How to Get More Out of Your Reformer Pilates Classes
You’ve booked the class.
You’ve made it to RIVU.
You’re on the reformer, ready to move.
But are you getting the most from your 50 minutes?
Getting more out of Reformer Pilates isn’t necessarily about doing more classes or pushing yourself harder.
Often, it comes down to the little things.
How you move.
How you listen.
How consistently you show up.
Here are a few simple ways to make your Pilates practice work even harder for you.
1. Arrive and switch off
Life is busy.
Work, messages, errands, school runs, everything that needs doing…
So when you arrive at RIVU, give yourself permission to leave some of that at the door.
You have 50 minutes.
Use them.
Take a breath, settle in and let your attention come back to your body.
You’ll get more from your class when you’re actually present for it.
2. Listen to the small details
It’s easy to focus on getting through the exercise.
But Pilates is about so much more than simply completing the movement.
Listen to your instructor.
Notice the position of your pelvis.
Think about your ribs.
Pay attention to your breathing.
Notice where you’re holding tension.
Those small adjustments can completely change how an exercise feels.
In Pilates, the details matter.
3. Slow it down
If you find an exercise easy, your first instinct might be to make it bigger or faster.
Try the opposite.
Slow down.
Focus on controlling the movement all the way through.
You may suddenly discover muscles you didn’t realise were working.
Because Pilates isn’t about rushing from one exercise to the next.
Control is the challenge.
4. Stop comparing yourself to the person next to you
Your body is yours.
Your strength, mobility, experience and starting point will all be different from someone else's.
So instead of wondering whether you're doing as much as the person beside you, focus on your own movement.
Can you feel the difference?
Can you control the exercise?
Can you maintain your alignment?
Your progress doesn't need to look like anyone else's.
5. Don't be afraid to ask questions
Not sure where you should be feeling something?
Wondering if your position is right?
Not sure whether you're ready to progress?
Ask.
Our instructors are there to guide you, so make the most of their expertise.
Sometimes one small adjustment or explanation can completely change an exercise.
You don't have to figure it all out yourself.
6. Find the right level of challenge
A great Pilates class should challenge you.
But challenging doesn't always mean doing the hardest option.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stay with the basics and really master them.
As your strength, control and confidence improve, you can gradually