Pilates as a Symphony: Why Transitions Matter in Pilates (and in Life)
Westwood Pilates
Jay Grimes used to say that a Pilates workout—especially on the Mat and Reformer, since both follow an order—should feel like a symphony. There’s rhythm, pace, ups and downs, quiet moments, and strong ones, but everything is connected. When practiced this way, your workout becomes more than just a series of exercises—it turns into an experience that will get your heart rate up and leave you feeling energized.
The truth is, the heart of a powerful Pilates practice isn’t just in the individual exercises—it’s in the flow that connects them. That flow comes from the transitions. Transitions keep the rhythm alive, maintain energy, and tie everything together into one seamless workout.
We already know that the Reformer and the Mat are at the core of the Pilates method. But here’s the question: are you really experiencing everything they have to offer?
Learning the order of the exercises is only step one. The transitions are what tie them together; they are like bridges that take you from one movement to the next, making the whole workout feel purposeful and alive.
I hear it all the time:
“I’m not sure what comes next.”
“I get lost with the springs or the bar.”
“By the time I finish the reformer, my hour is gone and I don’t have time for anything else!”
Sound familiar? That’s where transitions make the difference. They’re not about rushing— they’re about moving with intention, turning every adjustment, every setup, and every shift of the body into part of the work itself.
When you start to master transitions, everything clicks into place. The order makes sense. Each exercise naturally leads into the next. And instead of piecing things together, you feel the full power of the system as one continuous practice.
So, I invite you to join me on Saturday, October 18, 2025 for my workshop “From One to the Next: Mastering Pilates Transitions” and experience how transitions can transform your Pilates practice. Together, we’ll unlock the flow that makes Pilates feel like the symphony it was meant to be.