If you find yourself in that spot where you find beginner (mat) classes too basic, and intermediate classes a little too challenging, we have some suggestions to help you bridge the gap. You should always feel challenged but challenge doesn’t have to mean feeling uncomfortable. It has more to do with delving deeper into the work, gaining more control and achieving a better quality of the movements.

Keep in mind, level is not an indication in and of itself of your grasp of Pilates. The way you do the work, and your ability to assimilate it into your everyday life is.

Pilates is a lifelong practice of better understanding our bodies and being aware of your alignment, posture and movement habits as you grow in your practice. You can derive just as much value—and challenge—from a fundamental class as you can from an advanced class. It is human nature to want to be challenged, so if you are feeling stuck in the middle try focusing on your movement and control.

And remember that your ability to do the work safely and not harm yourself should always come first!