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In Singapore: Pilates Reformer Classes!
Pilates Reformer is one of the pieces of equipment that makes the Pilates method very unique. It is a piece of bed-like equipment that has a moving carriage with springs and straps attached to it. You can do hundreds of exercises on it to work your whole body. Very effective stretches to open up your hips, unique core exercises, upper and lower body strengthening exercises are amongst the routine that you can do on the Pilates Reformer.
PilatesPlus offers Pilates Reformer group classes at our CBD branch at International Plaza building located at 10 Anson Road, unit no. 13 on the 17th floor. It is directly above Tanjong Pagar MRT. We offer 4 different types of Reformer classes, Reformer Fundamentals, Allegro, Reformer Strength, and Pilates Equipment group class.
In a group class, everyone will be doing the same exercises together guided by an experienced Pilates teacher. The class is around 45 to 55 minutes long. You can read my post about the things you can do on the Pilates Reformer if you want to know more about it.
Reformer Fundamentals
Level: Beginner level and for advanced practitioners who want to revise the basics.
This class is highly recommended if it is your first time using the Pilates Reformer. You don’t need to attend the Pilates mat classes in order to participate in this class.
Class description
You will have a brief introduction to the Pilates Reformer to learn how to adjust the springs’ tension and the basic setup of the machine.
The class will start with a warm-up on the mat to work on important spine stretches, correcting alignment, and body awareness drills that will be relevant to the exercises you will be doing on the Reformer.
The routine for this class will work on your whole body which includes core exercises, upper body, and lower body strengthening movements, alignment drills, and lower body stretches.
Though it is designed for beginners, experienced Pilates practitioners can attend this class to review the basics every now and then. The pace of the class is slow which will enable you to focus on the details of the movement which can make it harder especially if you have already learned to engage the smaller muscles used in the exercise.
Pilates equipment used
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates Reformer
- Sitting Box
Reformer Allegro
Level: Multi-level class
You can attend this class even if it is your first time on the Pilates Reformer, but we would highly recommend attending the Fundamentals class first so you’ll have a better idea of how to use the Reformer machine and the common exercises done on it.
Class description
This class offers a high variety of Pilates exercise done on the Pilates Reformer. It is best suited for regular Pilates practitioners who want a faster-paced workout and want to explore more exercises on the machine.
The class will start with a short standing warm-up to correct the posture, do breathing exercises, and gentle spine stretches.
The Reformer exercises are a combination of classical and contemporary work and will vary from session to session and from different teachers. This will stimulate your body to engage different muscles in every exercise, giving you that sensation of inner strength without overly fatiguing yourself.
Pilates equipment used
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates Reformer
- Sitting Box
- Pilates ring
- Spine Corrector
Reformer Strength Series
Level: Multi-level class
Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome in this class. You will be given a modified version of the exercise if you struggle with some of the movement. The pace of the class is not so fast, and the program structure will enable first-timers to catch up with the exercises at the middle part of the session.
Class description
This class is suitable if you are serious about getting strong with the Pilates exercises. The number of exercises is fewer compared to the Allegro class, but the repetitions are higher.
The class structure and schedule are the same as the Strength Pilates mat which is; the same type of exercises are done every session all throughout a six-week duration. The program will start either on the 1st day or the 16th day of the month, depending on the timing of the program cycle. A new set of exercises will be given in the next six weeks.
Since the movements are the same for a period of time, you will have enough time to get stronger with the specific exercises; you will learn it faster and deeper. You will generally struggle in the first week of the program, and you will get better after a few sessions.
Pilates equipment used
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates Reformer
- Sitting Box
- Pilates ring
- Spine Corrector
We have 3 Reformer sessions Introductory package so you can join any of our Pilates Reformer classes except the Pilates equipment group as you need to do one-to-one training first before joining the class.
Pilates Equipment group
Level: Multi-level class
This class is suitable for all levels as you will be doing your own customized program in the session.
Prerequisites
You need to do at least 3 introductory private sessions to enter this class. In these 3 one-to-one sessions, you will be assessed on your level and our Pilates teacher will develop an exercise program suitable for your goals.
Class description
This is one of the most unique classes in Pilates which is rarely offered in any Pilates studio nowadays. Since you have your own customized program in this class, you can do the exercises at your own pace and time. You will be using different Pilates equipment depending on your program.
