Image source: Pinterest
Welcome to a brand new blog series called the fit list. It’s basically going to be the first post of many where I share my new fitness experiences with you and this one is all about the (ever so slightly daunting) pilates reformer. This blog series aims to inspire you to get out there and try something new and fall back in love with your fitness routine. Last week I tootled off to Equilibrium Health, a petite pilates studio in Leeds City Centre where a lovely lady showed me the basics of the reformer. Want arms like an A-lister? This contraption could be the way forward…
There really isn’t a lot of information online about what to expect from a pilates reformer class but if there is a more pleasant way of slimming down I’m yet to discover it. Now I wouldn’t exactly say that I nailed the pilates reformer technique right off the bat. Three minutes in and I genuinely thought I’d been transported to Aztec and was taking part in some crazy Crystal Maze type attempt to find the crystal. However, while the reformer may look like some medieval torture contraption, our teacher was ever so helpful in showing me the ropes (and the springs and the stirrups). One thing’s for sure, it’s a full body workout that stretches, tones and targets all of those wobbly areas. Here are just a few of the thoughts that drifted through my mind during my first 45 minute class.
Am I the most inflexible person in the world?
I don’t really do a lot of stretching so this class was more than a shock to the system. Yes, I think it’s normal to feel like you are the most inflexible person in the world but it’s amazing how you will feel your flexibility improve after just one session. There is quite a lot of time dedicated to one movement so you can really ease yourself into the practise and focus on technique.
Am I meant to feel seasick?
The reformer has a moveable carriage and a lot of the movements involve rocking back and forth on your back. I definitely started to feel a little seasick during the class and I heard another person say the same thing so I think it is quite a common sensation to encounter but not everyone experiences it. Overall though, the class is quite relaxing with gentle music playing throughout.
Do I look like Gwyneth yet?
Having only done one session, it’s hard to really comment on the potential results that this class could provide should you do it regularly but it is a lot more intense than I had first anticipated and I think it would do great things for your core and your posture. I did feel bendier and a lot less stiff after this class and it is something I would love to do weekly in addition to my regular workouts. Being able to do any form of exercise whilst lying down is always going to be a winner in my book. Sliding and pushing and pulling my way through the class is all well and fine but at what point will my Gwyneth Paltrow style abs make an appearance? I’ll let you know should I keep it up.
There goes my bank balance
In a way, I almost didn’t want to like the pilates reformer because not only is it a rare class to find (the closest one to me is in the city centre) it is really quite expensive, especially if you are already paying for a gym membership. However, the first class at Equilibrium Health is free so you really have no excuses not to give it a go. A one off class is £12.50 and when you book a course of 5 or more it brings the cost down to £10 per class or less. You can book a class online here. Tag me on Twitter if you end up giving it a go.
Pilates is great if you want to ease your way back into regular exercise and still get a great work out and the reformer class was just as exciting as I’d hoped. The exercises we tried were fairly basic as it was a beginner’s class but still a challenge none the less. This is just a little insight into my current fitness routine as I really wanted to share my initial thoughts with you. I have so many more exciting posts on the way including a update on the gym classes I’ve been loving and the fitness gear I’m obsessed with and dare I say maybe even a VLOG? Until then leave me a comment with any new classes you’ve tried/want to try.
Have you tried the pilates reformer?
