My experience with reformer Pilates

If you want to enhance your core strength, flexibility, posture, balance, and feel more in tune with your body, reformer Pilates could be just what you need. In this article, I’m sharing my experience of trying reformer Pilates for the first time - including how the machine works, what actually happens in a beginner class, and tips to help you feel more confident if you’re thinking of giving it a go. Spoiler: it’s not as scary as it looks!

I’ve loved mat Pilates for some time - it always leaves me feeling strong and mentally energised. I recently began my journey with reformer Pilates and, after just one class, I’ve noticed many similarities. Like mat Pilates, it’s low-impact and focuses on precision and control. The big difference? Reformer Pilates uses specialised equipment that elevates the whole experience. It certainly feels more challenging and exciting with the reformer machine thrown into the mix!

How does a reformer Pilates machine work?

When you arrive at a reformer Pilates class, you’ll see a row of machines lined up - each one identical. You’ll either be assigned to one or have the option to choose one. Don’t worry - you stay on the same machine for the whole class, and there isn’t loads of moving around to different pieces or other confusing equipment.

Each reformer machine is made up of: 

• The carriage - this is where people sit whilst they wait for the teacher to start the class. It’s a moving platform you can sit, lie, or stand on. It’s designed to be able to glide forward and back smoothly. It’s attached to springs - they’re designed to provide resistance and if necessary you can adjust them to make movement more challenging (you don’t need to worry too much about this in the early stages). 
• The straps - these are located at the top of the machine and you’ll be encouraged in certain moments to put either your hands or feet in them. The instructor will help you control the level of strap resistance. 
• The footbar - a bar that you push against with either your feet or arms. It’s adjustable but it’s always worth asking the instructor before attempting to alter its position. 

The teacher will guide you through a variety of exercises using the reformer machine throughout the class. You may feel strange and silly to begin with using this foreign machine, but you’ll soon get a feel for it.

My first reformer Pilates class: What to expect

I was a little nervous before attending my first reformer Pilates class. The reformer machines looked intimidating at first, but I quickly realised they were not as scary as they looked.

Here’s what helped me feel more confident:

1. Arrive early and talk to the instructor

I strongly recommend arriving early to your class so you can chat with the teacher and let them know you’re new to reformer Pilates. If you allow enough time, the instructor will likely give you a rundown of the reformer machine and class structure. 

When I arrived 15 minutes early to my class, I thought it was going to be just me, but I wasn’t the only eager beaver. A few people had the same idea to arrive in good time and I got to chat with two of them and learned that they were new to reformer Pilates, too. This instantly made me feel calmer and less anxious. Arrive early so you can ease yourself into the new environment, have a chat, and find your reformer machine (avoid rushing in flustered and stressed).

2. Don’t be put off by the equipment

When I first saw the reformer machines, I thought to myself, ‘This is going to be too complicated for me.’ You’ll be relieved to know that I quickly gained confidence. It may also comfort you to know that the reformer machine fear is a common experience among beginners. I’ve spoken to many reformer Pilates enthusiasts since attending the class about my initial fear and they all confirmed they felt the same. Everybody is in the same boat or has been in the same boat - it’s not just you.

The instructors usually set the reformer machines so they’re ready to go. You don’t need to adjust them when you first arrive. Alterations will likely happen as the class goes on, but the teacher will assist you with that.

3. Embrace the calm environment

I enjoyed how tranquil and quiet the workout environment was. Everybody was in their own world during the class. I could almost feel other people concentrating. Everyone was eagerly listening to the teacher's cues to stay on track. 

I often suffer from sensory overload and find that busy gyms, sudden noises, and loud music put me on edge, so, the peaceful atmosphere of the reformer Pilates studio was ideal for me. I noticed how much easier it was to follow the instructions and to concentrate on my form in this zen environment. 

Tips for reformer Pilates beginners

If you’re thinking about giving reformer Pilates a go, here are some useful tips based on my experience:

1. Use your breath

Pilates teachers commonly have you pulsing in positions, counting down with, ‘Only five seconds left.’ It’s tempting to give up holding the position when the end is near. 

My useful tip - use the breath to motivate you when certain movements feel challenging. Do a deep inhale through the nose and a long exhale through the mouth (purse your lips so as to control the speed of the exhale). You’ll surprise yourself with how much longer you can hold the position after taking a revitalising breath.

2. Let go of perfection

As it was my first time doing reformer Pilates, I had a lot of questions. I usually like to know exactly what I’m doing to ensure I carry out things correctly, but I realised halfway through the session that I needed to let go of my perfectionist mentality to enjoy the class.

Whilst everyone is encouraged to ask the teacher questions and request guidance, we can’t expect the instructor to stop and help us for extended periods. On reflection, I can appreciate, that over time, my questions will be answered and I will gradually become more accomplished at reformer Pilates the more I attend classes. Fellow perfectionists, it’s worth being patient with yourselves - it takes time to master a new skill.

3. Trust your body

Given that I had never done reformer Pilates before, I was expecting to fall behind and feel frustrated, as I have previously done trying new forms of exercise. I thought I would struggle to keep up with the various movements and judge myself a little. 

However, to my delight, I was able to keep up with the teacher’s instructions and match the pace of the class. Not that keeping up with everyone else matters - our bodies and limits are all different and that’s OK. Nevertheless, I truly feel reformer Pilates is more physically accessible than many of the other exercise classes I’ve tried. I was surprised by how slow-moving it was. The emphasis was on precise movements, not speed, and this made the session feel even more rewarding. Pilates is about quality of movement, not quantity.

Is reformer Pilates a good workout?

Before the class, I had been expecting something more intense. I didn’t leave feeling physically depleted or dripping in sweat. Don’t get me wrong, my muscles felt used, and I was ready to relax on the sofa, but it wasn’t a physically exhausting experience. 

I realise that some people may find this off-putting. Thanks to harmful and extreme fitness standards propagated by the wellness industry, some of us feel a workout class needs to totally wipe us out to be effective. But I want to remind you that gentle movement is great for the body. Even if the impact on your body feels subtle, it doesn’t mean you’re not benefiting and getting stronger. 

As it turns out, my instructor informed me that reformer Pilates classes feel increasingly physically demanding the more you do them. This is because, over time, you learn how to move your body more effectively. You learn precise movements, and your mind-body connection allows you to target the right muscles at the right time. 

So, if it’s a physical challenge you’re craving, go to a reformer Pilates class once a week for a month - supposedly, you’ll notice a huge difference. Exercises you once found easy may begin to feel hard because you’re doing them properly.

Whatever your reason for trying reformer Pilates - whether it’s to build strength, support your posture, reduce stress, or simply try something new - listen to your body and follow your instructor’s guidance, and you’ll be golden. Enjoy the (gentle) burn!

Ready to give Pilates a try? Find a Pilates practitioner near you and experience the burn today.

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