Small Group Pilates Reformer Classes

Pilates reformer classes are now available at our Berkeley, Oakland 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.

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.

Tower Level I: Fundamentals

Try this introductory series for this lesser-known, equally awesome pilates equipment class with its unique mixture of ways to increase full body strength, stability and mobility. No experience 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.

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.

Berkeley Y Pilates Reformer

We will be offering one-off classes and clinics this Dec. 29 - Jan. 5. Registration is open!

Berkeley Classes

One-Time Classes

Try a one-time 50 min pilates class to see if this great workout is for you, or continue your practice in between sessions! Registration for these one-time classes is open! Cost is $25.

Monday, December 30
3:30pm Level I
4:30pm Level I/II

Friday, January 3
3:30pm Jumpboard Level I/II
4:30pm Jumpboard Level I/II

Specialty Clinics

These classes are designed to help those concerned about their knees, back, hips, or shoulders & neck. Learn approaches to typical reformer exercises in a way that will help rehabilitate injuries and protect against (further) pain/injury.

No pilates experience required.

Level I Series

Stay tuned for our next series in 2025!

Level I/II Series

Stay tuned for our next series in 2025!

Level I/II Tower

Stay tuned for our next series in 2025!

Level II Series

Stay tuned for our next series in 2025!

Please email Noel Panganiban at npanganiban@ymcaeastbay.org to register for Level II classes at the Berkeley Y!