The Classical REFORMER Course – Advanced Level
Take your Reformer knowledge further with an in-depth exploration of the traditional Contrology repertoire. Discover the progressions, movement principles and connections that underpin the advanced work, and develop a deeper understanding of the Reformer as part of the wider Pilates method.
Duration: 4 days – See course schedules
The Classical (Advanced) Reformer Course explores the traditional Contrology Reformer repertoire in depth.
I call this an Advanced Reformer Course not simply because some of the exercises are advanced, but because the course requires a solid foundation in Reformer teaching. It isn’t designed for someone who has only recently qualified. You should already be comfortable teaching the Reformer, understand the fundamental repertoire and be ready to take that knowledge further.
The repertoire I teach is my interpretation of the full Classical Contrology Reformer sequence. While some of the exercises are undoubtedly challenging, many are far more accessible than they first appear when you understand the intention behind the movement rather than simply trying to recreate the finished shape.
Throughout the course, we’ll look closely at the mechanics of the repertoire, including breathing, movement initiation, range of motion and technical precision. We’ll explore modifications, progressions and different approaches to the exercises, considering not just how to perform them but when, why and how they might be appropriate for the clients you teach.
You’ll be encouraged to draw on your own Pilates knowledge and experience and to interpret the repertoire in a way that remains true to the method while still being relevant to your own teaching environment.
For me, this is the course where the wider Pilates method really starts to come together. The repertoire begins to feel less like a collection of individual exercises and more like a logical, progressive system, with movement patterns and principles that appear again and again throughout the work.
Once you start to recognise those connections, the advanced repertoire makes much more sense — and teaching often becomes more intuitive, purposeful and adaptable.
This is a highly practical course, with the emphasis on experiencing and understanding the repertoire rather than teaching methodology or formal assessment. The aim is to develop your own movement practice, deepen your knowledge and gain a much clearer understanding of where the Classical Reformer repertoire sits within the wider Pilates method.
TESTIMONIAL FOR LISA B PILATES – THE CLASSICAL REFORMER COURSE
“In one word this course is ‘Outstanding’ and an invaluable asset to my career as a Pilates teacher .
Some of the repertoire is quite advanced and at times complex yet because of Lisa’s amazing depth of knowledge and how she explains each exercise so coherently and with so much attention to detail that even the more advanced exercises are clearly understood, hence as a result I feel well equipped at breaking each exercise down to adapt to individual clients needs.
On completion of the course I felt so much more confident as a teacher not only teaching the reformer but Pilates as a whole.
It is without a doubt the best course I have attended; I became even more passionate about Pilates if that’s even possible!
It is an invaluable course a must for Pilates teachers wanting to increase their depth of knowledge & understanding of the reformer.”
June McLucas – Sure Pilates, qualified Pilates Teacher (BCP)
