Oxana, Reformer and Mat Pilates Instructor at Pilates Academy ArjanWritten by Oxana, Reformer and Mat Pilates Instructor, Pilates Academy Arjan

Classical Pilates follows a specific order of exercises that instructors at Pilates Academy Arjan use to teach you the anatomy of movement. This sequence starts with matwork and progresses through apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Fuse Ladder and Chair. In capped classes of five, you receive guidance on how each exercise targets muscle groups, joints and breath coordination for efficient movement patterns. New clients begin with three classes for AED 300 including 5% VAT to experience this structured approach.

Pilates Academy Arjan, at Building 88, Shop 05, Al Barsha South Third in Dubai, offers full-apparatus classical sessions unlike reformer-only studios nearby. Instructors emphasise the anatomical principles behind each movement in the classical order. You build awareness of your core, spine and limbs through precise cues during small group classes.

What is the classical order in Pilates?

The classical order refers to the fixed sequence of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. You start with matwork to activate your centre, then move to apparatus like the Reformer for supine work, followed by the Cadillac for hanging and supine variations, the Chair for standing and seated strength, and the Fuse Ladder for spinal integration. This progression ensures you warm up smaller muscles before larger ones, promoting balanced development.

In Arjan sessions, instructors explain how this order aligns with anatomy. For instance, early mat exercises like the Hundred engage your deep abdominals and diaphragm, preparing your pelvic floor and transverse abdominis for later apparatus loads. You feel how breath initiates movement from your core outward.

Following this order helps you understand kinetic chains, where foot placement affects hip stability and spinal alignment. Sessions build progressively, so you avoid overload on any joint.

How does classical order teach anatomy?

Instructors at Arjan break down exercises to show anatomical actions. During Reformer footwork, you learn how your ankles dorsiflex and plantarflex, stabilising the tibia on the femur for knee tracking. This awareness carries into Chair pedal work, where you maintain neutral pelvis against spring resistance.

Core and breath integration

The order prioritises breath-driven core activation. Early sequences, such as those previewed in mat class previews for beginners, teach you to draw your navel to spine while expanding ribs laterally. On the Cadillac, this evolves into diaphragmatic drills for fuller expansion.

You notice how improper breath disrupts scapular rhythm, leading instructors to cue adjustments.

Spinal articulation progression

From mat roll-ups to Cadillac roll-downs, the order articulates your spine vertebra by vertebra. Instructors highlight how lumbar flexion protects your discs while thoracic mobility enhances rotation, as in Fuse Ladder twists.

Why start with matwork in the sequence?

Matwork opens Arjan sessions because it requires no equipment, focusing your body awareness. Exercises like Single Leg Stretch coordinate breath with limb pulls, teaching you intramuscular and intermuscular coordination without external springs. You engage your rectus abdominis and obliques isometrically against gravity.

This foundation prepares you for apparatus. Instructors note that skipping mat can lead to compensatory patterns, like over-recruiting hip flexors instead of psoas properly.

Once proficient, you transition smoothly to Reformer sequences, maintaining the anatomical cues learned on the mat.

What role does the Reformer play in anatomical progression?

The Reformer follows matwork, introducing controlled resistance. You practice leg circles while instructors cue pelvic neutrality, preventing anterior tilt that strains your lower back. This builds on mat breathwork for hip socket awareness.

Wondering about your first Reformer session? Call the Arjan studio on +971 56 216 8166 or message us on WhatsApp.

Progressions like side splits refine lateral hip stability, linking to earlier mermaid stretches for rib mobility. Instructors adjust springs to match your strength, ensuring joints move through full ranges without compensation.

How does the Cadillac build on prior work?

The Cadillac introduces vertical and hanging elements after Reformer supine work. Pull-throughs integrate arm lines with core, as your lats and serratus anterior stabilise the scapula during pulls. Instructors explain how this decompresses your spine, enhancing articulation from roll-down series.

Breath and expansion focus

Building on Cadillac breathing drills, you expand your diaphragm against trapeze bars, improving thoracic volume for better oxygen delivery to working muscles.

Hang pulls then target shoulder girdle mobility, cueing depression to counter daily hunching.

What makes Chair and Ladder unique in the order?

The Wunda Chair demands standing balance against pedals, refining ankle-knee-hip chains after supine work. You pike with shoulder control, feeling deltoids and rotator cuff stabilise during inversion. Instructors emphasise direct load on your centre.

The Fuse Ladder closes with integrative twists and roll-ups, coordinating rotation through obliques and multifidus. This synthesises the session, as breath-spinal cues from Snake Twist enhance overall fluidity.

Small classes allow real-time anatomical feedback, refining your movement economy.

Common questions

Do I need prior anatomy knowledge?

No prior knowledge is required. Instructors at Arjan explain terms simply during classes, using your body's feedback. Over sessions, you internalise concepts like neutral pelvis through cues and mirrors.

How long until I grasp the full order?

Most clients notice patterns after three to five classes. The new client package lets you experience the sequence start to finish. Repetition in small groups accelerates anatomical insight.

Can beginners follow classical order?

Yes, modifications scale exercises to your level. Instructors regress movements, like knee bends in footwork, while teaching principles. Book via Glofox for morning or evening slots.

Does order change for apparatus focus?

The core order remains fixed, but sessions highlight specific machines. You still warm with mat principles. This consistency builds reliable body awareness across tools.

How does this differ from modern Pilates?

Classical order is unchanged from original teachings, emphasising full progression. Modern styles may mix exercises. At Arjan, you get pure sequence with anatomical depth.