Why Come to Reformer Pilates for Beginners?
If you’re new to Ten or to Pilates, or haven’t exercised for a while, this is the class for you. While it’s still a workout, we’ll also be focusing on getting you familiar with the Pilates Reformer and on practising the techniques you’ll need to isolate muscle groups and activate them correctly.
If it’s your first class, you should make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes early. This is to allow you enough time to complete our registration form and meet the Trainer. Please be aware that if you have not done this before the class starts, you may not be able to train.
Is Beginners Reformer Pilates right for me?
A basic level of fitness is helpful, but not essential. Beginners classes are open to everyone and they’re the perfect introduction to our Dynamic Pilates programme.
New to Ten? Our intro offer gives you your first 3 Classes for just £57.
What will Beginners Pilates be like?
You’ll be introduced to the equipment, techniques and some of the basic Pilates moves that underpin the Ten programme. The focus is on understanding how the core muscles work, learning to activate them correctly, and beginning to improve your general strength, flexibility and posture.
Whilst these are introductory classes, and less intense than some of our other classes, we’ll still make sure you challenge your muscles and get those all-important endorphins flowing.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR FOR BEGINNERS PILATES?
You will get hot, so wear clothes that allow you to move easily and stay cool. You won’t need shoes – you but you will need to wear Pilates socks (if you don’t have any, don’t worry – they’re available to buy at Reception). We provide water and towels are available for hire for a £2 fee and complimentary for members.
Benefits of a Beginners Reformer Pilates Class
You’ll find out what makes Ten’s Dynamic Pilates so addictive and effective, and how to use the Reformer equipment. The faster you become confident with the equipment and techniques, the sooner you’ll start seeing the benefits of your training.
You’ll also start building up your core strength, flexibility, and muscular endurance, so that when you move up to the intermediate and advanced levels, you’ll find the experience easier and more enjoyable, and the workout more effective.
Available as 45 and 55 minute classes.
Benefits of Pilates
Pilates is one of the best all-round forms of exercise available. There are too many advantages to list them all but here are 10 key benefits:
- It’s a great, highly effective and time-efficient full body workout.
- It strengthens the core – the muscles that support the hips, spine and neck – really important for anyone who spends hours a day at a desk, or hunched over a laptop or a screen because it improves spinal alignment and reduces the risk of posture-related pain or injury.
- It improves muscle strength, endurance and tone – particularly around the abdominals, lower back, hips and glutes.
- It improves posture, flexibility and balance – essential for our physical wellbeing, but too often lost thanks to today’s sedentary lifestyles.
- It’s prehabilitative – meaning that it doesn’t just make you stronger and fitter, it also helps prevent injury.
- It’s mindful and immersive – a valuable time-out from the pressures of work and day-to-day life. Promoting focus, presence and concentration, it’s a great way to reduce anxiety and stress.
- It’s low impact, and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
- It’s great for improving strength and control of your Pelvic Floor – one of the most important, but most overlooked and under-trained muscle groups in the body.
- By improving your posture, strengthening, toning and lengthening your muscles, you’ll stand taller and look leaner.
- You feel and see the benefits fast. As Joseph Pilates said “In 10 sessions, you’ll feel better, in 20 sessions you’ll look better, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a completely new body.”
BOOKING YOUR FIRST CLASS
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1 START WITH BEGINNERS
If you’re new to Reformer Pilates or Ten, we recommend starting with a Beginners Class. It’s not a reflection of your strength or fitness, but advised to help you get comfortable with the Pilates Reformer, understand the terminology we use and learn the techniques involved.
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2 BOOK WITH OUR INTRO OFFER
Our Reformer Pilates introductory offer gives you your first 3 Classes for just £57. Not only is it the best value per session you’ll find, but it’s also perfectly packaged to help you experience more of our trainers and start making progress towards your goals.
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3 BRING YOUR GRIP SOCKS
Grip Socks provide the necessary stability you’ll need during your workout, and are compulsory for all Reformer-based classes. Don’t worry if you don’t have any; they are available for purchase from the studio reception.
FAQ
About Beginners Reformer Pilates
Still have questions? Read our full FAQs or contact our team, and we'll be happy to assist
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Can beginners do Reformer Pilates at Ten?
Yes. Our Beginners Reformer Pilates classes at Ten are designed specifically for people who are new to Reformer Pilates or new to Ten. You don’t need any previous Pilates experience. The Pilates Reformer is one of the most effective and adaptable pieces of exercise equipment available anywhere, which means it can be set up to meet the specific needs of a wide group of clients – anyone from an absolute beginner who’s new to Pilates and/or exercise, to the most advanced hardcore Pilates practitioner.
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Which class should I book for my first Reformer Pilates session?
All clients new to Ten should book a Beginners Reformer Pilates class whether new to reformer pilates or not.
These classes introduce the equipment, the terminology used in our studios and the core Pilates techniques that underpin all of our classes.
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What’s the difference between Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates for beginners?
Mat Pilates uses bodyweight exercises performed on a mat, while Reformer Pilates is performed on a specialist machine called a reformer. The reformer uses springs, straps and a moving carriage to provide adjustable resistance and support.
For beginners, the reformer can actually make some movements easier to learn because the machine helps guide your movement and allows instructors to modify the resistance for your ability.
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How easy is it for beginners to learn Reformer Pilates?
While the Pilates Reformer can look intimidating, it’s actually a simple and easy-to-use piece of exercise equipment. Similarly, Pilates moves are not complicated in themselves, but they do need to be performed properly, with the correct technique, focus and precision.
The best way to learn Reformer Pilates is to attend classes or 1-1 sessions with a qualified Reformer Pilates instructor. They will help you understand how the reformer works, help you master the basic techniques and exercises that underpin all Pilates practice, and guide and support you as you progress.
