Building Your First Multi-Apparatus Sequence in Small Arjan Classes
Written by Sajida, Pilates Instructor, Pilates Academy Arjan
Pilates Academy Arjan offers full classical apparatus in a dedicated studio at Building 88, Shop 05, Al Barsha South Third. Unlike reformer-only studios nearby, you access all equipment in small groups. Opening hours run from 7 AM to 10 PM Monday to Friday and 9 AM to 5 PM weekends. New clients start with three classes for AED 300 including 5% VAT, booked via Glofox.
What is a multi-apparatus sequence?
A multi-apparatus sequence combines exercises across mat, reformer, Cadillac, chair and fuse ladder in one session. You begin with breath and alignment on the mat, then move to spring-loaded equipment for resistance and support. This builds full body awareness progressively. In a class, you feel the mat's direct feedback on your spine and core before the apparatus provides guided resistance.
In small Arjan classes, instructors tailor the sequence to your level. They demonstrate transitions, such as from mat to apparatus, ensuring smooth flow. You see others moving nearby, which helps you gauge pace. Focus on control rather than speed. Instructors cue you to feel the muscles lengthening and contracting, like engaging the deep abdominals during each shift.
This structure mirrors classical Pilates order, starting simple and layering complexity. You end with a sense of integration across your whole body.
How do you prepare for your first sequence?
Arrive 10 minutes early to settle in. Wear fitted clothing and grippy socks. Hydrate beforehand but avoid heavy meals. Review basic breath: inhale to prepare, exhale to engage core. At the studio, you find a calm space with mats laid out and apparatus ready, springs adjusted.
Ready to try? Call the Arjan studio on +971 56 216 8166 or message us on WhatsApp.
Follow studio etiquette by wiping equipment after use. Mentally note your neutral pelvis: imagine a bowl of water balanced on your hip bones, neither spilling forward nor back. This preparation helps you enter the sequence centred. Instructors greet you and assess your starting posture briefly.
Bring a small towel for sweat and water bottle. The small group size means you settle quickly without rush.
Where do you start in the sequence?
Matwork foundation
Begin supine on the mat with pelvic curls. Imprint your spine by tilting pelvis neutral. Progress to roll up technique for spinal articulation. Use breath to initiate movement from abdomen. You feel the mat pressing into your back as you curl, segmenting each vertebra.
Breath and alignment check
Inhale expands ribs sideways, exhale draws navel to spine. Maintain shoulder blades down. This prepares you for apparatus work. Instructors walk around the small group, placing hands lightly on your shoulders to guide relaxation.
Classes cap at five, so instructors correct your form early. You notice how proper alignment creates length in your neck and stability in your pelvis, setting a strong base for transitions.
Single leg stretches follow, circling one knee to chest while extending the other leg low. This wakes the core evenly.
What reformer exercises follow matwork?
Move to reformer footwork: heels on bar, toes flexed. Press carriage out with control, knees soft. This activates legs and core connection. You feel the springs resist and assist, teaching even pressure through both feet.
Advance to hundred prep: pump arms while curling head up. Keep ribs knit. For hip work, try side splits technique later in progression. Instructors cue "print your arms into the bed" to stabilise shoulders. The carriage's smooth glide helps you sense imbalances side to side.
Instructors adjust springs for your strength, typically one red for beginners. Short spine prep follows, rolling through spine with knees to chest. You see the reformer's frame supporting your curve, building trust in the equipment. Small classes let you ask for a demo repeat if needed.
How does chair fit into the sequence?
Footwork on chair
Sit on chair pedal, hands on sides. Press pedal down with feet flexed. Return slowly. Builds pedal stability. See chair footwork for beginners. The chair's compact size makes you feel the direct power from your centre, pedal firm underfoot.
Teaser prep
From seated, roll back slightly, lift one leg. Alternate sides. Engages abdominals deeply. Instructors remind you to hinge at hips, keeping chest open.
Chair develops power in small spaces, ideal for Arjan's setup. You progress to push downs, standing and pressing pedal with hands, feeling scapulae glide. Transitions from chair feel quick in the flow, with others nearby on similar cues. Grip the sides firmly for balance.
What role does fuse ladder play?
Fuse ladder adds vertical challenge. Start with knee stretches facing ladder. Hands grip rungs, knees on pad. Extend knees to plank, return controlled. The ladder's rungs give precise handholds, helping you square hips.
Progress to arm pulls: seated, pull straps towards chest. Shoulders stay stable. Integrates with sequence for upper body. You feel pull through lats, core bracing to prevent arching.
Small classes allow monitoring of your balance on this apparatus. Instructors cue "grow tall through crown" as you extend. Side stretches follow, one hand high on ladder, stretching laterally. This builds endurance after reformer's horizontal work, varying plane for fuller awareness.
How does Cadillac complete the sequence?
End with Cadillac roll back: sit tall, hands on roll bar. Roll down vertebra by vertebra, return via C-curve. Strengthens control. Details in Cadillac roll back progression. The tower's height encourages upright posture.
Finish with leg springs supine: straps on feet, legs circle small. Promotes hip stability. You sense the springs pulling evenly, refining turnout from hips.
This caps the session, leaving you centred. Instructors offer final alignment notes as you rest in child's pose on mat. The full circuit integrates everything learned.
Common questions
How long is a typical multi-apparatus class?
Classes last 60 to 90 minutes, fitting morning or evening schedules. You cover 20 to 30 exercises across apparatus. Pace allows rest between transitions. Book via Glofox to secure your spot in groups of five. Time includes warm up, main sequence and cool down.
Do I need prior experience?
No, beginners start with the three-class package. Instructors modify for your level. Build familiarity over sessions. Focus on form over intensity. They scale exercises, like keeping feet down in roll back.
What should I bring?
Bring water, towel and mat if preferred, though provided. Wear breathable clothes. Grippy socks recommended for apparatus. Arrive ready to move. Leave jewellery at home for safety on springs.
How often should you practise sequences?
Aim for two to three classes weekly. Combine with home matwork. Consistency builds the connections taught. Track progress in your journal. Rest days allow recovery between sessions.
Can I book from Dubai Hills or Motor City?
Yes, the studio serves Arjan, Dubai Hills, Motor City and more. Check morning flows for Motor City. Easy access via main roads. Parking available nearby.
