What is Reformer Pilates, and Where Can You Do It?
It's the biggest fitness trend in recent years - your favourite influencer's doing it, the coolest girl you know is doing it and if you haven't tried it yet, we guarantee you've at least considered it
Invented by Joseph Pilates, the exercise of the same name is a series of controlled, low-impact and repetitive exercises, focused on balance and flexibility, paired with mindful and intentional breathing. Typical workouts are around 45 minutes to an hour long, and focus primarily on abs to stabilise your core. However, the workouts also involve arms and legs, so expect full-body results.
The main difference between regular Pilates and reformer Pilates is in the equipment – whilst regular Pilates is typically done on a mat on the floor, similar to yoga, reformer takes place on a machine. This reformer machine almost resembles a bed, consisting of a sliding carriage (for standing, sitting or lying on) with a foot bar at one end. The carriage is attached using a series of springs, the tension of which is adjustable to allow for more or less resistance during a workout. At the other end of the machine are two rope pulleys with straps, designed for hands and feet.
The benefits of reformer Pilates are boundless. Not only does it enhance core strength, it also increases flexibility and mobility and helps you to tone up overall. It’s also amazing for posture, helping to ease back pain by strengthening the core muscles around the spine. The sliding carriage also pushes you to further improve balance whilst the springs and pulleys keep you stable (so don’t worry about falling off!). Being low-impact, it puts less stress on the body than cardiovascular workouts, so is great for those recovering from previous injury. It’s also good for pregnant or postpartum women, as the focus is on strengthening the core and pelvis.
As Pilates encourages a meditative mind-body connection, it’s not only beneficial for physical health but for mental health too, helping to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and helping us feel more present.
Reformer Pilates is considered more effective than regular pilates thanks to the added resistance from the machine which allows you to isolate and target specific muscle groups without straining others. With a reformer machine, you can further improve muscle strength by adding more weight via the springs. Each reformer class is unique, there are more than 500 moves that can be included, and classes cater to both beginners and pros.
C&S Fitness
Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned pro, C&S’s expert instructors provide personalised sessions to help you achieve your fitness goals. Join their supportive community which allows you take your fitness journey to the next level with tailored workouts that are both challenging and rewarding. Reformer membership packages are available, as are class pass bundles, great for both trying it out or long-term commitment.
Hartlepool Workshops Unit 18, Hartlepool TS25 1PD
csfit.co.uk
Form & Flow
Form & Flow’s reformer studio is designed for individual or paired sessions only, meaning you and a friend can have full use of the space. An hour of coaching will allow you to fully work on your Pilates goals and go at your own pace, and same-time weekly slots are allocated to make sure you stay consistent.
Coach House, Slaley, Hexham NE47 0BN
07553 511684
formandflowstudio.co.uk
Shape Studios
Shape Studios offer 50-minute classes, with personalised attention for all fitness levels. They aim to create a supportive and inclusive environment, so everyone is welcome at their two studios, and classes are designed to challenge you along your fitness journey.
Unit 16K, Spey House, Durham DH1 1TH
17 Forth Goods Yard, Newcastle NE1 3PG
0191 389 8335
shapestudios.uk
Bodhi
Bodhi have two studios and three reformer classes on offer: Bodhi Signature (their carefully-curated main class), Bodhi Express (a more intense and dynamic 30-minute class) and Bodhi Pro (their most challenging class). They also offer an introductory reformer class, Form, which they recommend trying first.
The Exchange 1856, Howard Street, North Shields NE30 1SE
Siemens House, Carliol Square, Newcastle NE1 6UF
bodhipilates.uk
The Pilates Studio
Boutique reformer classes here are limited to a maximum of three people, offering an authentic Pilates feel and the ability for the instructor to give all participants individual attention.
Garden Cottage, Scots Gap, Morpeth NE61 4EF
01670 774774
thepilatesstudio.org
Rise Pilates
With a super successful studio in Yarm and a brand-new opening in Jesmond, Rise are taking the North East reformer scene by storm. Rise uses state-of-the-art reformer machines which have unique features to help maximise your workout and there are no long-term contracts – simply choose the class plan that suits you. Classes run seven days a week at a range of times to work around all schedules.
50 Acorn Road, Jesmond NE2 2DJ
52 High Street, Yarm TS15 9AH
07888 868314
risereformerpilates.com
Ebru Evrim
Evrim’s classes provide full-body flow in both group and one-to-one settings. Afterwards, relax in their new therapy room which offers deep tissue and Swedish massage, perfect for kneading out any post-workout soreness to leave you feeling totally renewed.
3 James Street, Harrogate HG1 1QS
01423 391201
ebruevrim.com
Outskulpted
Outskulpted offer a range of classes for different goals. Jump & Skulpt (a high intensity reformer class incorporating s a jump board for a cardio boost), Refine & Skulpt (a class focusing on precision and control, ideal for newbies) and Strength & Skulpt, which includes small weights to target specific muscle groups.
Studio 7, Cross York Street Studios, Back Cross York Street, Leeds LS2 7BN
outskulpted.com
Haxby Pilates
The Haxby reformer community is led by their team of highly-experienced and dedicated trainers who aim to get you moving. Their bespoke timetable has classes for everyone, men and women, from beginners to advanced pros, in an easy-to-understand level system. One-to-one inductions are required for all new clients to familiarise them with the equipment, so there’s no need to feel intimidated by the reformer machine.
5a Station Road, Haxby, York YO32 3LR
07710 061510
haxbypilates.com
Pure Pilates
Opened almost 15 years ago, Pure Pilates use hand-made reformers alongside other equipment to teach pilates in the original method created by Joseph Pilates. Founder Kirstin Ferrie has been teaching pilates since 1997, so you know you’re in good hands here. Classes can be one-to-one, for two, or in small groups, to a maximum of four per class.
2 Crescent Court, Ilkley LS29 8DE
01943 608244
purepilatesilkley.com
Eleven Eleven
Aiming to break down barriers and stigmas, the inclusive community at Eleven Eleven welcomes everyone. They offer three classes (Beginner, Flow and Dynamic Flow) which run seven days a week at a range of times to suit all schedules.
Unit 5, Limewood Business Park, Limewood Way, Leeds LS14 1AB
07732 274943
elevenelevenstudios.co.uk
