Decades ago, when Pilates first came on the scene as the next "it" thing, I had tried a few classes on the Reformer and found the pace to be too slow and the classes unchallenging - an excuse for injured athletes or dancers, middle-aged people with bad backs and weak limbs to get some semblance of "exercise". Disillusioned, I re-joined my barbell-squatting, wife-beater wearing peers for some lift-till-you-get-hemorrhoids workouts.
Cut to today, when I have also joined the thrown-back, and shoulder-sore population. It was time to hang up the wife beaters and kettlebells and trade them for the straps and stirrups of a Reformer. I sadly signed up for a 4-class Groupon at In-Balance.
Mary, the owner, quickly and warmly responded to my initial email to set up a class with my Groupon and added me into the system, suggesting that I start with the Basic Core Reformer classes.
Through the online booking system - which is the only way you can book and pay for classes - I could easily browse and book classes online - or cancel them. Besides the Basic Reformer group classes, there are also Intermediate and Advanced Reformer group classes, Reformer Cardio/Jump Core and Reformer Barre Core. Semi-private and private classes are also offered.
The classroom is large enough so it just holds about 8 reformers. Besides the Reformers, there is also a Bosu ball, mat, barre, straps hanging from the wall, the chair, among others.
Even the beginners classes incorporate all of the equipment at one point or another. I've had classes that went from the Reformer to the Chair to the Barre and then Bosu. Instructors always provide us with the different spring combination for each level of difficulty and clearly explain the exercise. Despite the fact that classes are usually full, the instructor will take time to make corrections for individuals who may need them. Variations are given to make the exercises more/less challenging depending upon difficulty level. And because many who take the classes have some back/shoulder issue - the instructors frequently remind us about proper posture and breathing.
After a month of the Basic Core classes I've finally become emboldened enough to try the Jump/Cardio class, which is a great way to get the heart rate going without pressure on the back, as all jumping is done laying down flat or on your side on the reformer. But initially, even with several days of hiking and gym a week, the Basic Core made me hurt in areas I didn't (I didn't want to) know about.
I've had several instructors - Shawna, Jenny and Mary, who is almost revered as a Pilates rock star by some of the other students, and each one is very knowledgeable about proper technique, and has her own routine and set classes that she teaches. Classes can also be a great deal, if you buy then when there are specials - as low as $9.00 - purchased in blocks of 10 or 15 classes.
My only suggestion would be a separate introductory course to those who have not encountered Pilates, or who have not exercised previously. Even with some reformer classes under my belt, I'd forgotten how the system of pulleys and straps worked together and barely managed to escape strangling myself. I can imagine how a newbie would even find it even more daunting. Otherwise, a great addition to my happy non-high impact workout schedule. read more