Fortides Foundations
Welcome to the wonderful world of Pilates. Where strength meets grace. Focus meets flow.
Pilates isn’t just exercise — it’s a transformation. If you’re new to Pilates, you’re in the right place.
Adaptable to any fitness level, Reformer Pilates builds strength, flexibility, and balance, all while being gentle on your joints. Whether you're recovering from an injury, looking to improve posture, or just need an escape from the chaos of daily life, Pilates is your answer.
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Expertly tailored, Reformer Pilates classes for beginners
Is Reformer Pilates ok for beginners?
Form First & Support
Precision is key. Our instructors will guide you through each movement with a focus on alignment and control. The reformer machine helps maintain alignment and offers scalable resistance for better form.
Yes! Although Reformer Pilates may look intimidating at first — we promise it’s not, it is absolutely suited to beginners because the resistance on the machine can be modified to suit various experience levels and our instructors will always offer modifications to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wide range of audiences.
What to expect in your first Reformer Pilates class
The unknown can be intimidating but Pilates is designed to meet you where you are. Here’s what your first class will feel like…
Full-Body Engagement
Pilates is low-impact but deeply effective. Expect a smooth, guided workout that strengthens muscles without overstraining them. Every motion is intentional, every breath has purpose. You’ll feel centered, focused, and stronger.
Scalability & Challenge
Exercises can be adjusted to your ability level, making it accessible while allowing steady progress. Please let our instructors know of any prior injuries or conditions and we’ll tailor certain exercises to meet your needs.
Our beginner friendly class
Fortides Foundations
Fortides Foundations is our class offering that is specifically targeted towards Pilates beginners. We start every class with a run-through of the reformer machine and we move slowly through the movements, breaking it down step-by-step for you to ensure that you can build a strong Pilates foundation and mind-body connection.
You will find several Fortides Foundations Pilates classes in Toronto on our schedule every week.
Benefits of Pilates for beginners
Pilates has been around for years and is only gaining in popularity and that’s because of the fact that it’s an accessible, low-impact practice with many benefits.
Core Strength & Stability
Every move strengthens your deep core muscles, improving balance and reducing injury risk.
Flexibility & Mobility
No more stiffness. Pilates enhances range of motion without strain.
Perfect Your Posture
Say goodbye to slouching. A stronger core supports a naturally upright spine.
Stress Relief & Mental Clarity
Mindful movement meets deep breathing, helping you reset and recharge
I’d never tried reformer Pilates before Fortides and I can confirm I’m now a convert…The studio is beautiful, peaceful and great for a mix of a spiritual yet challenging workout! The instructors are very knowledgeable and make each class super fun! Great addition to Roncy.
- Shubha Kaushik, Toronto
Common movements
Every Pilates class is different — and intentionally so! We want to keep you on your toes and challenge various muscle groups. Plus, our Pilates reformer machines are so versatile that no two workouts will ever be the same. This helps build new neural pathways in the brain and build strength in the body.
With that being said, there are some Pilates movements and sequences that you can expect to see in most of our classes.
Time under tension
Reformer Pilates is all about maximizing time under tension to build strength and endurance. Whether our Pilates poses and flows target your legs, arms or other muscles groups — you will benefit from additional resistance from the springs system and slow, controlled movements which are encouraged throughout class.
Footwork on the bar
For beginners, Reformer Pilates routinely begins with footwork on the bar to establish a strong foundation for our practice. This series of Pilates starter exercises, performed lying on our backs with feet on the reformer's footbar, warms up the ankles, knees, and hips in a gravity-free environment.
By moving through various foot positions, we strengthen and stretch the muscles in our feet and legs, improving flexibility and balance. This initial focus on footwork also promotes body awareness, proper alignment, and mind-body connection, setting the stage for a more effective and injury-free workout.
Feet in straps
We end every class with our ‘Fortides Flow’ which is our feet in straps series - everybody’s favourite. This position, with feet elevated and supported, allows for decompression of the spine and increased range of motion in the hips and legs. It facilitates deeper core engagement as the body works to stabilize against the resistance of the straps and springs.
Trust us when we say it feels amazing and you’ll look forward to this sequence at the end of every class.
Studio best practices
Anything else I should know?
You’ll need grip socks, a water bottle and an open mind to get started. That’s all it takes to start feeling and seeing the Pilates difference.
Book your first class today - we can’t wait to see you in the studio soon.
