Your First Reformer Pilates Class: What to Expect

You've booked your first Reformer Pilates class.

Then you look at a picture of the equipment and think...

What on earth am I supposed to do with that?!

Don't worry. Almost everyone who uses a Reformer was once a complete beginner.

Here's what you can expect from your first class.

What actually is a Pilates Reformer?

A Reformer might look slightly intimidating at first, but it's an incredibly versatile piece of Pilates equipment.

It has a moving carriage, springs, straps and a footbar that we use in different combinations throughout your session.

The springs provide varying levels of resistance and support depending on the exercise.

You might exercise lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing — so expect plenty of variety.

Do I need to know how to use it beforehand?

Absolutely not.

If you're attending an appropriate beginner session, your instructor will explain the equipment and exercises to you.

Nobody expects you to arrive knowing the terminology or how to adjust a Reformer.

Learning how to use the equipment is part of learning Reformer Pilates.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable exercise clothing that allows you to move freely.

Leggings, jogging bottoms or fitted exercise trousers with a comfortable top work well.

You don't need expensive Pilates clothes or a matching outfit!

Is Reformer Pilates really difficult?

It can be challenging — but that doesn't mean it has to be advanced.

One of the brilliant things about the Reformer is its adaptability.

The springs can provide resistance to make an exercise more challenging, but they can also provide support.

Exercises can therefore be adjusted to suit different levels of experience.

What if I'm not very fit or flexible?

You don't need to be.

People often come to Pilates because they want to become stronger, more mobile and more confident in their movement.

You don't need to achieve those things before you're allowed to start!

What if I have an injury?

Let us know before your class.

At Paragon Pilates, we want to know about relevant injuries, medical conditions and concerns so we can make appropriate adaptations.

Depending on your circumstances, we may recommend beginning with a private session before moving into a group environment.

Will everyone else know what they're doing?

Some people might. Others may be just as new as you.

Either way, you don't need to worry about keeping up with the person next to you.

Our Reformer classes are kept small specifically so that our instructors can give clients more individual attention and provide corrections where needed.

What will I feel afterwards?

You may become aware of muscles you didn't realise you'd been using!

But a good first Pilates experience shouldn't be about completely exhausting yourself.

You're learning a new way of moving, and technique and control are important.

Give yourself time to become familiar with the exercises and equipment.

Ready to give it a try?

Trying something new can feel intimidating, but once you've completed that first class, the Reformer suddenly becomes much less mysterious.

At Paragon Pilates in Chelford, our small-group Reformer classes are designed to provide plenty of guidance and individual attention.

If you're completely new, get in touch and we'll help you choose the best way to begin your Reformer Pilates journey.