Reformer Pilates Class

My first Reformer Pilates class – what to expect

Posted May 10th, 2022

Our new Reformer Pilates studio opens this month, so we invited some seasoned exercisers, new to reformer pilates, to try it out! Emma Moreton shares her workout experience giving an insight into what you can expect from your first class and all the great benefits of reformer.

Emma’s first class experience

Recently, I had the opportunity to try a Reformer Pilates class in the brand-new Reformer Room at The Thames Club in Staines. I am a regular at Hot Yoga Club and ambient Pilates, but this was my first time using the reformer bed. I must admit I was a little apprehensive but also curious and excited, especially regarding how it could support my running and race training.

The new studio is gorgeously light and fresh with five reformers, plus a mirrored wall to aid posture and alignment. Like many newbies, I had a few reservations. What if the contraption had a mind of its own, stretching me way beyond my capability (and dignity)? Would I get pinched by the springs, catapulted by the straps, or struggle to keep up?! Fortunately, instructor Olivia was very patient and knowledgeable, talking us through every exercise and ensuring we felt the impact in the right places… and reminding us to breathe. The reformer was simple to manoeuvre, and I’m pleased to report my limbs and leggings are still intact.

A whistle-stop tour of the reformer

Reformer Pilates offers unique benefits and challenges. The carriage – the platform that moves – is comfortable and glides smoothly. It can only move so far, so I needn’t have worried about sliding into an uncompromising position. There are shoulder pads to keep you gently in place, a padded footbar and a head rest with three settings for neck support (I can see why it’s called a bed!). Under Olivia’s guidance, we used combinations of five coloured springs to set a suitable resistance. The various parts of the reformer are adaptable to fit different body shapes and heights, making it inclusive for all participants.

Reformer Pilates bed

And pulse…

Just like mat Pilates, the exercises are low impact (and often quite small, controlled movements) that REALLY work your core, as well as the area you’re targeting. I could feel my body working hard to stabilise and balance, as well as trying to overcome the resistance. It wasn’t long before we started to sweat!

Using a Pilates ring (‘magic circle’), we completed reps of inner thigh squeezes in bridge position with our feet grounded on the footbar. I really felt the impact the next day, as well as at the time! This is one of the great things about the reformer – so many muscles are recruited in one session, and you can hone in on specific areas.

The bungee straps came into play to add resistance during overarm extensions. They can also be looped around your feet, adding resistance to challenge your quads, glutes and hamstrings, while your core counterbalances the carriage moving back and forth. The straps are kept securely out of the way when not in use.

Many exercises were performed in supine position, but we also did plank and supported side plank using a raised box which sits on the carriage. Gliding from downward dog to plank sets your core on fire, but if you’re not feeling the burn are you even doing Pilates?!

All-over body benefits

Providing a full body workout, I imagine every class would be varied and therefore engaging, because there are so many ways to use the reformer and adapt for individuals. The teacher has time to give all participants 1:1 attention; Olivia was so encouraging and gently adjusted me if I was not quite in the correct position. Apart from the obvious strength and mobility benefits, I could also see how my balance and posture would improve through regular practice. Us runners often neglect to stretch and strengthen properly, however I felt that Reformer Pilates would be an amazing cross-training exercise and help prevent injury.

Reformer Pilates may sound complicated or even daunting, but it honestly isn’t. Come and see for yourself how it all glides into place – I’m looking forward to my next class when the studio opens its door on the 18th May (for existing Thames Club & Hot Yoga Club members and 30th May to the public).