Downtown New Bern, North Carolina

Pilates at Transcendent

Mat and Reformer Pilates in New Bern.

Explore Mat and Reformer Pilates through intentional, low-impact movement that develops strength, stability, coordination, posture, and body awareness.

Participant practicing Pilates with feet in straps and instructor guidance

A shared foundation

Two ways to practice Pilates.

Mat and Reformer Pilates share an emphasis on breathing, alignment, and controlled movement. Mat classes use bodyweight, the floor, and small props; Reformer classes use spring-based equipment for resistance and assistance.

Core support and whole-body integration Precision without perfectionism Progress through control and consistency

Mat or Reformer?

Choose the environment that fits your starting point.

Both can be valuable. Your goals, familiarity, preferred level of equipment support, and current class availability can guide the choice.

Mat Pilates

Bodyweight, Floor Work, And Small Props.

Mat Pilates uses your relationship with gravity, the floor, and carefully chosen props to build control and whole-body strength.

Explore Mat Pilates
Reformer Pilates

Spring Resistance And Equipment Feedback.

The Reformer can offer resistance, assistance, and a wide range of positions through adjustable equipment.

Explore Reformer Pilates
Small Mat Pilates class with adults 50+ using mats and simple props, showing controlled core-focused movement and clear instructor observation

Mat Pilates

Build strength with the floor as your foundation.

Mat Pilates develops control through bodyweight movement and may incorporate bands, balls, rings, blocks, or other small props. The work can be adapted through position, range, tempo, and support.

Mat Pilates may suit you if you want to:

  • Build core strength and whole-body coordination.
  • Practice without specialized equipment.
  • Improve control, posture, and movement awareness.
  • Explore Pilates through Discover the Studio Experience pathway.

This practice is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care, physical therapy, or rehabilitation. If pain, injury, balance concerns, or a health condition may affect participation, consult an appropriate clinician and speak with your instructor or practitioner before participating.

Explore the Classes

Your Mat Pilates practice.

Explore each class below. Check the live schedule for dates, instructors, and availability. Specialty events are listed on our Workshops page.

Mat Pilates Class

Build core strength, improve posture, and move with confidence in this supportive, low-impact Mat Pilates class. Precise, breath-led exercises make it an inviting starting point for beginners.

Read More about Mat Pilates Class

Build strength from the inside out in this beginner-friendly, low-impact Mat Pilates class. Guided exercises emphasize breath, alignment, control, and core stability while strengthening the glutes and supporting muscles. Movements are precise and adaptable, helping you improve posture, coordination, and body awareness at a comfortable pace.

Level: Beginners welcome; no prior Pilates experience required.

Expect slow, precise movements with guidance on form, breathing, and comfortable alignment. Exercises strengthen the abdominals, glutes, and other stabilizing muscles while encouraging coordination and body awareness. Variations help you work at your own pace, whether you are new to Pilates or returning after a break.

You'll have opportunities to repeat fundamental patterns and notice improvements in control over time. A comfortable range of motion and clear technique matter more than how many repetitions you complete.

View Schedule & Book

Reformer Pilates

Use spring resistance for support, challenge, and feedback.

The Reformer includes a moving carriage, adjustable springs, straps, and a footbar. These elements can support movement, add resistance, and create clear sensory feedback for control and alignment.

Reformer Pilates may suit you if you want to:

  • Develop strength and stability with adjustable resistance.
  • Learn through equipment-based feedback.
  • Work in a smaller-capacity class environment.
  • Complete Reformer Orientation before regularly scheduled classes.
Adult 50+ participants using Reformers in a small class, with spring equipment visible and an instructor offering attentive guidance

This practice is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care, physical therapy, or rehabilitation. If pain, injury, balance concerns, or a health condition may affect participation, consult an appropriate clinician and speak with your instructor or practitioner before participating.

Explore the Classes

Find your Reformer class.

Explore each class below. Check the live schedule for dates, instructors, and availability. Specialty events are listed on our Workshops page.

All Levels Pilates Reformer Class

Strengthen your core, improve alignment, and move with greater confidence in this full-body Reformer Pilates class. Designed for all levels; Pilates Orientation is required before attending.

Read More about All Levels Pilates Reformer Class

Develop strength, stability, and body awareness in a full-body Reformer Pilates practice. Adjustable spring resistance supports exercises focused on alignment, core engagement, mobility, and coordination. Your instructor will guide equipment setup and offer variations so you can work at an appropriate level. Emphasize steady breathing and smooth, controlled movement.

