My First Reformer Pilates East Sheen Class
If you’re on any wellness or fitness Instagram feed, chances are you’ve seen the sleek and toned bodies gracing your feed in Reformer Pilates poses. It’s a workout that is getting more and more popular, and with good reason. It’s challenging, never gets boring and sculpts long lean muscles from head to toe, while also improving balance and building core strength. Plus, it’s low impact and easy on the joints. It’s no wonder the Madonnas and Gwyneths of the world can be spotted taking it at stylish boutique studios around the globe.
Reformer Pilates East Sheen takes traditional mat Pilates up a notch with the use of the Reformer, an apparatus invented by Joseph Pilates at the turn of the 20th century. It combines dynamic movements and spring-resistance with the ability to create different exercises that can be made easier or harder, depending on the settings of the equipment. It is a great full body workout that challenges every muscle from head to toe in an hour or less.
The movements are small and precise, but the workout is intense and will have you breaking a sweat. The focus is on activating and engaging the smaller, deeper muscles first, before utilizing the larger muscles. That’s how you get that amazing core burn and feel like your arms are as strong as a baby giraffe. And that’s what keeps people coming back for more.
What Should I Expect in My First Reformer Pilates East Sheen Class?
One of the biggest challenges of a Reformer class is staying present and focused on the moment. There is no space in this type of exercise for thinking about your afternoon meeting, what’s for dinner that night or whether you have enough coffee to make it through the day. This kind of mindlessness may take some practice, but it is a key ingredient to the success and longevity of this type of movement.
If you’re new to the Reformer scene, it’s important to come to class prepared. Wear comfortable, easy-to-move in clothing. It’s also a great idea to have a water bottle with you, as it will likely be a hot and sweaty workout. You may also want to invest in a few accessories to help you up your game at home, like Pilates rings and resistance bands.
For the beginner, it can be a little intimidating to lie down on a moving carriage and work up a sweat while your instructor guides you through a series of moves. But, it’s important to remember that everyone starts somewhere, and the instructor is there to provide support and guidance. Listen to the instructions and follow along, but don’t try to jump ahead of your classmates, as doing so can lead to injury. As you progress, your movements will become more fluid and you’ll soon be a pro on the carriage. In no time, you’ll be taking your own classes with confidence.