Your First Reformer Class: What to Expect (From Someone Who Gets It)

Let's get this out of the way: if you're reading this, you're probably at least a little nervous about trying reformer Pilates for the first time. Maybe you've seen the machine on social media and thought it looked like some kind of medieval torture device. Maybe a friend won't stop talking about it and you're finally curious enough to look into it. Maybe you've been dealing with back pain or stiffness and someone suggested Pilates might help.

Whatever brought you here, I want you to know something -- that nervous feeling is completely normal, and it goes away fast. Every single person who walks into a reformer class for the first time has that moment of "what did I sign up for?" And then, about ten minutes in, they realize it's not nearly as scary as they thought.

So here's what your first class at REBUILT Pilates in New Lenox actually looks like, step by step.

The Reformer: That Machine Isn't as Scary as It Looks

First things first -- the reformer. It's a long, bed-like frame with a sliding carriage, some springs, a couple of straps, and a foot bar. If you've never seen one in person, it can look a bit complex. But here's the thing: you don't need to understand how it works before you show up. That's literally what the instructor is there for.

The reformer uses spring-based resistance, which means it's adjustable. Heavier springs make certain exercises harder; lighter springs can actually make things more challenging because your muscles have to work harder to control the movement. Your instructor will set the springs for you and tell you exactly what to adjust and when.

What makes the reformer so effective -- and why we use it at REBUILT Pilates instead of just doing mat work -- is that it supports your body while simultaneously challenging it. You're lying down, kneeling, or sitting for most of the exercises, which takes pressure off your joints while still building serious strength. It's one of the reasons reformer Pilates is so popular for people coming back from injuries, dealing with chronic pain, or starting from scratch with exercise. Because we operate inside REBUILT Performance, our approach is informed by Dr. Kyle Richmond's background in sports rehab and mobility -- which means the way we teach even foundational movements has a purpose behind it.

Think of the reformer as a tool that makes you work harder than you realize while supporting you the whole time. It's sneaky like that.

What to Wear and What to Bring

Keep it simple. You want fitted, comfortable workout clothes -- think leggings, a fitted tank or tee, and that's about it. Avoid anything super baggy because loose fabric can get caught on the equipment and it makes it harder for your instructor to see your form.

A few specifics:

• Grip socks are recommended. They have little rubber dots on the bottom that keep your feet from sliding on the reformer. You can buy them online, at most athletic stores, or just ask us -- we can point you in the right direction. If you don't have them for your first class, that's fine. Regular socks work, and barefoot is an option too.
• Skip the heavy jewelry. Rings, bracelets, and long necklaces can get in the way or scratch the equipment.
• Bring water. You're going to want it. Reformer Pilates doesn't feel like a HIIT class while you're doing it, but you'll notice you're sweating by the end.
• No shoes needed. You'll be on the reformer in socks or bare feet the entire time.

That's it. No special gear, no expensive equipment. Just show up comfortable.

Before Class Starts: Arriving Early and Getting Set Up

We ask first-timers to arrive about 10 minutes early. This isn't busywork -- it actually matters. Those extra minutes give you time to fill out a quick intake form (so we know about any injuries, limitations, or goals you have), meet your instructor, and get oriented on the reformer before the clock starts.

Your instructor will walk you through the basic parts of the machine: the carriage, the foot bar, the shoulder blocks, and the straps. They'll show you how the springs work and let you slide the carriage back and forth a few times so you can feel how it moves. This takes about two minutes and makes a huge difference in how comfortable you feel once class begins.

If you're coming to REBUILT Pilates specifically, you'll walk into the studio through REBUILT Performance in New Lenox. There's plenty of parking, and the studio is easy to find once you're inside. Don't be intimidated by the gym setting -- the Pilates studio has its own dedicated space, and you'll feel that the second you walk in.

One more thing: don't worry about being the only new person. Our group classes are small on purpose, and there's almost always a mix of experience levels in any given session. Nobody is watching you or judging you. Honestly, everyone is too focused on their own shaking legs to notice what's happening on your reformer.

During the Class: What Actually Happens for 50 Minutes

Here's where people usually have the most questions, so let me break it down.

A typical class at REBUILT Pilates runs 50 minutes. Your instructor leads the entire session, cueing every movement -- what to do, where to put your feet, which way to face, how to breathe. You're never left guessing. The instructor also demonstrates most exercises, especially anything that might be new to the group.

