Reformer Pilates classes are challenging but rewarding, working muscles that you may not know you have to create a leaner and more toned body. While the workout can be challenging, it is also low impact and helps to improve balance, flexibility, coordination, and posture while strengthening key muscle groups that support the body’s natural alignment. The most common reformer equipment is a flat platform that rolls back and forth on a frame, adjustable springs, rope pulleys, a foot bar, standing platform, shoulder rests, and a headrest.
A good Pilates teacher will help you understand the proper form to ensure your body is getting the most out of each exercise and to avoid injury or discomfort. Beginners often benefit from starting with a private lesson before joining group classes to learn the basics and get familiar with equipment and the instructor’s style.
Regardless of your experience level, a studio like Club Pilates has multiple options to meet your needs and fitness goals. From beginner-focused Foundation classes to mastery levels that challenge precision, coordination, and strength, there is a class for everyone.
Many people who have never taken a reformer class are surprised by the intensity of the workout, but that is what makes it so effective. The instability of the machine forces you to recruit your core stabilizers, making even the simplest movements more challenging than they would be on solid ground.
Because the Pilates reformer is so versatile, exercises can be adapted for different levels of fitness. Beginners will often start with a foundation-level reformer class to learn basic techniques and adjust their exercise level as they grow comfortable with the equipment. A beginner can modify movements by performing them on their knees versus on the standing platform, using a smaller range of motion when moving from one position to another (think small pelvic tilts versus full bridges), or by skipping exercises that are too challenging.
Those who have been injured, have neck or back pain, are pregnant, or have other physical limitations can still benefit from the reformer workout, but may require modifications to their exercises by a trained Pilates instructor. Many doctors and physical therapists recommend the Pilates reformer because it can help strengthen muscles that have been compromised by injury or pregnancy.
If you are interested in taking a reformer Pilates class, it is best to find a studio that has certified teachers with years of experience and training in both mat and equipment. Teachers should be able to speak with you about their background, philosophy, and experience and some will even let you watch a class before you decide to sign up. To become a certified Pilates instructor, you will need to first get Pilates matwork qualified and then take additional reformer training. Getting this certification is not only beneficial to you as a student, but it is a requirement for many studios that offer reformer Pilates classes.