The reformer is a spring-loaded piece of Pilates equipment, consisting of a platform, a set of cables, a foot bar and various add-on devices. It facilitates hundreds of exercises for every body part. Reformer exercise takes your Pilates training to the next level, but private reformer sessions, costing $50 to $125 an hour, take a big chunk out of your bank account. Group reformer classes, priced according to how many people are in class, are more affordable.
Group Exercise Reformers
Stott Pilates and Balanced Body are the major group exercise reformer manufacturers. These smaller machines are low to the ground. Some fold or stack for storage. The low-to-ground reformers should not pose a problem for healthy individuals, but seniors and people with blood pressure problems or leg injuries may find it difficult to get up and down from the floor.
Learning Styles
Students perform most of the exercises in a group reformer class from a supine or prone position. Certain studio layouts may challenge students who rely predominately on visual cues to learn the movements. Some instructors use a video on an overhead screen. Others require baseline knowledge of reformer setup and movements before admittance to group reformer classes. Christine Binnendyk, for example, who teaches group reformer at Nike World Headquarters in Oregon, has a Pilates Passport system. Only students who know how to set up their reformers, maintain proper alignment and perform 40 of the reformer exercises may take the group classes. Others must take private lessons until they master the basics. Even if your studio does not have these requirements, taking a few private lessons will help you maximize the group experience.
Personalization
The Pilates reformer is a complex piece of equipment. Pilates exercise requires meticulous movement quality, and a constant attention to details. Instructors watch, assess and correct their clients' moves during private sessions, but this is not possible in a group session. They must also compromise the class level, in order to accommodate the most common denominator, but highly-trained instructors know how to demonstrate variations of the exercises for different levels of fitness. Class size plays a key role. Personalized attention is almost impossible with more than six participants, unless the instructor has an assistant teacher.
Bottom LIne
Group Pilates reformer classes are most effective for students who are already well-versed in the nuances of the Pilates reformer. These classes are budget friendly and may help you maintain your fitness level. To progress, combine group training with periodic private sessions with an instructor.
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