You'll cycle through a series of exercises that target different muscle groups. A typical class might include:

• Footwork -- pressing the carriage out and in with your feet on the foot bar. This is usually the warm-up and it targets your quads, glutes, and calves. It feels a lot like a leg press, but smoother.
• Core work -- various positions that challenge your abs, obliques, and deep stabilizing muscles. This is the bread and butter of Pilates and the reason most people notice their posture improving within a few weeks.
• Arm and shoulder work -- using the straps to pull, press, and control movement. Don't let the light resistance fool you -- this burns.
• Hip and glute exercises -- side-lying, kneeling, or bridging positions that target muscles most people don't use enough in daily life.
• Stretching and cool-down -- the reformer is excellent for assisted stretching, and most classes end with a few minutes of lengthening work that feels genuinely amazing.

Here's what catches most beginners off guard: the pace. Reformer Pilates is slow and controlled. You're not racing through reps. Each movement is intentional, and your instructor will remind you to slow down more than you'd expect. That controlled pace is what builds real strength -- you're forcing your muscles to work through the full range of motion instead of relying on momentum.

Modifications Are Normal (and Expected)

Good instructors modify. Period. At REBUILT Pilates, every exercise has at least one modification, and your instructor will offer them without you needing to ask. Maybe you need a lighter spring. Maybe you need a smaller range of motion. Maybe a different hand position would feel better on your shoulders. None of that is a sign of weakness -- it's a sign that the instructor is actually paying attention to your body.

Because our programs are overseen by Dr. Kyle Richmond, who has 20+ years in sports rehab and mobility, the modifications we use aren't just "do less of the exercise." They're intentional alternatives that still give you the benefit of the movement while respecting where your body is right now. That's a real difference you'll notice compared to studios where modifications are an afterthought.

After Class: How You'll Actually Feel

Right after class, most people feel two things: tired and oddly energized. Your muscles will feel worked -- especially your core, your inner thighs, and muscles in your hips and back you didn't know you had. But it's a deep, satisfying tired, not an "I can't walk to my car" tired.

The next day is where it gets interesting. If this is your first time doing Pilates (or your first time exercising in a while), expect some soreness. Here's how to think about it:

• Good soreness: A general muscle ache in your abs, glutes, inner thighs, and upper back. This is delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it just means your muscles were challenged in a new way. It peaks around 24-48 hours after class and goes away on its own. Gentle movement, walking, and hydration help it pass faster.
• Not-great soreness: Sharp pain in a specific joint, anything that feels like a pinch or a strain, or pain that gets worse rather than better over time. This is rare in Pilates -- especially on a reformer where the machine supports your body -- but if it happens, let your instructor know before your next class so they can adjust.

Most people are surprised by how much they feel their deep core muscles the day after their first class. If you've been doing crunches at the gym and wondering why your core still doesn't feel strong, reformer Pilates will show you what you've been missing. It gets into the transverse abdominis, the pelvic floor, and the multifidus -- muscles that traditional ab work tends to skip right over.

How Often Should You Go as a Beginner?

This is the question everyone asks, and the honest answer is: it depends on you. But here are some general guidelines that work well for most people.

Once a week is a solid starting point. It gives your body time to recover between sessions, and you'll still start to notice changes in how you move and feel within a few weeks. One session per week is also realistic for most people's schedules, which matters more than any "ideal" frequency that you can't actually maintain.

Twice a week is where most people land once they've done a few classes and feel comfortable. This is the sweet spot for seeing real, consistent progress -- better posture, stronger core, less stiffness, more control over your body. If you can swing two classes a week, you'll likely be surprised by how quickly things change.

Three times a week is for people who are all in. This is where Pilates stops being something you "do" and becomes part of how your body operates. At this frequency, you're not just maintaining -- you're building. Most people who train three times a week report that their other activities (running, lifting, sports, even just daily life) start feeling noticeably easier.

Whatever frequency you choose, consistency beats intensity every time. Showing up once a week for three months will do more for you than going five times in one week and then disappearing. That's true for any training, but it's especially true for Pilates because so much of the work is about building neuromuscular patterns -- teaching your body to move differently takes repetition over time.

The Bottom Line

Your first reformer Pilates class is going to be a little unfamiliar, a lot more challenging than it looks, and probably one of the best things you do for your body this year. The reformer isn't scary once you're on it. The instructor will guide you through everything. Your body will thank you afterward, even if your abs are cursing you the next morning.

And if you're still on the fence, here's my suggestion: just try it. Don't overthink it. Don't wait until you're "in shape" or "flexible enough." Nobody walks in with perfect form -- that's the whole point of showing up.