FLOW PILATES BLOG
At Flow Pilates, we believe movement should be accessible, enjoyable and adaptable to the person in front of us. That's why we're excited to introduce more Open Flow classes to our timetable.
But what exactly is an open-level or mixed-ability reformer class, and why might it be the perfect fit for your Pilates journey?
Open Flow is a mixed-ability reformer Pilates class that welcomes a range of experience levels. It isn't a beginner class, and it isn't an advanced class. Instead, it's a flexible class where everyone works at a level that feels right for their body.
During the class, your instructor will offer modifications and progressions, meaning exercises can be adapted to suit different abilities, goals and energy levels.
You might have someone attending their fifth reformer class next to someone who has been practising Pilates for several years—and both can enjoy and benefit from the same session.
Joseph Pilates believed in teaching movement principles rather than rigid routines. Pilates is about control, precision, breathing and mindful movement. These principles can be applied at many different levels.
A mixed-ability class reflects this philosophy beautifully. The same exercise can often be adjusted to make it more supportive or more challenging, depending on what your body needs on that particular day.
Because let's be honest—we don't always arrive at class feeling the same. Some days we feel strong and energised, while on others we need a slower, more restorative practice.
Open Flow gives you permission to meet yourself where you are.
One of the biggest benefits of Open Flow is flexibility.
Life is busy. Work commitments change. School holidays happen. Energy levels fluctuate. Sometimes the class you usually attend simply doesn't fit your schedule.
By offering more mixed-ability classes, members have more opportunities to move their bodies without feeling restricted to one specific level or time slot.
This means you can maintain consistency in your practice, which is where the real benefits of Pilates begin to emerge.
There is something special about mixed-level environments.
Newer members often feel inspired by seeing what is possible with regular practice. More experienced members are reminded of the importance of the fundamentals and often refine their technique by revisiting foundational exercises.
Everyone learns something.
At Flow, we encourage a supportive, non-competitive atmosphere. Pilates isn't about being the strongest person in the room or performing the most advanced exercises. It's about developing awareness, moving with control and respecting your own body's journey.
Open Flow classes allow instructors to be creative and responsive.
No two classes need to be exactly the same. Your instructor can adapt sessions based on who is in the room, introducing a mixture of strength work, mobility, balance challenges, postural exercises and flowing sequences.
This variety keeps classes engaging and allows members to explore movement in different ways.
One of the misconceptions about Pilates is that progression only comes from moving into increasingly advanced classes.
In reality, progress happens when we move with consistency, improve our control and develop greater body awareness.
In Open Flow, progression is individual.
You may choose a more supportive option one week and challenge yourself the next. You may spend several weeks refining an exercise before progressing to the next variation.
There is no pressure and no race.
Pilates is a lifelong practice, and every session is an opportunity to learn something new about your body.
Mixed-ability classes often create wonderful studio communities.
Members meet and connect with people they may not otherwise have crossed paths with. There is a shared sense of encouragement and support, where everyone is simply showing up and investing in their wellbeing.
At Flow Pilates, community has always been at the heart of what we do. Open Flow reflects that philosophy perfectly.
Open Flow may be the perfect fit if you:
Ultimately, Open Flow isn't about being easier or harder. It's about creating space for everybody to move well, feel challenged in the right way and enjoy the many benefits of reformer Pilates.
Because at Flow Pilates, we believe movement should fit your body—not the other way around.