How to advance your Pilates practice to the next level.

How to Advance Your Pilates Practice

There’s no set number of classes or timeline for advancing your Pilates practice—everyone starts from a different place in terms of health, fitness, and overall wellbeing.

The best sign it’s time to advance? When you feel ready for an added challenge.

Four Ways to Deepen Your Practice

1. Tune Into How You Feel

Pilates isn’t about chasing a look in the mirror. It’s about balanced muscle development that improves posture, comfort, and movement. Notice how you feel when doing the activities you love—do you feel stronger, more agile, or more balanced? That’s progress.

2. Assess Your Form

Pilates is a mind-body practice built on precision. Good form changes how an exercise feels and how it impacts your body. Take time to master the details, and let quality of movement guide your advancement.

3. Focus on Your Breath

Pilates breathing increases intensity, engages your core, and improves oxygen flow. Mastering it not only strengthens your practice but also sharpens your mental focus and lung capacity.

4. Progress the Exercises

As your strength and flexibility grow, work toward the full expression of each exercise. Start with fewer, precise repetitions and gradually increase as your body adapts.

Three Ways to Advance Your Practice

1. Group Classes

Most Pilates group classes are mixed level. Regulars often benefit as teachers gradually build in more challenges. Share feedback with your instructor—it helps them meet your needs. If you’re new to a class, introduce yourself and share your fitness background so they can offer the right modifications or progressions.

2. Private Lessons

Private sessions are one of the most effective ways to advance. With personalized feedback, you’ll refine your form, apply Pilates principles more deeply, and target your specific goals.

3. On Demand Classes

On demand classes let you explore more challenging workouts at your own pace. Remember—never push through pain. A few exercises done well will benefit you far more than many done poorly.

Updated: August 22, 2025