Reformer class plans · Beginner

Reformer class plans for beginners

Ready-made 50-minute classes for beginner reformer groups. A calm build, clear starting positions and few spring changes, so newcomers keep up safely and you can focus on corrections.

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50 minutes per classSprings, set-up and cuesTeaching mode and PDF

All beginner classes

Reformer for Beginners: All on One Spring

Members

50 min

BeginnerFoundations

Reformer for Beginners: All on One Spring

A calm entry-level flow that barely needs a spring change: mobility, plank and downward dog at the footbar with no springs at all, then a single-sided series on the long box and short box — hinge, side bend with the ball, knee lift and thread the needle. Arms in the short straps with circles and tricep extensions to finish. Seven exercises with clear spring settings, ideal for your first Reformer classes.

Long box · Short box · Pilates ball

Reformer for Beginners: Starting in the Well

Members

50 min

BeginnerFoundations

Reformer for Beginners: Starting in the Well

An entry-level flow that starts in the well at the end of the Reformer: bird dog, downward dog and plank at the shoulder blocks, then fire hydrant and a squat series in the long strap, rotation and arms in the short straps. A kneeling plank and a roll-down with the ball to finish. Seven exercises with clear spring settings.

Reformer for Beginners: Long Strap Series

A clear entry-level flow: footwork and glute bridge on two medium springs first, then a single-sided series in the long strap — squat and lunge standing, side-lying leg work, tabletop and criss cross seated. Arms in the short straps to finish. Six exercises with clear spring settings for your first Reformer classes.

Reformer for Beginners: With the Pilates Ring

A calm entry-level flow with the Pilates ring: footwork and glute bridge lying down, single leg extension, a crunch series, kneeling rotation, lunge and hinge on the box, a side bend and a forearm plank to finish. Nine exercises with clear spring settings — ideal for your first Reformer classes.

Reformer for Beginners: Full-Body Band Flow

A calm entry-level flow with resistance band and box: footwork and glute bridge lying down, box step-up with scooter, arms and roll-down on the short box, and a squat to finish. Ten exercises with clear spring settings — ideal for your first Reformer classes.

Reformer for Beginners: Ball Basics

A calm entry-level flow with ball and box: glute bridge, crunch in tabletop, box lunge and kneeling side plank. Twelve exercises with clear spring settings and a support option for each — ideal as a first Reformer class.

Pilates ball

Class structure

How a beginner class is built

Every class follows the same arc. Newcomers quickly learn what to expect, and you lose no time explaining.

5minutes

Arrival and breathLying or standing, breath and pelvic position. No spring change yet.

10minutes

Warm-up and footworkFootwork at the footbar as a familiar start, one spring setting for the whole block.

27minutes

Main workThree to four blocks with bridging, long straps and the box. Exercises on the same spring sit together.

8minutes

Cool-downMobility and stretching, so the group leaves class calm.

Springs

Springs for beginner groups

Settings are written as light, medium and heavy so they work on any reformer. With beginners, a little more resistance for stability beats too little.

Block	Spring	Why
Footwork	medium to heavy	Enough resistance for the carriage to return under control.
Bridging at the footbar	medium	Stable, without the hips tipping.
Long straps (arms)	light	Focus on shoulder position rather than strength.
Kneeling work	light to medium	The carriage stays put, which builds confidence.

Exercises

Exercises you will find in the beginner classes

Every exercise has its own page with springs, set-up, sequence and cues.

Glute Bridge with Pilates Ring Leg Work in Long Straps with Pilates Ring Forearm Plank on the Box from Kneeling Kneeling Hinge & Roll-Down with Pilates Ring Crunch Series in Tabletop with Pilates Ring

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What matters in a beginner reformer class

Beginners need fewer exercises and more time per exercise. A good beginner class stays in stable positions for longer, repeats base patterns like footwork and bridging, and rarely changes springs. Every change costs time in a group and breaks the flow.

The cueing matters just as much. New students do not know the exercise names yet, so every exercise needs a one-sentence set-up and two or three cues that land straight away.

Every beginner class plan at Pilates Plans is built that way: exercises on the same spring sit together, transitions are planned in, side changes are their own steps, and you can read the cues out as written.

Who are the beginner classes for?

Groups that are new to the reformer or have only a few classes behind them. They also work as a safe base for mixed groups.

How many exercises does a beginner class have?

Usually between nine and fourteen. Fewer exercises, more reps and more time for corrections.

What equipment do I need?

Most beginner classes use the box and a ball, some also a Pilates ring or a band. The equipment is listed on every card, and you can filter for it above.

Will the spring settings work on my reformer?

Yes. Springs are given as light, medium and heavy, not as one brand’s colours, so they carry over to any machine.

Can I try a class first?

Yes. One class is completely free, with all springs and cues. No credit card needed.

From the blog

PlanningA Reformer Class Plan for Beginners, Start to Finish MindsetTeaching Your First Reformer Class: A Start-to-Finish Walkthrough MethodologyBringing a First-Time Reformer Student Into an Experienced Class ReformerReformer Spring Settings, Explained: Which One Fits Which Exercise

Other levelIntermediate reformer class plansFor experienced groups: single-sided series, more stability work, weights, ring and pole.See the Intermediate classes →