Level: All levels. Prerequisite: Complete Pilates Orientation before attending. Bring: A Reformer mat and Pilates grip socks. Both are available for purchase; mats may also be rented.

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Sunrise Pilates Reformer

Wake up your body with a balanced Reformer Pilates workout that develops core strength, alignment, and mobility. All levels are welcome after completing the required Pilates Orientation.

Read More about Sunrise Pilates Reformer

Begin your morning with a full-body Reformer Pilates practice focused on alignment, core stability, and strength. Move through foundational exercises and variations using adjustable spring resistance, with guidance to help you maintain steady breathing and deliberate transitions. Choose a comfortable level of challenge as you build coordination and body awareness.

Level: All levels. Prerequisite: Complete Pilates Orientation before attending. Bring: A Reformer mat and Pilates grip socks. Both are available for purchase; mats may also be rented.

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Brolates

Brolates is an all-levels Reformer Pilates class for men, combining controlled strength work, flexibility, and balance. Build confidence and move better at your own pace, whether you're new to Pilates or experienced.

Read More about Brolates

Brolates is an all-levels Reformer Pilates class designed for men, with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and balance. Using the Pilates Reformer, you'll move through controlled exercises that challenge your core, support full-body strength, and encourage greater mobility and stability. Whether you're new to Pilates or have practiced before, the class offers a welcoming setting to build confidence and progress at your own pace.

Level: All levels.

Expect a balanced workout that brings attention to alignment, breathing, and deliberate movement. Reformer resistance helps you strengthen your legs, arms, and core while exploring comfortable ranges of motion. Exercises can be adapted to different experience levels, so you can focus on technique and gradually build strength, coordination, and flexibility. The class is designed to be approachable without sacrificing the opportunity for a satisfying challenge. Come ready to move and learn.

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Advanced Reformer Pilates

Deepen your Reformer practice with challenging exercises, precise transitions, and coordination work. For experienced participants ready to build on established technique and control.

Read More about Advanced Reformer Pilates

Build on your Reformer foundations with more demanding exercises, transitions, and coordination challenges. This class emphasizes controlled movement, alignment, strength, and precision as you explore more complex patterns and refine your technique.

Level: Advanced; for experienced Reformer Pilates participants.

You should be familiar with the equipment, foundational exercises, and spring changes, and comfortable following equipment cues and managing transitions. Contact the studio before booking to confirm the experience requirements and whether this class is appropriate for your current practice.

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A simple decision guide

Start with the distinction that matters most.

ConsiderationMat PilatesReformer Pilates
Environment

Mat, floor, and small props

Specialized spring-based equipment

First-visit path

Discover the Studio Experience

Discover the Reformer Experience

Experience

Mat Pilates welcomes beginners; no previous experience is required.

Orientation is required for All Levels and Sunrise classes. Confirm other class prerequisites before booking.

Primary feedback

Gravity, floor, and bodyweight

Springs, carriage, straps, and apparatus

Booking capacity

Studio-class capacity

Smaller equipment-limited capacity

Your First Visit

Arrive ready to learn.

  • Arrive about 10 minutes early and tell your instructor you are new.
  • Wear comfortable workout clothing and bring water.
  • For Reformer classes, a Reformer mat and grippy Pilates socks are required. Discover the Reformer Experience includes their use for its three classes.
  • Follow instructor guidance for equipment setup and transitions. Ask questions, choose appropriate variations, and rest when needed.

Pilates questions

Choose with clarity rather than assumptions.

Is Reformer Pilates better than Mat Pilates?

No. They provide different forms of challenge, support, and feedback. The stronger choice is the one that fits your goals, experience, and preferred learning environment.

Do I need orientation before Reformer classes?

Yes. All Levels and Sunrise Reformer classes require Reformer Orientation. Discover the Reformer Experience includes one orientation class and two regularly scheduled All Levels Reformer classes. Ask us about prerequisites for Brolates or readiness for Advanced Reformer.

Do I need a strong core before starting?

No. Pilates is a way to develop strength and control. Choose an appropriate entry pathway and use the guidance and options provided.

Can I use Discover the Studio Experience for Reformer classes?

No. Mat Pilates follows Discover the Studio Experience pathway; Reformer Pilates uses the separate Discover the Reformer Experience because of its equipment and class capacity.

What should I take if I have never tried Pilates?

Choose Discover the Studio Experience for Mat Pilates or Discover the Reformer Experience for Reformer. If you are unsure which environment fits, use Help Me Choose or call/text us.

Still comparing?

We can help you choose between Mat and Reformer.