Group Reformer

We offer three levels of class: technique, flow, and advance as well as Pilates for Posture.

Group reformer

Group reformer is a traditional control and alignment focused class. Here you will learn to move with ease, strengthen and mobilise your whole body. Our classes promote strength through the whole body, postural alignment, functional mobility and endurance. Group reformer Pilates is amazing to destress, and to complement athletic training or rehabilitation.

Level 1-2. Technique. 

A foundations level class. We'll focus on perfecting fundamental movements, proper alignment, and breathing techniques to help you reinforce a solid groundwork for your practice.

• You will enjoy this class if you:

• Are new to our studio or have limited experience with Pilates.

• Prefer a gentler class

• Are experienced in Pilates, but want to focus on technique to deepen your practice

• Require modifications for injury or other conditions affecting your ability to exercise.

Prerequisites

To take this class you must:

• Have an introduction to our reformers. Depending on your situation this might be our fundamentals series, private lessons or an induction lesson (how to choose your introduction)

• Be able to perform a double knee fold with control.

• Be able to follow verbal and visual instructions.

• Not require increased attention for safety.

• Quickly and easily change positions

• Not have osteoporosis or osteopenia (you can attend Pilates for Posture, below, instead)

• Be able to put your feet in and out of straps unassisted 

Although we do not set age limits, older adults are at increased risk of osteoporosis or osteopenia, which may go undiagnosed. If you are aged over 50 or have experienced menopause, please check out the Royal Osteoporosis Society risk checker. If you are at increased risk, we recommend that you attend Pilates for Posture, which includes a greater emphasis on bone strengthening exercises.

Level 2-3. Flow

A progressions level class. We'll go deeper into Pilates principles and introduce more challenging exercises and variations.

• You will enjoy this class if you:

• Have a good understanding of basic Pilates movements and are ready to explore new challenges

• Are comfortable and confident with foundation exercises.

• Do not require modifications for injury or other conditions affecting your ability to exercise.

• Want a faster paced, flowing class.

Prerequisites

To do this class you must satisfy all requirements for level 1-2, plus:

• Be able to perform most level 1 exercises with control and without requiring modifications.

• Be able to transition quickly and efficiently between start positions including changing the reformer set up.

• Have good balance.

Level 3-4+. Advance

We'll incorporate more advanced movements and choreography to keep your practice engaging and challenging.

• You will enjoy this class if you:

• Are an experienced practitioner familiar with our level 2-3 exercises.

• You can perform progression exercises with control, transitions and flow.

• Do not require modifications for injury or other conditions affecting your ability to exercise.

• Want to challenge all aspects of control in Pilates.

Prerequisites

To do this class you must satisfy all requirements for level 2-3, plus:

• Be able to perform most level 2 exercises with control and without requiring modifications.

• Be familiar with exercise names, setup and execution for level 1 and 2 exercises.

• Be familiar with transitions between exercises to keep up the pace

• Have excellent balance, and control of spring tension.

Pilates for Posture

Pilates for Posture is for entering older adulthood with strength, balance and posture. We don't set limits; however this class is aimed at women in their mid fifties to early seventies. It is taught by a bone health specialist and is suitable for people with conditions such as osteopenia, arthritis and joint replacements. If you have osteoporosis, please discuss whether this class will be suitable for you.

Prerequisites:

To attend this class you must:

• Take a 1:1 lesson first.

• Be able to do a double knee fold with control.

• Be able to follow verbal and visual instructions.

• Not be frail.

• Not require constant 1:1 attention for safety.

Why are there pre-requisites for different class levels?

We've carefully designed each class level to help you progress safely and effectively. Level 1-2 is about setting up a strong foundation, good body connections and precise control. The exercises at higher levels require you to be able to manage the spring resistance on the reformer to perform the exercises safely and keep up with the pace of the class. 

Pilates is a skill, like any other, that must be built from the foundations up for true success. You wouldn't walk into an advanced ballet class if your experience was in tango, or vice versa! Your experience in one discipline will surely help you to progress more quickly, but it isn't a substitute for mastering the fundamentals.

"But I attended a higher level class and I was fine!" Our wonderful teachers are committed to your safety. If you found yourself in a class above your current level, they would have modified exercises and slowed the pace to ensure your safety. This can affect the experience for other participants, who are there for the pace and intensity of the level they've prepared for, and it will also have . Our prerequisites help ensure everyone in the class gets the challenging and consistent experience they expect.

Preparing to join the class

Safety and a positive experience in every class are our top priorities. To maintain the high quality of our group sessions, we require all new clients to be properly introduced to the reformer. There are three options, depending on your personal situation:

1. New to Pilates on the reformer, or needing a refresher: Our four-part Fundamentals Series is designed to equip you with the correct technique for success and confidence when you join a group.

2. Experienced Practitioners: If you are injury-free and familiar with Pilates using the Reformer, you may opt for a single Induction Session, which is a mini-private lesson that shows you the basics of how our reformers work (not all reformers are the same!) and confirms that you will be joining a class type that is suitable for you.

3. Injury Management: To ensure that you are familiar with any personal modifications, clients with active injuries must complete private lessons before joining a group. 

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding the best introduction for your needs. Our classes are 50 minutes and take place at our studio on Histon Road.

Dress code

Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely and cover you appropriately throughout a range of movements. Usually a t-shirt or vest and shorts or leggings. Avoid any clothing or jewellery with long parts that might get caught in the equipment. Please do not wear sharp jewellery or zips that might damage the upholstery. We ask you to wear gripsocks. You will not need trainers. As a courtesy to others, please wear clean clothes and avoid strong perfumes/lotions. Please bring water and a towel. 

We do not have a changing area, so we expect you to arrive dressed for your workout.