Finding the right class for you: Our Pilates and movement sessions explained
Anna Marchington cueing The 100 in a Reformer 1 class at Luma Pilates
Whether you’re new to Pilates or ready to push your practice to the next level, our class programme is designed to meet you where you are, and help you move, feel and perform at your best. Here’s a closer look at each of our class types, what to expect, and how they fit into your movement journey.
Fundamentals
Perfect for: Complete beginners or anyone returning after a break.
Focus: Building a solid foundation.
In our beginner Fundamentals classes, you’ll learn the essential Pilates principles – breath, alignment, control and core engagement – while getting comfortable with the reformer and other equipment. Movements are slow, precise and fully guided by your instructor, ensuring you feel confident and supported from your very first session.
Benefits:
Learn safe and effective technique
Build postural awareness and strength
Gain confidence in the studio environment
Fundamentals Progressing
Perfect for: Those who’ve mastered the basics and want to refine and strengthen their practice.
Focus: Control, confidence and progression.
These classes bridge the gap between beginner and Reformer 1. You’ll explore more complex movement patterns, transitions and light resistance work, improving coordination, strength and endurance while maintaining focus on alignment and technique.
Benefits:
Smooth, supported progression to intermediate level
Improved stamina and movement flow
Stronger core and better body awareness
Reformer Pilates 1
Perfect for: Clients with a solid understanding of Pilates principles.
Focus: Full-body strength and mobility.
Reformer 1 introduces dynamic sequences and creative use of the reformer to challenge your strength, coordination and control. Expect a balanced workout that’s as mindful as it is energising.
Benefits:
Improved tone, strength and flexibility
Greater body control and endurance
A balanced, whole-body workout
Reformer Pilates 2
Perfect for: Experienced clients looking to build power and precision.
Focus: Challenge and refinement.
In Reformer 2, we increase resistance, complexity and pace. You’ll move through advanced sequences that test your stability, stamina and precision, helping you discover new layers of strength and control.
Benefits:
Enhanced athletic performance
Increased strength and resilience
Deeper mind-body connection
Reformer Pilates 3
Perfect for: Advanced clients seeking their peak challenge.
Focus: Mastery and performance.
Our most advanced reformer class is a seamless, flowing workout demanding strength, precision and deep focus. It’s where control meets power. And where experienced movers push their limits in a supportive, energised environment.
Benefits:
Maximal strength and core stability
Complex transitions and advanced repertoire
The ultimate test of Pilates control and skill
Barre
Perfect for: Anyone who loves a fun, upbeat workout with serious results.
Focus: Strength, endurance and posture.
Barre blends Pilates precision, ballet-inspired movement and low-impact cardio. Expect high-rep, small-range movements that sculpt and strengthen legs, glutes and arms while improving balance and posture.
Benefits:
Sculpted, lean muscles
Boosted endurance and coordination
Energising, music-driven motivation
Mat Pilates
Perfect for: All levels. Adaptable and challenging in equal measure.
Focus: Control and core strength using your own body weight.
Mat classes take Pilates back to its roots. You’ll work deeply with breath, control and flow, using small props like rings or bands for variety. Ideal for building a strong, balanced and connected body.
Benefits:
Deep core and stabilising strength
Improved posture and mobility
Accessible, adaptable and equipment-free
Yoga
Perfect for: Anyone seeking balance, mobility and mental calm.
Focus: Flow, flexibility and mindfulness.
Our yoga classes complement Pilates perfectly, helping you lengthen, release and reconnect. Expect a blend of breath-led movement, mindful flow and restorative stillness, leaving you grounded and energised.
Benefits:
Improved flexibility and recovery
Stress relief and mental clarity
Enhanced body awareness and balance
Where to Begin
If you’re new to our studio, start with Fundamentals or Mat Pilates to learn the principles and build confidence. From there, you can progress through our Fundamentals (Progressing) and Reformer levels at your own pace, with plenty of options like Barre and Yoga to complement your training.
Every class has its own focus, but all share the same goal: helping you move better, feel stronger and live well.
The simplest way to find your class is to try one. Our introductory offer of three Reformer or Tower classes for £48 or three Mat, Barre or Yoga classes for £30 is a relaxed, low-pressure way to get a feel for the method and settle on the level that suits you. Have a look at the class schedule, browse all our classes, or get in touch with any questions and we'll happily point you in the right direction.
Written by Lucia Poulter
Lucia is co-founder and lead instructor at Luma Pilates Edinburgh. She holds Comprehensive BASI certification and has 26 years of teaching experience. She teaches Reformer classes at Luma weekly.