An experienced teacher will be supervising the class, correcting individual students at different times. Everyone in this class will be doing different exercises at any given time.
Pilates equipment used – will depend on your customized program.
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates Reformer
- Sitting Box
- Pilates ring
- Spine Corrector
- Cadillac
- Ladder Barrel
- Pilates Chair
- Foam roller
Class size
Generally, the class size is 7 pax, but we have reduced it to 4 attendees per class with current pandemic restrictions.
Tips and Things you need to attend the class
- We generally provide the mat, but with the current Covid situation, we highly recommend bringing your own mat and towel for the class.
- Wear comfortable exercise attire, so you can move freely in stretching your hips and spine. You will need a pair of socks for the class. Regular socks are fine but non-slip socks will be better.
- We provide water, but you can bring your own bottle. One less paper cup wasted will be better to save our environment.
- Come into the class with a mindset of a student. Learn from our teacher, feel free to ask questions, bring home the exercise with you, and do it safely at home. Our aim is for you to be independent in taking care of yourself, to keep your body fit and strong.
- Focus on the details. Pilates exercise is not about the intensity at first but the quality of your movement. How intense the exercise depends on how deep you understand the movement. Take some time to learn the movements properly.
- It can be hard and confusing; stick with the routine, and you will see progress soon.
- Be consistent with your attendance. It is very tempting to attend a variety of classes in a week but our body can only take as much in order to learn the movements. You will be better off doing the same class for 3x a week rather than attending 3 different sessions in a week.
You can join any 3 of our Reformer classes with this Introductory package except the Pilates equipment group as you need to do one-to-one training first before joining the class.
If you are interested in doing Pilates mat classes, you can read what we offer in this article.
In Singapore: Pilates Mat and Spine Corrector Classes!
Pilates mat is getting very popular in Singapore. It is effective, simple, and convenient to do. It will target the core muscles to tone your midsection, strengthen your arms to get leaner and incorporate flexibility work that will loosen up the tight muscles of your body to align your posture better.
You can do different types of Pilates mat classes at PilatesPlus in our two branches. One is at the heart of the Central Business district at International Plaza building, just directly above Tanjong Pagar MRT. Our second outlet is close to the greenery of Mount Faber, at 2 Telok Blangah Way, Safra Club Mount Faber under UMove Fitness.
At Pilates Plus Singapore, we have three different types of mat classes which you can choose from. Each of the classes has different goals that you can work on to have a more efficient way to approach your Pilates training.
Pilates Mat
Beginners to advanced level
This multi-level class is a good entry point if it’s your first time attending a Pilates class. Our experienced Pilates teacher will modify the exercises to suit your level. Beginners will be given an easier version of the movement so they can understand the exercises first before progressing to a more difficult version. Advanced practitioners, on the other hand, will do more difficult variations.
Class description
This is a full-body workout that is based mostly on the original Pilates mat sequence developed by Joseph Pilates.
The class generally starts with a posture correction, spine warm-up routine, and some awareness or coordination drills.
The main session will work to strengthen your core, upper and lower body. In addition to the strength work, flexibility exercises, posture, and alignment work is included in the class to make sure that you come out of the class feeling lean, tall, and rejuvenated.
You will be assessed in this class if it is your first time doing Pilates, so make sure that you let the Pilates teacher know that you’re new to the class. After the class, we will give you a recommendation on which class is best for you in relation to your goals and fitness level.
Pilates Apparatus used
- Exercise mat
- Pilates Ring (occasionally used)
- Foam roller (occasionally used)
- Spine corrector (occasionally used)
- Elastic bands (occasionally used)
Here is a 3 session introductory package, so you can try any of our mat classes. You can also attend our Calisthenics and Handstands class in this package.
Strength Pilates Class Series
This is a multi-level class.
Beginners will be doing easier variations of the movements, and experienced attendees will be doing their own version of the exercises.
Class Description
This is a unique class to Pilates Plus only. I started this class as I realized that my students were no longer progressing even though they diligently came for my sessions. After some research, I have found out that there is a difference between strength programming and the Pilates method.
So I have tweaked my Pilates class program to incorporate some strength training principles in it.
The exercises are consistent in every class in the Strength Pilates class, regardless of the schedule or who’s teaching the class. The program will generally start on the first day or on the 16th day of the month is done for 6 weeks. You can join the program at any stage but it will be best if you attend from the first week.
