Where to Try the Pilates Reformer

I’ve been getting inquiries about Pilates from my daughters’ friends, and it turns out that Pilates is trending on TikTok. Who knew? Not me, apparently. Thanks to the app, it seems people really want to try the Pilates reformer apparatus. Have you tried it yet? Depending on where you live, it might be difficult to find; here are some pointers to help you find where to try the Pilates reformer (or just Pilates in general).

Not All Studios Have the Apparatus

Pilates is a methodology created by Joseph Pilates, but how it’s taught can vary widely. Just as dance or yoga has different styles or forms, Pilates studios vary in their offerings. In my community, you can do mat Pilates in many places, including gyms, yoga studios, recreation centers, and private studios like mine. If you’re looking to try the Pilates reformer or other apparatus in a small city like mine, you’ll likely have far fewer choices. 

As the apparatus are large, you can’t easily move them around in locations like a community center or studio within a gym that’s also used for other classes or events. You’re more likely to get your hands (and feet, back, and butt) on one in a private, Pilates-only studio. If you live in a bigger city, however, you just might find you have more choices. A friend of mine in Los Angeles owns a studio on a street that had six other studios! Some taught classical Pilates, others contemporary or therapeutic. There certainly was a lot of choice in her neighbourhood. So once you find a studio where you can try the Pilates reformer, what next? 

Getting Started on the Reformer

Since there are so many types of Pilates studios, each will have its own policy on how they like to get clients started. Mat Pilates is the easiest way to get started with Pilates, and some studios will offer a short trial or discovery call before you commit. Others, like mine, have an introductory series. 

I like to do three or four sessions with you before you come to regular classes so you can feel comfortable. It allows you to start to learn the exercises, the equipment, how the studio works, and we both get to learn more about each other. It’s important to me that I know why you’re doing Pilates so I can help you get the most out of it. I often do these as private sessions, but occasionally hold a group beginner series when my schedule allows. 

It’s also important to understand how the different apparatus works before you try the Pilates reformer, wunda chair, or tower. There are springs to change, headrests and footbars to put up and down, and safety considerations you should be aware of. That can be a lot to take in when you’re also trying to learn the names of the exercises, breathing patterns, and the variations of exercises that you want to do. It will all come with practice, and having a strong start is your best chance to stick with Pilates. 

Don’t Be Intimidated

Trying something new can be intimidating, which is another reason I like private introduction classes. I can explain to you how the method works, and calm your nerves about the hundreds of exercises in the Pilates method. For example, while there are a lot of exercises, many of them repeat themselves in various versions on the apparatus or in other movements. You’ll start by learning the basics like the hundred, the roll up, the roll over, and swan. Then you’ll revisit them in other exercises. 

Learning the basics and fundamentals in the intro series will make it much easier to learn the next exercises and more advanced exercises when you try the Pilates reformer and other apparatus. When you have a strong foundation, it will make everything that you stack on top of it stronger.