First timers
Never done this before? Start here
No experience needed, and no particular level of fitness. New members start with from £25, and this page tells you exactly what happens — what to wear, when to arrive, and what each kind of class is actually like.
Step 1 of 6 The classes
What each class is actually like
Four kinds of class, and you can start with any of them. Here is what you are walking into.
You do not have to start on a reformer. Pick whichever of these sounds most like you and book it — every one of them has first-timers in it.
Reformer
A low, padded carriage on rails, with a footbar at one end and straps at the other. Underneath it are springs. You lie, sit, kneel or stand on the carriage and move it by pushing against the footbar or pulling on the straps — the springs are the resistance, and the instructor tells you which to use. More springs is not automatically harder.
Mat
No machine. Floor work on a mat, sometimes with small weights or a band — flow to move, sculpt to strengthen, barre to burn. If you would rather learn the movements before learning a machine, start here.
Infrared
Any of the above, in a room heated to around 35°C by infrared panels rather than hot air. The heat loosens you up and raises your heart rate. Come hydrated, bring more water than you think, and take it easier than you would in a cool room.
Community
Run Club and the social sessions. Free, no kit required beyond trainers, and the easiest way to meet the studio before you ever book a class.
Step 2 of 6 Which class
Which one to book first
If you want a machine class, book Foundations — it moves at a pace that lets you learn the reformer, with the instructor explaining the springs and demonstrating each exercise. Everyone in the room is at the same stage.
Foundations is not a comment on your fitness. It is there so you learn the machine, hear the words we use, and get comfortable before anyone asks you to move quickly.
For a mat or barre class, just book the one you like the sound of — there is nothing to learn first, and the instructor will offer easier versions as you go.
If you already do pilates elsewhere and want to go straight into Signature, that is fine — tell the instructor it is your first time on our machines and they will set you up before class starts.
Step 3 of 6 Before you come
What to bring
Grip socks Reformer & mat
The carriage and the floor are both slippery without them. If you do not own a pair, buy them at the studio for £12 or with reward points.
Something you can move in
Whatever you feel comfortable training in. Fitted is easier than loose — you spend time upside down and baggy tops travel. No shoes in the studio, trainers for Run Club.
Water
Bring a bottle. There is somewhere to put it beside you in every studio, and you will want it in a hot class.
A towel, if you want one Hot classes
Optional in a cool room, needed in a hot one. Buy or hire one on site for £1.
Step 4 of 6 On the day
Your first fifteen minutes
Arrive ten minutes early
Ten minutes gives you time to check in, put your things away and meet your instructor before anything starts. Any earlier and a class may still be running with the doors locked.
Tell the instructor it is your first time
They will set you up for your height, show you the kit and talk you through anything unfamiliar. This is also the moment to mention any injury, pregnancy or anything you would rather not do.
Leave your things and take your spot
Shoes off, bag away, grip socks on.
Class starts on time
The warm-up begins straight away, which is why we cannot let anyone in late.
Step 5 of 6 In the room
You set the pace
Stop whenever you need to. Sit down, drink some water, and rejoin when you are ready. Every exercise has an easier version. Ask for it, or say so at the start and the instructor will offer it to you as you go.
Our instructors offer hands-on adjustments. If you would rather they did not touch you, let them know before class — there is no explanation needed, and it changes nothing else about the session.
Step 6 of 6 Afterwards
Post class care
Give your body the time and nourishment it needs to reset and recover. Stay well hydrated and enjoy a nutritious, balanced meal to support your body’s natural recovery process.
Avoid strenuous movement and allow yourself plenty of time to rest, relax, and recharge.
Questions
The things people ask
I am new to working out. Will I be able to do it?
Yes. A basic level of fitness helps but is not needed. Our concepts are made to welcome people at all levels, we have a class for wherever you’re at in your fitness journey.
Is there an age limit?
Sixteen for standard reformer classes. Dynamic and Bounce are eighteen and over.
Can I come if I am pregnant or recently gave birth?
Embrace is our dedicated pre and post natal class. Once your doctor has cleared you post-birth to work out again, our foundation and signature are also suitable. Tell the instructor you are pregnant or recently given birth before class starts so they can make adjustments for you. We do not recommend Dynamic, Bounce or Barre, which are too intense for pre or post natal.
I have an injury. Should I still come?
Usually yes, Pilates is often recommended for exactly that reason — but tell your instructor before class, not during. If you are under the care of a physio, check with them first.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancel more than 12 hours before your class, through the app or the website, and there is no charge. Inside 12 hours the class is charged for — see our terms for exactly how that is applied. The class is returned to your profile, however you will be charged a £5 cancellation fee. If you aren’t able to show up and don’t cancel, we have a £10 no show fee.
What if I am running late?
We cannot admit anyone once class has started. The safety briefing and warm-up happen in the first few minutes and going into a class without them is not safe. If you are not going to make it, cancel as early as you can.
Are there showers and lockers?
It varies by studio. Some have showers, changing rooms and lockers; others have toilets and somewhere to leave your bag. Each studio page lists exactly what is there, so it is worth a look before you travel.
How do I book?
Create an account, buy your first class at the studio you want, then choose your class and spot on the schedule. You will receive an email confirmation.
Anything else, email us at hello@reformercollective.co.uk.
Ready when you are
Pick a studio, pick a time. You will be shown what to do when you get there.
Book a class- No experience needed
- Grip socks available on site
- Cancel free up to 12 hours before