Onboard 5: Building Confidence in Pilates
What Progress Really Looks Like
If you’re new to Pilates, you might be wondering when it all starts to click. You’ve seen people move through classes with grace and control, adjusting their equipment like second nature—and it’s easy to wonder, Will that ever be me?
The answer is yes. But just like martial arts, Pilates is a discipline where technique develops over time. You’re not meant to master it in a few weeks. Confidence in Pilates doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from showing up consistently, paying attention to detail, and letting your body and mind adapt to a new way of moving.
Start in the Shallow End
At SOMA, our class levels refer to intensity and pacing. Think of it like a swimming pool:
Level 1 is the shallow end. It’s where you learn to swim. It’s also where you refine your skills.
Level 2 is the middle—still familiar, but with more freedom.
Level 3 is the deep end—designed for confident movers who are fluent in the method.
In Level 1, you’ll receive the most instruction, the clearest cues, and a slower pace that lets you connect the dots. It’s also the safest place to get comfortable with the equipment. There’s no rush to leave the shallow end—in fact, many of our longtime clients continue to return to Level 1 classes to refine their technique, strengthen their foundations, and enhance their understanding the movements.
When you notice that you’re no longer looking around the room to follow your neighbor, and you can anticipate what’s coming next, you might be ready to try Level 2. These classes are a bit faster and assume you’re familiar with common exercises and transitions.
Level 3 classes have minimal instruction. Your reformer should feel like an extension of your body. You’ll be asked to move, adjust, and respond to cues fluidly and intuitively. At this stage, you know how to swim—and you get to decide how deep you want to go that day.
Not sure if you're ready to move up a level? Just ask! Your instructor is always happy to give you feedback—feel free to check in after class, or text us at (860) 470-6683. We’ll help you find the best fit for where you are today.
Experience Changes the Way You Choose
Once you reach an experienced level, you’ll see that the class levels don’t represent a progression anymore—they become categories that align with your goals.
Think back to the six Pilates principles:
Breathing – connect to your deep core through mindful breath
Concentration – stay mentally present to move with purpose
Control – prioritize quality over quantity
Precision – focus on form and alignment
Flow – move smoothly and without tension
Centering – draw strength from balance
Once these are second nature, you can shape your practice around what you need on any given day.
Feeling scattered or tired? You might choose a Form class for breathing, precision, and control.
Feeling strong and energized? A Flow or Power class can help you tap into strength, speed, and rhythm.
This is where the real magic happens. Confidence in Pilates means knowing how to choose your class based on your inner landscape—not just your skill level.
Progress Isn’t Linear—But It Is Real
Progress in Pilates is often subtle. It might not show up as a dramatic change in strength or flexibility right away. Instead, it might look like:
Feeling more coordinated
Breathing more fully
Noticing better posture or alignment
Reacting to cues faster
Knowing how to modify or challenge yourself as needed
And then one day, you’ll realize you feel at home in your body in a way you didn’t before. That’s confidence. And that’s progress.
Want to Learn More About Your Core?
Understanding your core is essential to building control and confidence in Pilates. Check out our blog post to deepen your understanding:
👉 Meet Your Core: What It Really Means in Pilates
If you’re ever unsure about what class to take, whether you’re ready to level up, or how to keep progressing—ask your instructor after class or text the SOMA number at (860) 470-6683. We’re here to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.
You’re doing great. Keep going.