Reformer Pilates: What to expect from your first class

If you're looking for a great way to get fit and healthy, reformer Pilates is definitely worth considering. When you're a beginner it can be hard to know where to start and can be overwhelming trying to figure out which reformer Pilates class type is right for you. In this blog post, we’re diving into what you can expect from your first reformer Pilates class, and equipping you with the knowledge to help you feel confident when you take up the reformer machine for the very first time. Read on to find out how reformer Pilates can transform your mind, your body… and dare we say it, your life!

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is a little different to mat Pilates, as you’re working with the Pilates equipment, which provides support and stability, allowing you to focus on your form and technique. This makes reformer Pilates a great low-impact form of exercise for all ages and fitness levels, as it supports and strengthens your muscles and joints through gentle movement. 


The Pilates equipment, called the reformer, consists of a gliding platform that helps in working out the whole body, along with a pulley system and resistance springs attached to it. We know that can sound a little scary, if you’re an absolute newbie to reformer – but don’t worry, we’ll get into more details about all that it entails later on in this post.


Through each sequence of reformer Pilates exercises, the resistance provided by the equipment helps tone muscles, strengthen your core (hello, abs!), increase flexibility, improve posture and provide a great full-body sculpting session. Our reformer Pilates classes will have you working up a sweat in a series of fun, yet challenging workouts that target the entire body.


Now you might be wondering if reformer Pilates is suitable for beginners? And here at The Body Method we say a big YES to that! The reformer can be adjusted to accommodate your fitness level and our instructors will always be there to guide you through the movements, provide you with alternatives if you have specific injuries and options of intensity levels, according to your reformer experience. If you’re looking for a reformer Pilates group class for beginners, we suggest starting with our Stretch, Roll & Release classes. Here you’ll learn the basics, at a slower pace, and leave feeling on cloud nine as you stretch, roll and release the tension from your body.


If you’re recovering from an injury, returning to workouts after having a baby, or feel like you need a little more confidence in using the machine before tackling a group class, you may wish to book in for a semi-private or private class. This allows our instructors to give you more 1:1 attention and individual guidance on each of the movements. Once you have mastered the basics, you’ll feel you can move on to more advanced reformer exercises. 


Benefits of reformer Pilates

You’ve heard the buzz. Your bestie’s just started Pilates and is raving how great she feels. But you might be wondering ‘what really are the benefits of reformer Pilates?’.


When it comes to getting started, everyone’s goals for what they want to achieve are usually different. Some are aiming for more flexibility. Some for weight loss and body sculpting, and some for strength. Whilst some just crave their bi-weekly hit of endorphins, stress-relief and some much-needed ‘me-time’. 


No matter why you come to Pilates, the great thing is you’ll likely benefit from all of these if you stick with it! As you progress from beginner to Pilates-pro, you’ll also likely notice some other added benefits, such as improved coordination, balance and even focus. 


But the benefits aren’t just all about the great Pilates-bod you’re working towards. Pilates is a great way to get both your mind and your body in shape. Not only does it help to tone your muscles, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental health. 

One of the main benefits of reformer Pilates is that it helps to release endorphins. These chemicals are known for their ability to boost mood and relieve pain. Additionally, reformer Pilates can help to reduce anxiety and depression as well as help with memory and brain-training. All whilst reducing your stress levels. Yes, please! As a result, reformer Pilates can be a great way to improve your overall mental wellbeing.


What to know for your first class

Can we just say, it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about your very first reformer Pilates class. So we’ve covered off all the need-to-know info to help you feel confident walking in.


Booking & Arriving

Joining us for your very first class is super simple – scroll on down to grab your first group reformer Pilates class for just $20. We’ll then email you how to book your spot online. If you’re feeling like you’ll need some extra motivation to make it happen, rope in a friend or two to join you there!


Make sure you arrive 5-10 minutes early, as our studio doors close promptly at the start of class. You can always check who your teacher is in our online app, or on your booking confirmation. Take a peek at our Meet the Team page, so you’ll know what your instructor looks like.


What to Bring & What to Wear:

We run our Pilates classes barefoot or grip socks, so you’ll leave your shoes at the door (along with your phone on silent, for ultimate peace in class!). To ensure you’re comfy throughout your class, we suggest wearing your favourite stretchy workout gear and bring along a water bottle to keep hydrated. You’ll likely find that you want to whip your hair up, so it’s not in the way as you power through your Pilates moves. We also tend to avoid tie-back tops, as laying on the platform can get mighty-uncomfortable with a big knot in your back.


Other than that, make sure you’re in something that makes you feel comfortable, so you can focus on being in the moment, and not worrying about pulling up your tights every 30 seconds.

The Reformer Pilates Machine:

Now that you’re ready to jump into your first Pilates class, let’s get up to speed on some of the words you might hear from your instructor, so you know exactly what they’re talking about. Here’s some of the parts of the reformer you’ll likely be using:

Foot bar & Platform: The foot bar is located on one end of the reformer, and allows you to place your foot on a stationary area as you move the platform in and out, either whilst standing on the platform, or lying on your back or side.

Springs: The springs are located at the foot bar end of the reformer, and provide different levels of resistance for each sequence. Your instructor will always tell you which springs to use, and how many to hook up to your reformer – so that you’re working on the right resistance level.

Straps, Shoulder Pads & Head Rest: The straps, shoulder pads and headrest are all at the opposite end of the reformer to the foot bar. Straps can be used for both arm and leg exercises, either by holding onto the loops with your hands, or strapping them onto your feet. The shoulder pads and head rest area is used when performing exercises that require you to lie on your back or side. The shoulder pads can also be used to support the feet in standing lunges.

Box: For some exercises, you may be asked to place a box on top of the platform, which will be removed at the end of a particular sequence of movements.


What to expect after your first reformer Pilates class

As we’ve shared, there are endless possibilities with reformer Pilates, making it an excellent workout for both your mind and body. Apart from the discovery of several tiny muscles you didn’t know existed, we wanted to share with you what you might expect after your first reformer Pilates class.


One of the most popular questions we get asked is ‘how many reformer classes per week should you take?’. Whilst the answer will differ for each of us individually, we go by the saying:

Come once a week for maintenance;twice a week for sustenance;and three times a week for transformation!


We also get asked a lot, ‘how soon will I start seeing results from reformer Pilates?’. To answer this, we’ll turn to the wisdom of the founder of Pilates, himself – Joseph Pilates. 

“In ten sessions you will feel better, in twenty sessions you’ll look better, and in thirty sessions you will have a whole new body.”


Get started with your first Pilates class!

If you’re ready to start exploring how reformer Pilates can change your body and your mind, we’d love to see you in our Tugun Beach reformer Pilates studio, located here on the Gold Coast. 


Get your very first reformer group class, for just $20, when you pop your details below. We can’t wait to meet you!


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