The Lineage Programme

Classical Pilates training for the established client

As at December 2025 this programme is now closed to new clients unless they have had regular classical training externally and are able to demonstrate the full Mat and Reformer.

We direct all new clients to our private training, clinical exercise and for groups, Joe’s Gym.

Where should I start?

Open Level

Purpose: a class level to

  • Move beyond the new client phase and dig deep into the serious work of the original method with clear and strong technique, without modification and at pace

  • Introduce more complex patterns and planes of movement

  • Push the stamina and general fitness in each class

  • Enjoy moments of autonomy and self-instruction

Pace: Deep, steady and fast at times … be on your game mentally and physically

Support style: Moderate at the start and withdrawing as the teaching block continues where the client works the method completely autonomously at times

Commitment required: VERY HIGH in every class and in general

Expectations: This is our most series level and is for clients who

  • have logged the hours and are building to the fuller Classical method

  • have demonstrated their physical and mental knowledge

  • can work independently at times

  • are looking to go even deeper into the more physical elements of the Pilates method

Physical criteria to join

  • Maintain the 100 scoop/hollow body shape and arm to body connection in tricky exercises

  • Work into spinal flexion and extension without crunching the neck or lower back

  • Lift the head off the mat/Reformer without discomfort and solid spinal integration technique for minutes at a time to execute the Mat to Saw without stopping

  • Hold a plank with optimal positioning for 45-60seconds / 6+ breaths – or to finish the Long Stretch series in full without needing a wrist break

Additional criteria

  • Is familiar and competent in the classical mat through to and including Neck Pull including knowledge of names, order and use of props

  • Can execute the Classical Reformer with solid technique through to the end of Short box series with minimal prompting.

Warm up, autonomy and culture:

classes will have a strict lockout policy at the start time. Progressive level clients will be required to complete a quiet 5-10 minute self-directed warm up PRIOR to the class time. This will enable us to provide you with more Pilates content and encourage your independence within the method and when away from the studio. Working this way is an important milestone in the lifecycle of a Pilates client/student and will plant the seeds for autonomous studio access.

Injuries and physical niggles are natural. There is no judgement that these occur, however, progressive level classes are not modified. We ask that you contact the studio and rebook your sessions during these times so that we can care for you while also maintaining the studio culture and class plan for your classmates.

Level four

This level is the culmination of your years and efforts at the studio and by invite from the Studio Director.

How bookings will work

You will be invite to Studio or Reformer or both, this is based on your individual physiological goals, your confidence and ease with advanced Level Three Reformer work, as well as booking history, planned leave, and any scheduling conversations we’ve had. You will need to be able to attend 80% of the bookings.

What’s required to take part

  • Injury-free — this is advanced, physical work and modifications won’t be provided

  • Purposeful, self-directed warm-ups

    • Studio: minimum 5 minutes (10 recommended) - arrival 6:20pm, focussed warm-up commencing no later than 6:25pm

    • Reformer: minimum 10 minutes (15 recommended) - arrival 

    • If mid-week self-warm-ups feel like too much, that’s completely okay — we’ll find another pathway for you to access this work safely

  • Ability to attend at least 80% of the term

  • Willingness to put in a little extra practice — at home, in the studio, at the gym or playground — to refine these skills

What This Unlocks for You

Once you complete the term, you’ll be free to use this material in:

  • Open-level group classes

  • Semi-autonomous sessions

  • Autonomous work

If places are available in future terms, previous participants will be invited back on a first-come basis. The deeper intention here is empowerment — releasing this work to you so you feel confident self-directing. 


GROUP CLASS ENTRY CRITERIA

  • Participated in 2-10 private sessions and relevant courses, cleared by the Studio Director

  • Free from acute and chronic injuries

  • Able to exercise on a moving surface and change positions quickly and frequently

  • Can lift head off of mat without hands or support

  • Can kneel and bear weight on wrists and knees and hold a plank for at least 10seconds

  • Can move limbs and spine to full range without discomfort

    Considerations

  • Chronic health conditions require medical and studio clearance to exercise in a group – please provide in advance of your class

  • We ask pregnant clients to switch to other services after 16 weeks

  • Osteoporosis / Osteopenia require additional discussion with Studio Director

  • Be mindful of this criteria and communicate with the studio and instructor if you have niggles injuries or are unwell. Please give us the opportunity to look after you rather than turn you away from a booked class.