Tips & tricks for getting started with Reformer Pilates
Eeeek how exciting, you’ve decided to take the plunge and join your first Reformer Pilates class!!
Now I remember my first ever reformer session, I was nervous, I genuinely didn’t know what to expect and despite all my efforts of googling what I was going to be doing, I was scared I was going to get tangled in all the ropes and springs!
It can be daunting walking into a room full of strangers and machines that look like they either belong in ‘Fifty shades of grey’ or ‘Gladiator’. BUT don’t let that stop you in what could be your best workout yet!
So my tips & tricks for your first session;
START AT THE BEGINNING…
Even if you tried a class years ago, practice mat Pilates regularly, you are a beginner at Reformer Pilates. Start at the base level your studio offers. This gives you a chance to understand the kit, terminology and your teacher.
GO SLOW…
It’s all very exciting and although it is something to get excited about, you want to make sure this doesn’t interfere with how you move on the kit. With ropes and springs all around you, it is easy to pull something without the understanding of how your body is going to react. Move slow, listen and grow with each class you attend.
GET IN THE MIDDLE…
Misconception that everyone is looking at you, no one is apart from your teacher (well they should be!)
I get so many newbies that just want to ‘hide’ in the corner of the studio and actually this is probably the worst place you can be. Surround yourself with people that have been to class and understand more of what is going on by placing yourself in the middle.
Being in the middle means you’ll always have someone to copy and you’ll never be at the ‘front’.
DON’T SHOW OFF…
If you’re a strong individual you don’t want to try and impress your instructor by banging out your most powerful set at the start of the class.
The classes at LA Pilates are designed to build endurance and strength so you need to make sure you PACE yourself so you can get through the whole session.
NEVER SAY THIS IS EASY…
Just don’t… your teacher will become evil and you’ll get looks from the rest of the group 😂 (Of course you can, but in my experience even the smallest of exercises challenge you).
I hope that some of the above tips & tricks will help you when you start your Reformer journey. Don’t be scared, be excited, get in the middle and keep it cool 😎.
Lucy
