Why Not Every Reformer Class Is A Pilates Class: What You Really Should Know About Pilates
My journey with Pilates began about 15 years ago when I walked into a studio seeking relief from back pain. I was amazed by how enjoyable the class was and how rejuvenated I felt afterward. From that day, I knew I wanted to pursue Pilates once I concluded my dance career. I immersed myself in research, looking for the best schools to learn from. Becoming a certified comprehensive Pilates trainer was a three-year journey filled with countless hours of teaching practice. Even after earning my certifications and becoming a Comprehensively Nationally Certified Pilates Trainer, I still doubted my readiness to teach. Transitioning from a Pilates Practitioner to a Pilates Trainer took years of experience, during which I learned from my mistakes and gained insights into different body types, injuries, and limitations.
Now, with a decade of teaching behind me in Power Pilates of Waco, I remain passionate about Pilates because I’ve witnessed its transformative power. Pilates can significantly strengthen your body and improve your well-being, but it can also cause harm if not practiced wisely. I want to share with you the key factors to consider when choosing a Pilates Reformer session so that you can select the right studio and reap the full benefits of Pilates. Whether your goal is to regain strength and become pain-free, improve posture, tone your body, or enhance your overall quality of life, understanding these factors is crucial.
1.Take At Least One Introductory Session Before Joining the Group Reformer Class
Imagine walking into a group Pilates class on the reformer for the first time. If you’ve never done Pilates before, it can be overwhelming. You’ll need to learn how to operate the reformer, understand the exercises, and execute them properly. Plus, many exercises are performed lying on your back, which might feel unfamiliar at first and you can’t see what others do. In a classical Pilates studio, the pace can be quite brisk, and by the time you start getting the hang of one exercise, the class may have already moved on to the next.
Here’s my first tip: consider a studio that offers at least one introductory session, ideally a couple, before diving into group classes. These sessions provide a foundation, teaching you how to operate the reformer and introducing you to basic exercises. This preparation will enhance your experience in group classes, allowing you to focus more on your form and less on figuring out the equipment. By investing a little time upfront, you’ll set yourself up for a more rewarding and enjoyable Pilates journey.
2.Quality vs. Quantity
In every Pilates class, there should be an emphasis on flow. Movements in Pilates are intended to be fluid, graceful, and smooth, ensuring that exercises transition seamlessly from one to the next. This flow not only enhances efficiency and coordination but also ensures that each exercise complements the one before it, contributing to a balanced, total-body workout and proportional muscle development.
Honestly , it frustrates me when some studios treat the reformer like just another exercise machine, focusing mainly on squats, lunges, and dumbbells instead of the core principles of Pilates like concentration, control, precision. The reformer is designed to help improve core strength, flexibility, and the mind-body connection through controlled movements. When studios overlook this, they miss out on the real benefits of Pilates, like better posture and balanced muscle development.
My advice: To have a true Pilates experience, look for studios that emphasize the full Pilates method and use the reformer to promote focus, control, and proper alignment. Unlike some fitness routines that rely on timed sets or repetitions, Pilates focuses on the quality of each movement. Seek out a studio where the Pilates trainer is attentive to your form, provides guidance on how to perform each exercise correctly, and corrects any mistakes. This personalized attention will help you achieve the best results and fully enjoy the benefits of Pilates. Prioritizing quality over quantity in your practice will lead to more meaningful progress and a deeper understanding of this transformative exercise method.
3. If it isn’t hard, it’s probably not Pilates, but if it’s too hard, then it isn’t Pilates either.
Pilates is designed to challenge the body and build strength, flexibility, and control without causing strain or injury. After a Pilates class, you should feel challenged yet refreshed, with improved posture, increased energy, and enhanced muscle range of motion. Pilates can be a wonderful way to start the day, boosting your energy, or to unwind after a long day of standing or sitting in front of the computer, releasing muscle tension. In today’s busy world, there’s a tendency to seek unnecessary stimulation and challenge, such as adding extra weights or resistance bands in Pilates session that make the body shake. While pushing your body to its limits can strengthen and toughen your muscles, it doesn’t necessarily improve posture, increase energy, or enhance range of motion. Instead, it can lead to increased tension and tightness, which is not what Pilates is about.
Pilates focuses on moving with ease and grace, maintaining pain-free, good postural alignment, achieving proportional muscle development, and relieving stress. If your primary goal is strength training, weight lifting, or following a “no pain, no gain” philosophy, there are plenty of HIIT classes available for that purpose. A properly designed Pilates class will help you achieve the strength level you desire while ensuring balanced muscle development throughout your body.
Here are my thoughts. Experiencing some muscle shaking during the class is common and indicates that your body is reaching a comfortable level of intensity. However, shaking all over during the class is not the essence of Pilates. The overall goal of Pilates is to enhance your body’s functional capabilities, not to push it to the point of excessive strain.
If you leave a Pilates class feeling either unchallenged or completely exhausted, it might be worth exploring other options before deciding to quit. It’s important to find a class that meets your expectations and provides the right level of challenge. Adjusting the class type, instructor, or difficulty level might help you find a better fit that aligns with your fitness goals and keeps you engaged.
Final Thoughts:
As the New Year begins, many people are prioritizing their health and well-being, and gyms, yoga, and Pilates studios will be packed for a while. Just like with New Year’s resolutions, it’s essential to stick with your commitments. Consistency is key to achieving the results you desire. In my experience, you’re more likely to maintain a workout routine if you enjoy it. Unfortunately, simply telling yourself, “I have to work out; it’s good for me,” isn’t enough. If the workout you choose doesn’t feel like a good fit for you—whether it’s too hard, too slow, too fast, or just plain boring—you’ll likely find excuses to skip it.
If Pilates is something you’re considering, take some time to research studios before making your decision. Along with my previously listed recommendations, consider factors such as the friendliness of the trainers, how you feel after the class, and the sense of community among participants. Finding a supportive group of like-minded individuals can also greatly enhance your exercise experience.
While price is an important consideration, remember that your Pilates sessions provide personalized attention to your form and detailed guidance to help you get the most out of your investment. Prioritizing your body with nutritious food, hydration, and a smart workout plan is the best way to treat yourself in this New Year of 2025.
Cheers to your health and well-being!
Nadya Rafferty, Power Pilates of Waco