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What happens in a beginner’s class?
A Beginners Reformer Pilates class at Ten focuses on learning the foundations of Pilates safely and effectively. Your instructor will introduce the reformer machine, explain the key Pilates principles and guide you through a series of controlled exercises designed to strengthen your core, improve posture and increase mobility.
Classes focus on learning proper technique, alignment control rather than speed or intensity. The emphasis is understanding how the reformer works and developing the fundamental Pilates movements that you’ll build on in more advanced classes.
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How long is a beginner class and what pace should I expect?
Most Reformer Pilates classes at Ten last around 50 minutes. Beginners classes move at a steady, controlled pace so you have time to learn the exercises, understand how the reformer works and focus on proper technique with a warm up and cool down.
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I’m not very fit or flexible – will I cope in a beginners class?
Yes. Beginners Reformer Pilates classes are designed for people of all fitness levels, including those who are completely new to exercise. The reformer machine allows instructors to adjust resistance and modify exercises so you can work comfortably at your own level while still getting an effective workout.
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What if I can’t keep up during the class?
Don’t worry if you need to move at your own pace, pilates is about precision and control, not speed.
Your Ten instructor can modify exercises or adjust the resistance on the reformer to make movements more manageable while you build strength and confidence.
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Will I be sore after my first class?
It can be common to experience Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) after your first few classes. Reformer Pilates activates deep stabilising muscles that may not have been used recently, particularly in the core, glutes and back.
This is completely normal and usually improves quickly as your body adapts to the exercises.
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What should I wear and do I need grip socks?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as a t-shirt or vest with leggings or shorts.
For hygiene and safety, grip socks are required for all Reformer Pilates sessions at Ten. If you don’t already have a pair, Ten Grip Socks are available to purchase in the studio.
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What should I bring and how early should I arrive?
Bring a water bottle, a towel and arrive around 10 minutes before your first class so your instructor can show you how the reformer works and help you get set up.
Arriving early also gives you time to settle in and ask any questions before the session begins.
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How many people are in a class?
Reformer Pilates classes at Ten are kept deliberately small due to the equipment used. Our studio size ranges from 8 to 11 reformer beds. Smaller class sizes allow our trainers to provide individual guidance, hands-on corrections and personalised feedback, which is particularly helpful for beginners learning proper technique.
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Can I do Reformer Pilates with an injury?
If you have had a significant injury, either recently or in the past, you should speak to a Ten trainer before attending a class. Pilates exercises can often be modified to accommodate injuries, but in some cases you may need medical clearance or a more tailored approach before joining a group session.
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Is Reformer Pilates suitable if I’m pregnant or post-natal?
Pilates can be very beneficial during pregnancy and after childbirth, but specialist classes are recommended. If you are pregnant, we advise booking our prenatal Pilates assessment and classes, which are specifically designed to support your body safely during pregnancy.
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Are there any health conditions I should mention before booking?
If you have a medical condition, recent injury or are currently undergoing treatment that may affect your ability to exercise, it’s important to inform the instructor before attending your class. They will be able to advise whether the session is suitable or recommend the most appropriate option.
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How often should beginners attend?
Consistency is key when learning Pilates. Many beginners see noticeable improvements in strength, posture and control when attending two to three classes per week, although even one class per week can deliver benefits helping to improve posture, strength and mobility over time.
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How many beginners classes should I do before moving to intermediate?
There’s no simple answer to this question. It completely depends on the individual. Some people are ready to move up a level after just a couple of classes, and for others it can be 20 or more.
We offer Ten transition classes designed to introduce you to the exercises, progressions and level of difficulty you’ll be facing. But we do it at a slower pace, with more time spent getting set up properly and making sure you’re performing the movements correctly.
Your instructor will be able to advise when you’re ready to move up to an intermediate class.
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Which Ten studios offer Beginners Reformer classes?
Beginners Reformer Pilates classes are available across all Ten Health & Fitness studios in London excluding Little Venice.
You can check the timetable for your nearest studio when booking online to see available beginner sessions.
Chiswick
City
Fitzrovia
Hatton Garden
King’s Cross
Nine Elms
Notting Hill Gate
St James’s -
Can I attend classes at different Ten studios?
Yes. Many clients attend classes at different Ten studios depending on their schedule, for example near work during the week and closer to home at weekends.
Chiswick
City
Fitzrovia
Hatton Garden
King’s Cross
Nine Elms
Notting Hill Gate
St James’s -
How do I book a beginners class?
You can book a Beginners Reformer Pilates class through the Ten online timetable or via the app. Simply choose your preferred studio, select a Beginners class and reserve your place.
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What happens if a class is fully booked?
If a class is full, you can join the waitlist. If a space becomes available you will automatically be notified and added to the class.
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Ten Pilates Reformer tips for beginners
- Go to classes or 1-1 sessions with a qualified instructor rather than trying to teach yourself.
- When doing a standing or kneeling exercise, step onto the standing platform first, not the carriage.
- Pilates is all about technique – if an exercise feels very easy, you may be doing it incorrectly.
- Even if you’re very fit, you may struggle at first as you’ll be using muscles you haven’t used before.
- Slower is better. Moving slowly improves technique and effectiveness while reducing injury risk.
- Your instructor may adjust your posture by hand to help improve your form.
- Consistency is key – training around three times per week can accelerate progress.
- Stop when your technique starts to fail rather than pushing to complete exhaustion.
- Shaking during holds is normal and means your muscles are working.
- Focus on your own progress rather than comparing yourself with others in the class.
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Further Reading
Our blog has all the advice you could want. From essential equipment, to health benefits. From sports specific advice to tips to maximise your workout our blog should be your first port of call for all things reformer pilates.