The Cheatsheet for Teaching Mixed-Level Group Reformer Classes

Make your classes smoother, safer, and more inspired—without watering down the method.

A couple of months ago, I shared my Group Mat Class Cheatsheet in our blog—and I heard from so many of you that it was helpful. 🙌

Now let’s tackle the next challenge: How do you teach a mixed-level Group Reformer class without watering down the method?

Here’s your new go-to Group Reformer Cheatsheet full of ideas, class themes, and solutions to common teaching dilemmas:

💡 Make a list of class themes that inspire you:

Need ideas? Try these:

Focus on a body part — Get inspiration for class flows from:

• Shari’s Brilliant Buttocks Reformer
• Niedra’s Reconstruct Your Core
• Yumi’s Heart Opening Reformer
• Marina’s Reformer Bootcamp Upper Body

Teach a Pilates principle — Strength, Stretch, Control, Precision, Flow, or Breath.

• Nicole’s Precision Power Reformer
• Molly’s Flow State Reformer

Choose a peak exercise and work it’s elements, then near the end of class, break down the peak exercise.

• Mariano’s Reformer Goals Series
• Gloria’s Balance Control Off Reformer

Include a prop to change things up:

• Molly’s Jumpboard Series
• Elaine’s 2×4 Reformer Series
• Juan’s Reformer Magic

Need modifications? Watch these:

• Blossom’s No Flexion Reformer
• Cary’s Happy Knees Reformer
• Clare’s TLC Reformer Workout
• Shari’s Decompress Your Spine Reformer

🔀 Throw in some mat

I promise the Pilates police 👮‍♂️ won’t show up if you do the stomach series on the long box, or throw in a few pushups during the Long Stretch series (with the carriage closed)…

🧓 Have a lot of beginners or seniors?

Begin or finish class with some crazy effective Pilates that advanced to injured students can all do:
• Standing Magic Circle Series
• The Wall with Squats
• Arm Weight Series
• 2×4 Series

🛠 Solutions to common Group Reformer problems:

⁉️ Problem: Reformers from different manufacturers with different springs, gears, etc. 😵
✅ Solution: Download our updated Reformer Springs Guide with setting equivalents for springs, gears, footbar settings, and straps.

⁉️ Problem: Students at mixed levels or with injuries that require modification 😵‍💫
✅ Solution: Follow the Basic Reformer Order to keep beginners safe while giving advanced students variations:
• Beginners do a few extra Elephants, advanced add in Long Stretches
• Beginners do the kneeling part of Front Splits, others do the full exercise
• Beginners finish with Tricep Dips, others go for Long Back Massage