Pilates Reformer can seem intimidating at first. I’ve had it described as a ‘medieval torture device’ and ‘wily and unpredictable’. Admittedly, at first glance the reformer does look a bit sinister with its moving platform, its springs of unfathomable resistance, and straps that are never where you need them.
It is nothing to fear. It’s a piece of apparatus designed to make exercise more accessible, comfortable, and get your whole body working. It can be easily adjusted to suit your needs and comfort.
Going into a new class with a new piece of equipment can be daunting so here are a few things to expect when attending your first reformer class at The Reformer Room;
1) No Shoes
Pilates Reformer is performed barefoot or in socks. Due to this, we discourage shoes in the studio space. There is a little shoe rack for you to place your shoes in.
2) The Carriage Moves
At the start of your first class the teacher will go over the anatomy of the reformer and how to safely use it. The most important thing to remember is that the carriage moves and you will go with it.
3) No Dignified Way to Get On/Off The Reformer
Getting on and off the reformer can be a bit of a challenge. There is a lot of bum scooting, wiggling, and general shifting about until you get on it. Getting off it can involve sliding, rolling and a bit of flailing until you get used to it.
Don’t worry, everyone does it! Even the teachers! I’ve been known to roll off the reformer after demonstrating.
4) Springs
The springs are what add the resistance. The teacher will tell you what springs to add for different exercises but these are just guidelines. You can adjust the spring according to how you feel. Done a lot of walking or a leg day at the gym? Take your spring down for leg work.
There are two types of reformer at The Reformer Room; Stott and Align Pilates.
The four lower machines are Stott. These have two types of springs – 1 or 1/2. The middle spring is your half.
The last machine is Align Pilates which has colour coded springs – green is 2, red is 1, and blue is ½.
Don’t worry, you aren’t expected to know this for your first class. Your teacher will guide you and can easily change springs for you.
5) You’ll Feel Like an Uncoordinated Baby Deer
The first time on the reformer you will feel uncoordinated, gangly, and out of control. That is totally normal! You are getting used to a new machine and your body is getting used to moving in a new way.
6) No One is Looking at You (Except The Teacher)
In a class everyone is focused on themselves and their own bodies. No one is looking at you, judging your choice of spring, and you are not slowing the class down.
Everyone was a beginner once. I can guarantee you that everyone looked like a baffled baby deer when they started. You are learning and adjusting. It’s a common anxiety especially when joining a mixed ability class. Focus on yourself, following the teacher, and ask for help if you need it or don’t understand something.
7) You Will Ding the Reformer
If you lose control of a movement or misjudge how far the carriage had to travel you will ding the carriage and springs. It makes a noise. It’s okay! Everyone does it.
I’m not encouraging you to do it and I’d rather you didn’t, but it isn’t a big deal if you do.
8) Class Length & Cleaning
Classes are typically 50 minutes long with a 10 minute change over period. During the time you will be asked to clean the reformer. It’s more of a wipe down. We use a gentle, environmentally friendly cleanser and microfiber cloths to clean any surfaces we used during the class. This ensures the reformer is ready for the next class.
Body Align Pilates 