Small Group Pilates Reformer Classes

Pilates reformer classes are now available at our Downtown Berkeley and Pleasant Hill YMCA locations!

Pilates reformer is a full-body workout that focuses on stabilizing and gaining strength from your center outwards. Improve sports, martial arts, and dance performance by building core strength and greater body awareness. Pilates on the reformer is also beneficial for injury prevention and recovery. 

We offer a variety of class levels. Take a look at the descriptions below to find the best fit for you, and sign up today! If you're still unsure of your level, reach out to Leslie Olsson!

If you're looking for more individual coaching, we offer Pilates personal training sessions at Berkeley and Pleasant Hill. 

Class Levels

Level I Fundamentals

This class will give you a solid foundation of the fundamental Pilates reformer exercises.  This level is perfect for people new to Pilates, haven't practiced Pilates in a while, or just want to go deeper into the fundamentals of Pilates reformer.

Level I/II: Adaptive Reformer

This reformer class is good for people who are eligible for our level 1.5 class but have mobility and strength challenges or injuries that make the pace and repertoire of our level 1.5 (advanced fundamentals) class difficult. We will gently and safely work to increase muscle mass & maintain our range of motion.

Level I/II Advanced Fundamentals

This class is for members who have a strong foundation of Pilates reformer fundamentals and are looking for a greater challenge. We encourage at least 15 classes of Level I or the equivalent prior to moving on to Level I/II OR a recommendation from your current instructor.  Prior reformer experience required includes an understanding of neutral spine, imprinted spine, tabletop position, familiarity with changing reformer springs and foot bar, and experience using reformer straps on feet and hands. The ability to hold your weight on knees, forearms/hands/fists is required.

Tower Level I/II: Advanced Fundamentals

Try this lesser known but awesome Pilates equipment class with its unique mixture of ways to increase full body strength, stability, and mobility. Must be eligible for reformer Level I/II to attend.

Level II Intermediate

Up your Pilates practice by taking an intermediate reformer class. Intermediate classes offer expanded and more challenging Pilates repertoire in choreography, ability, and pace. Must be relatively free of injuries and limitations. Prior reformer experience is required. You must have the recommendation of your YMCA Pilates instructor and permission from Katy Yates or Leslie Olsson.

Jump Board Level I: Fundamentals

The Pilates Jumpboard combines the resistance training of the reformer with cardio conditioning!  Jump to increase your heart rate while getting a full body strength workout.  This class is for people who have little to no injuries.  Must have healthy feet, knees, hips, and back.

 

Jump Board Level II: Intermediate

The Pilates Jumpboard combines the resistance training of the reformer with cardio conditioning!  Jump to increase your heart rate while getting a full body strength workout. This class is for people who have Pilates reformer experience and have little to no injuries. Must have healthy feet, knees, hips, and back.

Downtown Berkeley Classes

Our next six week series will run from April 15 - May 26 for $125. Registration opens Monday, February 19 at 10am.

Level I

Monday 12pm w/ Paul   Monday 3:30 w/ JC   Tuesday 11am w/ Paul   Wednesday 11am w/ Paul 

Wednesday 3:30 w/ JC   Thursday 12pm w/ Kendal   Friday 3:30 w/ JC   Sunday 12pm w/ Kendal  


Level I/II Adaptive:

Thursday 11am (Kendal)   Sunday 11am (Kendal)


Level I/II:

Mondays 11am (Paul)   Mondays 4:30pm (J.C.)   Tuesdays 10am (Paul)   Tuesdays 12:30pm (Paul) 

Wednesday 9am (Becky)   Wednesday 10am (Paul)   Thursday 10:00am (Kendal)

Fridays 4:30pm (J.C.)   Sunday 10am (Kendal)


Level II:

Wednesday 4:30pm (J.C)   Sunday 9am (Kendal)

Please email Katy Yates at kyates@ymcaeastbay.org to register for Level II classes at the Berkeley Y

Pleasant Hill Classes

Our next five week series will run April 8th - May 10th!  Registration will open Monday, March 25th at 9am. The cost is $125 for 5 classes. Here are the classes with direct links below!

Gentle Reformer

Wednesday 9am with Richelle  

 

Level I

​Monday 4:30pm w/ Ramona​   Monday 6:30pm with Ramona   Wednesday 10am with Richelle   

Wednesday 5pm with Ramona  Wednesday 6pm with Ramona  Friday 9am with Richelle


  

Level I/II

Monday 10:30am with Richelle  Tuesday 5pm with Leslie  Tuesday 6:30pm with Richelle     

Wednesday 7pm with Ramona

 

Level II

Monday 5:30pm with Ramona   Thursday 11am with Leslie

Questions?

For questions about Downtown Berkeley's Pilates Reformer program, reach out to Katy Yates at kyates@ymcaeastbay.org.

For questions about Pleasant Hill's Pilates Reformer program, reach out to Leslie Olsson lolsson@ymcaeastbay.org.