physical concerns, Level 1 is the workout for you! If you’re more experienced in the Pilates method, Level 2 is calling your name! Sweat For those among us who can’t decide between athletic conditioning, cardio and Pilates, you don’t have to! Prepare for a unique workout that will challenge your muscles, increase your heart rate and make you drop the occasional curse word. You’ll be asked (ok, ordered!) to jump, hold, shake, smile, pulse and curl using any or all equipment in the studio (instructor's choice!). While the work will be high-intensity, most movements won’t be high-impact, or can be easily substituted for low-impact moves. Sculpt Up-beat music will motivate you as you blend barre and Reformer to create the perfect sculpt workout. A little less talk and a lot more hold, pulse and lengthen results in a fun, balanced way to chisel your arms, core, back and seat with the occasional cardio burst. Embrace the burn! Power Are you ready for a next-level workout with “push you to your limits” encouragement? Take all that you know from your Align workout, sprinkle in some targeting flow sequences, mix it with creativity and intensity, and you have one powerful class! We won’t always limit ourselves to the reformer, occasionally taking time to find your power on the spring wall and stability chair. Each class will provide the spine mobilizing, strengthening, lengthening workout that is the essence of Pilates. Fuse In Fuse*, you’ll complete a total body Pilates session using a different fusion of our Stability Chairs, Arc Barrels, Reformers, Cardio Tramps and Spring Walls. You’ll feel like 50 minutes is 15 as you try new-to-you versions of Footwork, The Hundred, Teaser, Mermaid, and so many more! *Participants must be proficient in Align 1 (Reformer) or higher. No experience on other Pilates equipment is necessary. LARGE GROUP CLASSES (IN NOLTE ACADEMY LARGE STUDIOS)Flow
Pilates mat work forms the foundation of the Pilates method. A mat class includes a series of exercises performed on a soft mat on the floor. If it’s only bodyweight, that means it’s easy, right? WRONG! It is every bit as challenging as the Pilates work on the equipment; some may say even more so. Mat work is a great place to hone the fundamental techniques of Pilates while incorporating Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision, flow and breath. During Flow, your instructor will guide you through dynamic exercise sequences designed to build strength, stability and flexibility. Occasionally, we will ramp up the fun by adding props such as small balls, foam rollers and the fitness circle. Pulse In The Bodylab’s modern barre fitness class you’ll pulse, shake, burn and hold your way to a better physique! Just because it’s low impact doesn’t mean it’s low intensity! Our Pulse class will depend mainly on bodyweight and you creating intensity through controlled, deliberate movement, but you will work your upper body with light dumbbells. Occasionally, the instructor will incorporate gliders, small balls, mini bands and long bands to change the challenge. Define The Bodylab’s Define is a modern spin on traditional mat Pilates. You’ll add small props like hand weights, bands, balls and gliders to moves that are designed to inspire and perspire. We'll still incorporate our beloved Pilates principles of centering, concentration, control, precision and breath! Elevate This is a fun, high intensity interval cardio class mixed with the most effective sculpt moves from our Pulse class! Our beat-driven and HIIT (high intensity interval training) inspired movement creates seamless transitions so you get the most out of your workout. Expect to break a sweat as you move, groove, shake and sculpt through both standing and mat-based exercises. |
LEVELS
In a group Pilates setting, it’s important to keep clients working at a consistent level. This ensures safety, sets clear expectations, keeps the class moving at the appropriate pace, and helps clients continually advance their Pilates practice. Clients with extensive experience are welcome to sign up for any level class, but the class will be taught for the level as marked. Classes labeled “Mixed Levels” are open to all levels. Reformer newbies should always take an introductory session before joining a class. If you have questions, please email Jen. Intro classes are not required for large group classes. Level 1 - For newcomers or those who wish to work at a moderate pace. We will build a strong Pilates foundation with a focus on intertwining breath with movement and form, and explore in detail the ability to stabilize and mobilize our body. This class is ideal for all fitness levels. Level 2- We continue to build on the fundamentals of Pilates. We understand how to stabilize, mobilize and how to breathe to facilitate movement, so the exercises begin to flow at a steady pace. Adding more coordinated and dynamic movements creates a greater challenge for your workout. This class is recommend for healthy individuals who have been practicing Pilates for 3-6 months and (for equipment-based classes) have taken a minimum of 10 Reformer classes. Level 3- We continue to master the moves with quicker transitions and more advanced use of the equipment. We focus on strength, in addition to balance and coordination, and less transition time to challenge our focus. A minimum of one year of Pilates is suggested but varies per individual. A minimum of 20 Reformer sessions (for equipment-based classes) is recommended. Level 4 - In our most advanced class, we flow through this workout with control and efficiency, activating muscles on cue with minimal compensations. We adjust quickly to variations and additions given by the instructor, and find nuanced adjustments in exercises. The mind-body connection needed for this class has been developed through extensive practice. Due to the pace and challenge of this workout, Level 4 classes are designed for healthy individuals with no injuries and two or more years of Pilates equipment experience. |