Is it a fad? Is it here to stay? Is it hard? Is it easy? No secret I love Reformer Pilates and I am now a regular user of the odd ‘machine’ with pulls, coils, and more appendages which seems to be mushrooming every where across the UK.

What is Reformer Pilates?

Wikipedia tells us that Pilates is a type of mind-body exercise developed in the early 20th century by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, after whom it was named. Pilates accompanied his method with a variety of equipment, which he called “apparatus”. Each apparatus was designed to help accelerate the process of stretching, strengthening, body alignment and increased core strength started by mat work. This included the Reformer, originally called the Universal Reformer, named for “universally reforming the body”. Eventually Pilates designed other apparatus, including the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, High “Electric” Chair, Spine Corrector, Ladder Barrel and Pedi-Pole.

Some people believe it works wonders for the human body especially in recovery phase or for those suffering from back pain, but it seems there is no verified medical proof of this.

While pilates without the machines has been around for a very long time, the Reformer is a little more recent in terms of spread and popularity.

I first tried it a few years ago in New York while on holiday, using class pass. It was a novelty, it felt quirky and once back in London, I forgot about it. Until a couple of years ago, when it started being on offer in a few gyms, and then more, and now it’s everywhere.

So how do you choose which class, where, which istructor? I have tried a few options, so read on to see if any of them is suitable for you too!

BLOK, Shoreditch

I work near Blok so I use their Shoreditch premises a lot; it’s not a massive gym, and they only offer classes; the changing rooms are small and a bit tired, and you need to hire a towel (or bring your own) but the staff are really helpful and friendly and the instructors are all absolutely exceptional.

The variety and number of classes on offer is fantastic, virtually every hour from 6am to evening, there’s something. They have 3 studios plus a recently opened Reformer area which is bright and not too big allowing for the instructor to be easily heard, seen and followed. All classes I have done here except one have been great, with my favourite instructor being Orla. The Reformer classes at Blok are premium and are not cheap, with around 20 credits on Class Pass; look out however for our for Blok’s offers on discounted class packs about twice a year.

Refine Pilates, Spitalfields

I really like Refine Pilates‘ studio. It’s small, with possibly only around 8 beds, no proper changing rooms or shower facility and it’s up two flights of stairs but the equipment is of good quality and the instructors are also all really good, professional and friendly. I have never found the classes too busy, in fact yesterday it was only two of us at the 1pm All levels, which meant the (new) teacher could really focus on each of us, to correct any pose and tailor to our intermediate level. Refine offers one of the best value Reformer classes via Class pass (around 11 credits) and also does an intro offer of 3 classes for 39£.

Acai Berry, Hoxton

Yes, you read that right. It’s called Acai Berry Reformer, because, given the trend, in a basement under a smoothie bar in Shoreditch they have managed to set up a fairly spacious, mirrored Reformer studio, with changing booths, toilet and lockers. The beds are the most flimsly I have ever seen, quite low to the ground too but the instructors I have so far come across make up for it; Angharad is really great, friendly and very clear in explaining what to do, with very challenging classes. This is also very convenient on Class pass with sometimes classes for as little as 10 credit.

Club Pilates, Bankside

The fanciest studio I have visited, Club Pilates‘ space in Bankside is huge and only offers Reformer classes with a few variations (such as cardio options). There are about 20 beds and they are the best I have used, wooden and comprehensive with wall pulls and TRXs, Reformer chairs and accessories such as med ball and ring.

The studio is located by the Tate modern and is also very bright, with also private room too for 1-2-1s. My favourite instructor is Hope, and a couple of times I have come across less able colleagues where occasionally was hard to follow or hear instructions but overall I do like this studio, and the price varies, with some classes offered for as little as 11 credits on Class pass but with some as high as 17. They also do an intro offer, which is worth considering.

Tribe City, Moorgate

Tribe City took on the premises formerly occupied by Kobox, one of the victims to the fading of the boxing fitness trend. It’s a basement, no window studio but they have done a great job at refurbishing the space, making it much brighter than its former occupies with good showers and changing rooms and a hanging out area with herbal teas as complimentary.

They have two studios, one dedicated to more yoga and traditional pilates, and the other for Reformer. The beds are very close together, and in my view the instructors are a bit of a mixed bag, with the prices also on the middle to high side via Class pass. Of course they also do an intro offer and as they just opened a branch in Waterloo, I will probably consider a membership after a few more sessions.

In conclusion

I really recommend trying a Reformer class, as it’s a low impact, intense workout that can be tailored to abilities, age and any injury making it a good choice for most people. London and the UK offer a wide choice of studios, and I have yet to try some of the more ‘famous’ such as Core Collective or Psychle, either due to location or price. I have also tried others, which I did not like for a number of reasons ( such as 1Rebel or Klinik Pilates) but I am overall really enjoying mixing my workouts, and including a Reformer or two a week.

Why not try a Reformer with a £1 Class Pass trial?