I tried Reformer Pilates as a complete beginner at a Pilates studio in Bicester last week.
In recent years Pilates has grown in popularity, and I have always been intrigued by it.
When I find an exercise I enjoy, I tend to stick to it, and I recently took up running.
However when Reformer Pilates Bicester reached out and invited me to try one of their classes, I immediately took the chance.
I felt excited and nervous at the same time, as I had no idea what to expect.
Reformer Pilates relies on a piece of equipment known as a Reformer to add resistance and variety to traditional Pilates workouts.
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My friend Georgie, who is also a runner and had never tried Reformer Pilates before, joined me, so we were both in the same boat.
A range of classes are offered for different levels in ability, and we attended the Foundation Reformer class last Monday (July 15), which suited us perfectly.
Despite it being July, when we arrived it was pouring down with rain, so we ran from the carpark into the premises.
We arrived early, despite getting lost on the way, as it is recommended attendees arrive at least 10 minutes before the class starts.
Bicester Reformer Pilates is located inside the Performance Centre within the beautiful grounds of Bicester Hotel Golf and Spa.
As we arrived we were met with a warm welcome from the receptionist, who asked if we had ever done Former Pilates before, to which we said no.
We then met Tash, our instructor, who also gave us a warm welcome which instantly helped ease my nerves.
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Reformer Pilates should be done either barefoot or with gripped socks, and in the studio there are lockers to store your shoes, as well as a place to hang your bags and coats.
When entering the studio the first thing I noticed was the warm, cosy ambience.
I was surprised at first to see just five spaces in the class, but I soon came to realise that this makes the experience feel so much more personal.
The class started off with some gentle stretches, and then the exercises began.
Although Reformer Pilates may look easy from the outside, I can assure you it is not. It tests the strength of your whole body, and as someone who likes to stick to cardio, I found this challenging at first.
The owner of Reformer Pilates Bicester, Nathan, actually encourages Reformer for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
When trying something for the first time, you're bound to make mistakes, which we certainly did - however, Tash helped us to correct these without it feeling embarrassing or patronising.
We did lower body, core and upper body exercises, using the Reformer machines for resistance.
The class focused on correct alignment, core strength, and stability, and I was amazed at how many different ways a machine could be used.
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The instructions from Tash were clear and easy to follow, making it the ideal introduction to us as newcomers.
Music was also played quietly throughout, which added to the calm ambience.
The class finished with stretches and after the class we all cleaned down our equipment ready for the next class, which was easy and took less than a minute.
My body aching for at least two days after the class, which shows just how much of a workout it was.
At £20 a class, I would pay to go back and I plan on doing so in the future.
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