Doing it this way will make you stronger on specific movements and learn them deeply. You will end up having a deeper understanding of the exercises. After the 6th week, you will have a new Strength Pilates program for the next 6 weeks, which can be a new stand-alone program by itself or a progression of the previous one.
Great for beginners
Though our strength pilates series is a little tough for beginners to get started, it is very effective for first-timers to learn the exercises as you will know what to expect in the session and will learn to polish a few exercises at a time rather than handling too much variety in your exercise routine.
If you want to try our Strength Pilates program at home, here is a video that I have published on our YouTube channel. Feel free to leave a question in the comment section if you have any.
Pilates Apparatus used
- Exercise mat
- Gymnastic stall bar
- Parallettes
- Pilates Ring (depends on the program)
- Foam roller (occasionally used)
- Spine corrector (occasionally used)
- Elastic bands (occasionally used)
Pilates Spine Corrector Class
This is a multi-level class.
Beginners will be doing easier movements, and advanced practitioners will be given a suitable version of the exercises.
Class description
This class is perfect if you want a combination of relaxing full-body stretch, especially in the spine, while working harder with the core.
This is not a pure mat class as you will get to use the Pilates Spine corrector, a unique apparatus you can find only in Pilates.
You will learn to articulate your spine well in this class, which effectively keeps the joints of your spine healthy and supple.
Pilates Apparatus used
- Exercise mat
- Spine corrector
- Foam roller (occasionally used)
Small class size
The size of our mat classes is relatively small, so enough attention will be given to you during the session. Our International Plaza outlet will have a maximum capacity of 4 pax in a group class, and the Safra outlet will have a maximum capacity of 10 attendees per class.
Tips and things needed to attend the class
- We generally provide the mat, but with the current Covid situation, we highly recommend that you bring your own mat and towel for the class.
- Wear comfortable exercise attire, so you can move freely in stretching your hips and spine. You will need a pair of socks for the class.
- We provide water, but you can bring your own bottle. One less paper cup wasted will be better to save our environment.
- Come into the class with a mindset of a student. Learn from our teacher, feel free to ask questions, bring home the exercise with you, and do it safely at home. Our aim is for you to be independent in taking care of yourself, to keep your body fit and strong.
- Focus on the details. Pilates exercise is not about the intensity at first but the quality of your movement. How intense the exercise depends on how deep you understand the movement. Take some time to learn the movements properly.
- It can be hard and confusing; stick with the routine, and you will see progress soon.
- Be consistent with your attendance. It is very tempting to attend a variety of classes in a week but our body can only take as much in order to learn the movements. You will be better off doing the same class for 3x a week rather than attending 3 different sessions in a week.
Here is a 3 session introductory package, so you can try any of our mat classes and other non-Reformer classes.
If you want to know more about what Reformer classes we offer, you can read this article here.
In Singapore: Calisthenics and Muscle Up Classes!
Calisthenics classes have become popular in Singapore in the last 5 years. More and more studios and large fitness centers are offering Bodyweight training sessions. Calisthenics is not only fun to do compared to regular strength training in the gym, but it is very effective as well in building strength, toning, and learning new skills.
PilatesPlus offers beginner-friendly Calisthenics classes at both CBD and Safra Mount Faber branches. The CBD branch is at International Plaza building, just directly above Tanjong Pagar MRT. The Safra Mount Faber outlet is at 2 Telok Blangah Way carrying the name UMove Fitness.
Do you know that Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates Methodology in the early 1900s, was a Bodyweight practitioner? You can see him in his old videos where he does Calisthenics exercises and handstands aside from teaching a different set of exercises now know as Pilates.
It is not a surprise since he was a gymnast, a circus performer, a wrestler, and a boxer before he went into teaching his exercise methods. At PilatesPlus Singapore, we incorporate Calisthenics and Pilates training together as they highly complement each other.
Pilates and Calisthenics blend well together
Pilates does a very good job of building the right foundation for your body. It will eliminate aches and pains, aligns your posture, develops a decent level of strength and flexibility, and improves your body awareness.
All these aspects will establish a very good base before doing more intense Calisthenics exercises. If you want to know more about the Pilates classes that we offer, you can check these articles about the Pilates Mat and Pilates Reformer classes that we offer.
