New to Gym at Waves, or just never quite sure which class to book? Here’s a straightforward guide to how our Gym classes are structured, what each level means, who each class is for, and how to pick the right one for you.
Our Gym runs on the same principle as our Pilates studio: small groups, individual attention, and instructors trained to work with a wide range of bodies and conditions, not just general fitness levels. Our Gym team, led by our Clinical Exercise Physiologists, physiotherapists and personal trainers, brings that same clinically informed approach to every session, whether or not you have a specific health condition.
Unlike Pilates, which has three general styles (Focus, Flow, Power), Gym currently runs two: Focus Gym and Dynamic Gym. It’s a simpler structure, but the same underlying idea applies: one style prioritises precision, the other prioritises intensity.
Both Focus Gym and Dynamic Gym run at Beginner and Intermediate level. The level tells you how challenging the session is; the style tells you the kind of challenge, precision (Focus) or intensity (Dynamic). Focus Gym is a great entry point for everyone, and continues to be a great option at Intermediate for anyone who prefers a more controlled style. Dynamic Gym is there whenever you’re ready for more intensity, at either level.
In practice, most people start in Beginner Focus Gym, build technique and confidence with the core movement patterns, and then progress in two directions: moving up a level (Beginner → Intermediate), and/or moving across into Dynamic Gym once they’re ready for more intensity, independent of level. Staying with Focus at Intermediate is a perfectly good choice too, if that’s the style you prefer.
If you’re after more specialised, discipline-specific training once you’re training consistently, Level Up Gym runs in 6-week rotations covering things like powerlifting, olympic weightlifting, gymnastics/calisthenics, interval & power training and bodybuilding, a good next step for intermediate clients who want to go deeper into a particular discipline. See the diagram below for how it all fits together.
Alongside the general classes, we run a set of Specific classes, built around a particular life stage, condition or goal rather than a general fitness level:
If any of the above applies to you, these classes are worth prioritising over general ones, they’re led by professionals trained specifically for that population.
That’s completely normal, and honestly the most common question we get. If you have no injuries and want to try a general class, you can simply book in, start with a Beginner Focus Gym class if you’re unsure. If you have an injury, a health condition, or you’re just not sure which level suits you, we recommend combining two things: a free discovery call to talk through your goals and get a first steer, and an intake session so your programme is properly assessed and built around you from day one, this is how every Clinical Gym journey at Waves begins.
Our Pilates classes follow a similar logic but aren’t identical, read “Waves Pilates Classes, Explained“ to see how the two connect.
