When you step into a dynamic reformer class, you might notice the energising pace, powerful movements, and creative sequences that challenge your strength, balance, and coordination. But what you may not realise is that beneath all that dynamic energy lies something deeply intentional: the classical principles of Pilates.
At our studio, we don’t just teach fast-paced, sweat-inducing reformer workouts. We teach dynamic Pilates, and the difference is in the details.
Here’s how Pilates principles are still very much alive in every class we teach, and how you can start tuning into them as a client:
1. Control Over Momentum
In dynamic classes, it’s tempting to move quickly just for the burn. But Pilates teaches us control over chaos. That means every lunge, press, and plank is done with precision, not just speed.
As a client:
Instead of rushing through reps, focus on how you’re moving. Can you slow down just enough to feel your muscles initiating the movement rather than being pulled around by the springs?
2. Centering: It’s Always About the Core
You’ll hear us cueing your core constantly and that’s not just fitness speak. The principle of centering reminds us that all movement should stem from a strong and stable centre, or what we call your “powerhouse.”
As a client:
Before every movement, ask yourself: Am I connected to my core? Draw your lower abs in gently and feel that control radiate outward into your arms and legs. That’s how you move smarter, not harder.
3. Precision: Quality Beats Quantity
We love a challenge, but never at the expense of form. Dynamic doesn’t mean sloppy. Every movement has a purpose, and the goal is to perform each one with integrity.
As a client:
Pay attention to alignment cues. Is your knee stacked over your ankle? Is your pelvis stable? Sometimes taking one step back to focus on precision leads to two steps forward in results.
4. Breath: The Hidden Power Tool
It might seem like a minor detail, but breath is one of Pilates’ most powerful tools. It supports core activation, reduces tension, and increases endurance, especially in fast-paced settings.
As a client:
When the class gets intense, don’t hold your breath. Exhale on the effort (e.g. the press or lift), and inhale to prepare or return. You’ll be amazed how it resets your rhythm and helps you push further with more control.
5. Flow: Moving with Intention
Dynamic classes thrive on flow. Transitioning from one movement to the next with rhythm and purpose. But flow in Pilates is never rushed; it’s seamless, not sloppy.
As a client:
Try to maintain a continuous awareness of your movement transitions. Smooth doesn’t mean fast. It means graceful, intentional, and grounded in breath and control.
6. Concentration: Mind Meets Body
One of the reasons Pilates is so transformative is that it demands your full attention. Even in dynamic formats, we want you mentally switched on, not just going through the motions.
As a client:
Rather than zoning out, zone in. Each movement is an opportunity to refine your connection to your body, your breath, and your strength. That’s how you get more from every rep.
Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just a Workout
Dynamic reformer classes are fun, sweaty, and high-energy, and that’s exactly why applying Pilates principles matters. They’re what keep the movement smart, safe, and deeply effective.
Next time you’re in class, challenge yourself to move with more awareness, not just more reps. You’ll start to feel the difference, not only in how your body performs, but in how it functions beyond the studio.