Calisthenics on the other hand is a continuation of your Pilates journey towards a more capable body. It works very well in increasing your strength and flexibility which you have built from doing Pilates exercises. Though the Pilates method is great for building strength and flexibility, there is an upper limit of how strong and flexible you can become. Calisthenics training done with the right programming will take you to the next level.
Here are our different Bodyweight training classes that we offer at both PilatesPlus at International Plaza and UMove Fitness outlet at Safra Club Mount Faber.
Strength Pilates Class
This is a multi-level class.
The teacher of the class will modify the exercises accordingly to your level.
Class Description
This is a unique class to Pilates Plus only. I started this class as I realized that my students were no longer progressing even though they diligently came for my sessions. So I have tweaked my Pilates class program and incorporated Calisthenics strength training in the class.
This class is a bridge for the students who are practicing Pilates and want to start working with bodyweight exercises. The movements in the class is a mixture of Pilates mat exercises and some basic Calisthenics movement. The exercises will be the same every session and will be practiced for 6 weeks.
This is to ensure that you will learn the exercises and get stronger with them.
Great for beginners
The structure of the class is great for beginners as there are only a few movements done in the session and you can practice these movements for a duration of 6 weeks. You will have time to adapt and practice the movements.
Pilates Apparatus used
- Exercise mat
- Gymnastic stall bar
- Parallettes
- Pilates Ring (depends on the program)
- Foam roller (occasionally used)
- Spine corrector (occasionally used)
- Elastic bands (occasionally used)
Here is a 3 session Intro package so you can try any of our Calisthenics classes and Pilates mat class.
Calisthenics Fundamentals Class
Class level: Best for beginners in Calisthenics
Class description
This is where you start your Calisthenics journey where you will learn the basic Calisthenics exercises such as Push-ups, Rows, Pull-ups, Chin-ups, Dips, and Pike Push-ups.
We will guide you step by step on how to achieve your first ever pull-up and push-ups all the way to doing 10s and 20s of them. The class is very unique as we will modify the exercises to suit your strength level that even a lady in her 70s can do the exercises safely without overstraining herself.
Form and quality of the movements are a priority rather than quantity
Unlike high-intensity bodyweight training classes that you find elsewhere, we focus more on you learning the exercise properly and make sure that you are doing it in good form. Increasing the number of reps will come only once you have learned how to do the movements correctly.
Movement Mix
One unique feature in or Calisthenics classes is the movement insert that we do in between rounds of our training. Instead of just purely resting before starting the next round, we work on our coordination, balance, reflex, and many other things related to movement. This makes the class more interesting and holistic in a way.
Equipment used
- Gymnastics ring
- Stall bar
- Boxes
- Pull-up bar
- Gymnastic stall bars
- Parallettes
- Small weight plates
- Pushl-Up mount for the Stall bar
Muscle-up class
Class level: Intermediate to advanced level
You need to be able to do a minimum of 10 pull-ups and 20 dips for this class.
Class description
This will be your next level class once you have achieved your goals in the Calisthenics Fundamentals class.
A muscle-up is a combination of two popular Calisthenics movements which are the Pull-up and dips. This is a higher-level skill which you need a stronger foundation before attempting to doing it as it can strain your shoulders if you are not ready.
Equipment used
- Gymnastics ring
- Stall bar
- Boxes
- Pull-up bar
- Gymnastic stall bars
- Parallettes
- Pushl-Up mount for the Stall bar
Tips and things you need before attending the class
- Bring your own towel, a mat is not needed for the class.
- Wear comfortable exercise attire, so you can move freely. You will be doing the class barefoot as no shoes are allowed in the studio.
- We provide water, but you can bring your own bottle. One less paper cup wasted will be better to save our environment.
- Come into the class with a mindset of a student. Learn from our teacher, feel free to ask questions, bring home the exercise with you, and do it safely at home. Our aim is for you to be independent in taking care of yourself, to keep your body fit and strong.
- Be patient and learn the exercises properly before pushing further. It will pay off in the long run if you focus more on the form rather than the quantity or intensity.
- Be consistent with your attendance. It is very tempting to attend a variety of classes in a week but our body can only take as much in order to learn the movements. You will be better off doing the same Calisthenics class for 3x a week rather than attending 3 different sessions in a week.
You can try any of our Calisthenics and Pilates mat classes with this 3 sessions introductory package. See you in the class soon.
