What to expect in your first class: A beginners guide to Reformer Pilates at The Mvement Studio in Norwich

So, you’ve booked your first Reformer Pilates class—great choice! Whether you’re here for the core strength, the mobility boost, or just an hour of ‘me time’ without someone asking for snacks, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a guide as to what to expect as a beginner in your first reformer pilates class at our studio in Norwich.

1. Meet Your New Best Friend: The Reformer

The reformer might look a bit like a medieval torture device, but don’t worry—it’s here to help, not hurt! It’s a sliding carriage with springs, straps, and a footbar that work together to build strength, flexibility, and control. Your instructor will guide you through how to use it and adjust settings to suit your needs.

2. Safety First—Because We’d Like You to Come Back

Before we get moving, we’ll show you how to navigate the reformer safely. If you have any injuries or medical conditions, let us know before class starts—we want to ensure your session is both effective and safe for you.

3. Start as Slow As You Like—This Isn’t a Race

Every exercise in class is layered, meaning we start simple and build from there. You decide how far to push yourself—no pressure, just progress. Feeling a bit wobbly at first? Totally normal. Give it a few sessions, and you’ll feel like a pro.

4. A Full-Body Experience (Not Just an Ab Workout!)

Yes, your core will work hard, but so will the rest of you! Expect a mix of lying, kneeling, and standing exercises, with some moves using the straps for resistance. Every body is different, so your progress will be unique to you.

5. Go at Your Own Pace—We’re Not Here to Break You

Reformer Pilates is designed to challenge you, but we’ll always offer modifications if needed. If you need a breather, take one! If something feels off, let us know. This is your workout, and we’re here to help make it work for you.

6. Ask Questions—We Love Talking Pilates!

Our job isn’t just to lead the class—it’s to make sure you feel confident in what you’re doing. So, if you’re unsure about a movement or need an adjustment, ask away!

7. Sore, Not Sorry (a.k.a. Hello, DOMS)

You might feel muscles you didn’t even know existed the day after class—this is totally normal! That post-Pilates soreness is a sign your body is getting stronger. But if you feel actual pain or discomfort, let your instructor know.

8. Mind Over Matter—The Secret Sauce of Pilates

Pilates isn’t just about moving; it’s about finding your flow state, taking your self to a place where you a having to concentrate on exactly what you are doing in a given moment to not you be anywhere but in the very moment you are experiencing. This mind-body connection is where the magic happens.

Final Takeaway: You've Read the Guide to what to Expect as a Beginner in your first Reformer Pilates class in our Norwich, now it's time to Have Fun!

Reformer Pilates is challenging, but it’s also empowering and (dare we say) fun! Don’t stress about getting everything perfect—just focus on moving, feeling good, and maybe enjoying the fact that the 45 minutes are all about YOU. See you in class!