The expectations for your first Reformer Pilates class are likely to be a combination of the following:
• uncertainty on whether you will enjoy working with the instructor
• fear that it will hurt (the reformer machine after all looks like a torture chamber)
• doubt that you will be able to follow along due to technical lingo
• question whether you will gain much out of it
If you are on the fence for trying I suggest you continue reading so you know exactly what to expect from your first session. Keep in mind that the first experience most people have is very positive!
There is nothing like a Reformer Pilates machine so in order to use it you need to first get comfortable with it. The positions one can take on the reformer are many: standing, seating, lying down, kneeling etc. It would not be practical to try all in 1 class. Some exercises require strong familiarity with the machine which is why you won’t try until later.
Chances are, in your 1st class, you will spend most of the time lying down or in a plank position. You will use the foot-bar and the straps and probably perform 10-15 exercises.
There is a big variety of exercises one can practice on the reformer but more is not better. Which exercises are relevant for you will depend on your goals, fitness condition and injuries.
For us (Ana and myself) to develop a program we first need to asses your fitness level. The assessment will depend on a specific goal you may have, such as recover from an injury, increase flexibility or strength in a specific body part.
The assessment involves exercises on the reformer with regressions and progressions. At the end of the session we are able to provide feedback on how far you are from your goal, what are your weaknesses and strengths and finally how long approximately it will take for you to achieve your goal, based on our experience.
Based on your goals and depending on your experience and time available, we will provide you with 1-2 exercises you will benefit from performing on your own. This way you are likely to progress faster.
The best way to know if something works for you is to try, which is why we provide a 20min trial session and an intro offer for new clients to familiarise themselves with our style of teaching and the reformer machine. In most cases people get hooked in no time.