I have been doing pilates for almost half a year and have talked about it with my bff since 3 months prior to me even starting, I started doing classes alone almost a year ago and all the while my friend was saying she wanted to do it too and was excited to join, If my memory serves me right, her financial situation was keeping her from starting when I did. I am now taking level 2 classes, but since the start of 2026 my friend has started at level 1 and together we take these beginner classes and it’s nice to go together. My problem is, I want to start taking harder classes again, so that once a week I go with my friend and once a week I go alone as I am scared I will lose my progress and also because I enjoy struggling through the harder classes. How am I meant to approach me cutting down to one class a week with my bff, and WIBTA if I started doing one class a week alone of the harder level, and one class a week with her at an easier level? TIA
NAH
Just explain to her exactly as you did in this post. Not a problem at all. Now, she would be the AH if she threw a fit, but it sounds like you want to do one hard level class a week, and one class with her a week.
Just bring it up to her that the classes you’re taking together aren’t feeling as challenging anymore and that you’re considering doing the level up. See how she feels about it. Ultimately you need to do what is best for you.
NAH this really shouldn’t be an issue. Just tell her you really want to start doing the level 2 classes (I wouldn’t even continue the level 1 class if it’s not doing much for you) .. why don’t you ask her if she’d like to try the level 2 with you? Maybe she’ll love it as well and you can both jump up to level 2, 2 times a week! The whole point is challenge yourself and get stronger, right? She might be up for the challenge!
NTA You’re doing a beginner class once a week in order to share that with her. Making your other class more advanced is perfectly fair. And once she’s progressed a little more, she could join you in the advanced class. Just remember, if she ends up dropping her second beginner class because she doesn’t want to go alone, that’s neither your fault, nor your responsibility. I think you found a nice balance between supporting her exercise goals in the beginner class and pursuing your own goals in the advanced class.
YWNBTA- Just be straightforward with your friend. You enjoy taking classes with her, but you want to also continue at the harder level classes that you worked toward. If she gets upset at that, that’s her problem. You going back to level 2 classes may incentivize her to want to try them as well
This is a very reasonable request, just let her know in advance. Level one classes are so good for reinforcing good form, your level 2 practice will benefit. NTA
Are you going to a studio that forces you to graduate levels? Many studios in LA the teacher is able to teach beginners and advanced in the same room. Maybe try to find one of these in your area?
I think it shows you’re a good friend for being willing to take a class with her. She would be unreasonable to demand that you only take pilates classes with her. NTA
NTA. Just tell her. You’ve progressed, it’s a good thing
NAH but at 80 will you remember going with your friend or staying 5 weeks ahead in progress? If you go together she will progress too right? Then you can both go up a class? Maybe I’m too soft but I think friendship always comes first if it’s not causing harm.