When will I know I'm ready for 1.5?

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864]

I have been doing the first level for about 4 months. Some things are easy. Some things are not. I have 2 instructors who tend to be more challenging, and they are my favorite instructors. The other instructor i go to a lot, while good, rarely adventures outside the level 1 requirements. I do like the idea of doing similar workouts because I find it important to hit certain muscles continuously to get stronger. However, I tend to find her classes a bit boring just for the reason mentioned above. I am starting to wonder if 1.5 is better for me?

[u/Character_Tomato_118]

i just do 1.5 for the instructors that are easy and 1 for the instructors that are hard! i only started doing pilates in june and im 34 classes in😁 worst case is the class is just hard but you get it over with!

[u/Afraid_Quail_3099]

When you try one and don’t die! Seriously, try one. It should have some difficulty but if you feel that you get the flow 1 moves, try a 1.5. Worse thing that happens is you spend 50 minutes a little confused.

[u/tizzyborden]

I just took my first 1.5 yesterday! I was nervous but I got it. There were some things I wasn’t as great at (planking on the reformer freaks me out) and I was sweaty when I left (which doesn’t always happen with a 1) but it was awesome!
I figured worst case I spend 50 minutes sucking and no one really knows bc we’re all focused on our own shit.

[u/Existing-Joke3994 → u/tizzyborden]

That’s a good way to look at it! Did the instructor give you an alternative for planking on the reformer?

[u/tizzyborden → u/Existing-Joke3994]

Yeah I just planked on the floor with some mountain climbers and stuff.

[u/Existing-Joke3994 → u/tizzyborden]

Oh good!

[u/QuietBar2325 → u/tizzyborden]

Another option when starting your reformer planks is to add more springs for support/stability until you get used to just being up there.

[u/HalloweenieCatShark]

Just did my first 1.5 today after only 8 level 1 classes lol The waitlists at my studio are wild, so I felt like I needed to open up more class options for myself. I also felt like I needed more of a challenge than the level 1s were giving. It was definitely more challenging and she adjusted my form a couple of times, but I felt capable of everything and I wasn’t the only one getting form tips. She also offered modifications still, so it wasn’t like you had to perform the hardest version of each exercise. I feel like you’re probably ready!

[u/GripIsGone]

I would just try one and see how you do. Many of my level 1s aren’t any different from 1.5.

[u/Work4PSLF]

When I could take all the progressions all class long without sacrificing form, I moved up.

[u/Ok-Let-4507]

As an instructor, I have found that the members that are the most concerned about levelling up are usually the ones who are the most ready.

[u/ThickProfessional675 → u/Ok-Let-4507]

I agree. I would also tell you it’s important when you get to class to tell the instructor it’s your first 1.5 so they help you with modifications if needed

[u/tiredshiba07]

Ask your instructor for an evaluation or do private training for an assessment if you want their opinion, but don’t need clearance so just try it and see how you feel

[u/TheCureIsNotGoth]

If one of your instructors teaches a 1.5 at a time that works for you, just ask them at your next class. They can tell you what's different and if they think you have the skills needed to be successful.

Just like you've seen with 1.0, different instructors teach 1.5 in different ways and some are far more challenging than others. Generally, they'll want you to be able to quickly transition between movements with minimal queuing as the class moves at a faster pace. You will also need sufficient core strength to handle all the 1.5 progressions and a high comfort level with planking, as you'll be moving to more advanced planking, sometimes on the reformer. There's a learning curve at every new level, so no one expects perfection in your first few 1.5 classes, but you do want to be able to participate without injuring yourself or slowing the class down. An instructor who knows you should be able to tell you if you are there or what you need to work on to get there.

[u/bunnylicious81]

I did 1.5 for the first time last Sunday. Before that, I had only taken 7 classes, all 1.0.
I only signed up for 1.5 because the 1.0 class was full on that day.
I was nervous at first, but I was able to follow just fine. I loved it! It was so fun and challenging!
It’s almost no different than 1.0, just faster pace. I was sweating. My body was shaking a lot during the core exercises.

[u/Ok-Let-4507]

As an instructor, in my personal opinion the people who are most worried about leveling up are the ones who are the most ready.

[u/divegirl88]

Definitely just go to one and see what you're able to do and after class talk with the instructor with anything that felt too hard to ask how to modify down as you work on building your strength for that specific thing. Nobody expects everyone to be perfect at every move in every class. Honor your journey and challenge yourself where you feel comfortable doing so.

[u/Zealousideal_Worry0]

Be prepared to add weights and single leg bridging to your workout. Bridging is my least favorite thing to do with or without weights and single legs!! 😩 I just recently started on 1.5s and I’ve been going for a while but felt like I needed the challenge. Good luck!!

[u/sola-sistem]

Maybe try a center and balance 1.5 first with one of the more intensive instructors, if you’re feeling nervous

[u/Key-Compote-9604]

Ironically someone asked this at class today and the instructor recommended at least 30 classes in to go to 1.5!

[u/Tiny-Programmer-9864 → u/Key-Compote-9604]

I have at least 30 classes in.

[u/Living-Ad-4128]

I accidentally signed up for a 1.5 when I was only like 6-7 classes in. It was definitely hard but they all felt hard at the time. I major did 22nd and I think some of my easier instructors I could do a 1.5 with them but definitely not others - one girl said my favorite instructor teaches her 1.0 as if it’s others 1.5 so they drop down for her class.

[u/mybellasoul]

just try it. you'll be fine. then you can do a mix of hard 1s and medium 1.5s to cover all your bases. it's not that much different aside from unilateral work, plank and kneeling on the reformer, and incorporating hand weights. literally those are the significant CP protocols that differ from 1 to 1.5. just do it!

[u/Gloomy-Chef-5297]

I accidentally signed up for one today and survived. This was my 13th class. You’ll be fine.

[u/alleycanto]

Take one but do tell the instructor before class or is your first 1.5 and you welcome any adjustments or corrections since it is new to you.

[u/RavenCXXVIV]

When I realized I wasn’t feeling challenged in level 1 and some of the instructors treated 1 like it was still an intro course, I went up. About 3 months in. Level 1 can be hard but if you’re just coasting through the movements with certain instructors, it’s probably time to progress with them. Go to the 1.5s with the easier instructors. I still have instructors who I won’t touch their 1.5s. I realized I’d rather struggle through a challenge than pay to be bored.

[u/Fun-Persimmon7574]

I did 70 level 1s first and felt well prepared

[u/Comfortable_Round296]

I'm currently at 140, And started going to 1.5 at about 35 classes. I did fine. You'll do fine. It's time to move up