5 Things You Should Know Before Starting Beginner Reformer Pilates
Are you new to pilates? If so, there may be some unknowns and that’s okay. We’re here to tell you that you don’t need any prior experience to starting, or flexibility for that matter. Just a willingness to try something new!
If you’re just starting beginner reformer pilates and want some practical insights as to what actually goes on, let this be your guide.
Reformer Pilates is a low-impact style of resistance training performed on a spring-loaded bed, the reformer. Designed to build core strength, improve posture, and support spinal stability without putting stress on your joints, it is an entry point for people wanting more movement in their life.
A great option for people recovering from injury, office workers dealing with stiffness, and anyone wanting a structured way to build strength that doesn’t rely on heavy weights or high-impact movement. Because the springs do a lot of the work, the exercises can be adjusted for almost any starting fitness level, which is exactly why beginner reformer pilates has become such an accessible way to start moving again.
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting out is that reformer Pilates is only for people who are already fit or flexible. In practice, it’s designed for all ages, genders, and physical abilities, every exercise on the reformer can be modified, and the resistance is fully adjustable. A good first session should meet you where you are, not the other way around. That’s the whole point of a genuinely beginner-friendly class structure.
Our Studio is one of few with small group classes. With only 6 people per class our instructors are actively correcting form throughout, rather than just running through a routine. That’s not a nice-to-have; getting your positioning corrected is what actually prevents bad habits from forming early on. It also means popular time slots can book out quickly, so it’s worth reserving a spot ahead rather than turning up on the day.
If you’re a complete beginner, have ongoing medical concerns or coming back from an injury, you don’t have to start in a group class We offer a 1:1 private lesson, with a physiotherapist as well as a Pilates instructor, so you can learn how the equipment works and understand your own limits before joining a group. It costs more upfront, but for a lot of people it makes the move into beginner reformer pilates group sessions far more comfortable.
Grip socks are mandatory at almost every reformer studio, without them, you won’t be able to safely use the foot bar and straps. Bring a towel and a water bottle too. If you don’t already own grip socks, most studios sell them on-site, but picking up a pair before your first session means one less thing to think about on the day.
A common hesitation before starting is the fear of signing up for a membership you’re not sure you’ll use. Try our introductory pack or a drop-in rate you can try before committing to a multi-class pack or membership. It’s also worth checking whether your private health fund offers a rebate on Pilates instruction, since policies vary and some allow on-the-spot claiming.
How many classes a week should a beginner do? Most people starting out see the best results from one to two sessions a week, building up as their strength and confidence with the equipment grows, there’s no need to overcommit in your first month.
Is Pilates enough exercise on its own? For many people, yes! It builds strength, mobility, and core stability all at once, though some choose to pair it with walking, swimming, or strength training depending on their fitness goals.
The details above matter more than the brand of reformer, what you’re really looking for is small classes, an instructor willing to correct your form, and a low-pressure way to try it first. If you’re on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Your Body Physio & Pilates in Balgowlah offers both private and small-group beginner classes with physiotherapist input, alongside an introductory pack for anyone wanting to try before committing further.
Whichever studio you choose, the best time to start beginner reformer pilates is before you’ve talked yourself out of it, book an intro class and see how your first session feels.
