Choosing a Club Pilates class starts with a simple question: what do you want to achieve? Whether your focus is strength, cardio, recovery, or balance, there is a format built to match your goal.
Find Your Class by Goal
If your goal is total-body strength and variety, take Reformer Flow. This signature class focuses on the Reformer and incorporates two other pieces of apparatus, such as the Springboard, Chair, or Mat, so every session challenges your body differently.
If your goal is a cardio-focused, calorie-burning workout, take Cardio Sculpt. This high-energy, low-impact class uses the Jumpboard for plyometric movements against spring tension, delivering an aerobic workout that stays gentle on your joints. (Recommended for those familiar with basic Pilates.)
If your goal is stretching and recovery, take Center + Balance. This apparatus-assisted stretching class combines light movement with deep stretching to re-center the body and reduce soreness.
If your goal is standing strength and stability, take Control. Inspired by Joseph Pilates' work with dancers, this class uses the Springboard, Reformer, Barre, gliding discs, Pilates ball, and free weights to target the legs and glutes through functional movement.
If your goal is muscle recovery, take Restore. This class combines Reformer movements with TriggerPoint™ therapy self-myofascial release to repair muscles and joints and reduce soreness. (Not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or those with osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, or varicose veins.)
If your goal is athletic cross-training, take Suspend. This class pairs Reformer Pilates with TRX® suspension training to build core stability, coordination, and strength through functional movement.
If your goal is a fast-paced, athletic session, take Circuit. Delivered in three progressive rounds, this class combines strength, mobility, and cardio across multiple Pilates apparatus.
How the Classes Compare
Reformer Flow moves at a moderate, flowing pace, while Circuit takes that same variety and delivers it at a faster, more athletic tempo across three progressive rounds.
Cardio Sculpt raises your heart rate more than Reformer Flow, since it relies on plyometric movements against spring tension rather than gravity for its aerobic effect.
Center + Balance slows the pace down compared to Control, prioritizing stretching and recovery over standing strength work.
Control keeps you on your feet for functional, standing movement, offering a more dynamic, athletic focus than the seated and reclined work found in Reformer Flow.
Restore takes recovery further than Center + Balance by adding TriggerPoint™ myofascial releases taught from head to toe. (Not recommended for individuals who are pregnant or those with osteoporosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, or varicose veins.)
Suspend introduces TRX® suspension training to the Reformer, creating a more stability-focused, athletic challenge than Reformer Flow.
Circuit sets the fastest pace of the seven, layering strength, mobility, and cardio for those who want more intensity than a standard Reformer Flow class.
Can You Take More Than One Class Type?
Yes, mixing formats throughout the week is common at Club Pilates. Many members build a schedule that balances strength, cardio, and recovery, such as Reformer Flow on Monday, Cardio Sculpt on Wednesday, and Center + Balance on Friday. Combining classes lets you work toward multiple goals while keeping your routine varied.
Ready to find your fit? Book a free intro class at your local Club Pilates studio today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which class is best for beginners?
Reformer Flow is a great starting point. It introduces the Reformer and a variety of other apparatus, such as the Springboard, Chair, and Mat in one flowing format, building a foundation for other Club Pilates classes.
What is the difference between Reformer Flow and Cardio Sculpt?
Reformer Flow focuses on strengthening and lengthening the body through a flowing sequence across multiple apparatus. Cardio Sculpt uses the Jumpboard for plyometric movements that raise your heart rate for a more cardio-focused session.
Which class burns the most calories?
Cardio Sculpt and Circuit are both designed to elevate your heart rate, making them the most cardio-intensive options among Club Pilates class formats.
