Field Note: Pilates ProWorks

I’ve been wanting to try a reformer class for awhile, but honestly, I’ve been kind of intimidated by the machine. I finally decided to challenge myself and signed up for a class at Pilates ProWorks. They use a custom-built, reformer-based machine called a FitFormer.

Pilates Proworks has a beautiful and spacious studio in Alexandria, VA. The reformer room is large and open with high ceilings and plenty of natural light. It’s a breath of fresh air compared to some other group classes in the area (I’m looking at you, barre class that shall remain nameless) that pack in as many people as possible.

Now for what you really want to know…

Yes, it was crazy hard. But I modified, I took breaks, and actually, I found the class went really quickly despite being very challenging. The instructor struck that delicate balance of coming around enough to correct my form/give advice and letting me struggle through and feel it out on my own, hahaha. Sometimes you just need to do it to understand, you know?

The two most difficult parts were keeping my weight evenly distributed between the stationary and moving portion of the reformer, and worrying about falling off or having a muscle give out and toppling in/over the machine. The fear of falling is easiest to solve – you just go to your personal limit, which, as the instructor pointed out, will be different than your neighbor. Additionally, she gave us plenty of modifications, which I recommend taking during the first class. As for the weight distribution – I’m sure that, like most workouts, this is something that just comes with practice.

I was told upfront that I’d feel a bit wobbly at first, so I’m guessing everyone has a bit of a learning curve. If you’ve been looking to try a reformer class, but are intimidated, I definitely recommend giving it a shot.