Reformer Pilates in Doncaster: What to Know Before Your First Class
Thinking about trying Reformer Pilates in Doncaster but not quite sure what you're signing yourself up for?
You're definitely not the only one.
Reformer-style training has exploded in popularity over the last few years, but if you've never stepped onto a Reformer before, we'll admit the equipment can look slightly intimidating.
Springs. Straps. A moving carriage. Lots of positions that somehow look incredibly easy on Instagram.
The good news? You absolutely don't need to know what you're doing before your first class.
And while you might have found us by searching for Reformer Pilates in Doncaster, what we do at RWC Bawtry is actually a little different.
Let us explain.
First things first, what actually is Reformer Pilates?
Traditional Reformer Pilates is performed on a piece of equipment called a Reformer.
The bed has a moving carriage connected to springs, which create different levels of resistance as you move. You'll use different positions, straps and attachments to work the body while challenging things like strength, stability, control, mobility and coordination.
It's one of the reasons Reformer training has become so popular. One piece of equipment can be used in a huge number of ways.
But here's where it can get confusing.
Not every class performed on a Reformer-style bed is necessarily Reformer Pilates.
So what is Rise-former®?
When we created our Bawtry studio, we didn't want to open another traditional Reformer Pilates studio.
We wanted something stronger.
So we created our own Rise-former® Method, combining things we love from Reformer Pilates with principles from Lagree and athletic strength training.
Our custom-built Rise-former® beds still give us the resistance, instability and versatility you might associate with a Reformer, but the way we train on them has a much bigger focus on strength and muscular endurance.
We move slowly. Really slowly.
You'll often spend 60 seconds or longer working through a movement or combination, keeping the muscle under tension before we add another layer, increase the resistance or change the range of movement.
It might look like you're barely moving.
Your legs will tell you otherwise.
Is Rise-former® harder than Reformer Pilates?
This is probably one of the questions we're asked most.
And the answer isn't quite as simple as saying one is harder than the other.
There are lots of different styles of Reformer Pilates, just as there are different styles of strength training. A brilliant traditional Pilates class can be incredibly challenging.
What we can tell you is that Rise-former® is deliberately designed to challenge your strength and endurance.
Our classes are slow and controlled, but they're not intended to be gentle.
You'll feel your muscles working. You'll probably shake. Your instructor will encourage you to add resistance or take another progression when you're ready.
But everything can be adapted.
Which brings us nicely to...
Can beginners do Rise-former®?
Absolutely.
We know walking into your first class can feel intimidating, particularly when everyone else appears to know exactly what they're doing.
Please don't let that put you off.
Nobody walks into their first Rise-former® class knowing the names of the movements, how the springs work or where their feet are supposed to go.
That's why we have instructors.
At RWC Bawtry, we also offer dedicated Rise-former® Beginners classes. They're still a workout, but they're deliberately slower paced so there's more time to explain the bed, introduce our fundamental movements and help you get comfortable with the method.
Once you've got the basics, you can move into our Full Body classes feeling much more confident.
Do I need to be fit before my first class?
No.
And we'd really encourage you not to wait until you feel "fit enough" to start.
You don't get strong before you start strength training. Getting stronger is the whole point.
Within a class, exercises can be adapted by changing resistance, range of movement or the variation you're doing. Someone who's been coming to RWC for a year can therefore be working alongside someone who's on class number two.
Both can get a great workout.
They're just working at their own level.
What should I expect from my first Rise-former® class?
Our Rise-former® Full Body classes are 50 minutes long and there are a maximum of 14 clients plus your instructor.
You'll have your own Rise-former® bed for the session and your instructor will guide you through everything.
Expect to work your whole body.
You'll experience slow, controlled strength work, core exercises, balance and stability challenges and plenty of time under tension.
Your instructor will demonstrate movements and talk you through your positioning, resistance and options as you go.
You don't need to remember everything.
You don't need to keep up with the person next to you.
And you definitely don't need to get everything right on your first go.
A few classes in, the terminology starts making sense and you'll spend much less time wondering where your foot goes next.
What should I wear to a Reformer class?
Keep it simple.
Wear comfortable activewear that you can move freely in. Leggings, shorts, a sports bra, vest or T-shirt are all absolutely fine.
We do require grip socks on our Rise-former® beds. They help with grip and hygiene, and you can bring your own or purchase a pair at the studio.
Bring some water too.
You'll probably want it.
Is Rise-former® low impact?
Yes.
One of the things we love about this style of training is that something doesn't need to be high impact to be seriously challenging.
We don't need endless jumping or running to create intensity.
Instead, we use resistance, tempo, instability, range of movement and time under tension to challenge the muscles.
That makes Rise-former® a low-impact way to strength train, while still delivering the kind of workout where you know you've worked when you leave.
Low impact definitely doesn't mean low effort.
How often should I do Rise-former®?
There's no magic number.
If you're completely new, starting with one or two classes a week can be a great way to get familiar with the method and give your body time to adapt.
As you get stronger, you might decide you want to come more often.
It also doesn't have to be the only way you exercise.
Our clients combine Rise-former® with walking, running, traditional strength training, yoga, Sculpt and plenty of other activities.
Finding a routine you actually enjoy — and can realistically stick to — is far more useful than creating the "perfect" training plan that lasts two weeks.
Is Rise-former® Pilates?
Not quite.
There's undoubtedly Pilates influence within the method, and we're proud of that.
But Rise-former® is best described as Reformer-based strength training rather than traditional Reformer Pilates.
We combine the control and versatility of Reformer movement with the slow, high-tension principles we love from Lagree and the progressive challenge of strength training.
It's its own method.
And that's exactly how we intended it to be.
Where can I try Reformer Pilates in Doncaster?
If you're searching for Reformer Pilates in Doncaster, Bawtry or South Yorkshire and like the idea of something with a little more strength behind it, come and try Rise-former®.
You'll find Rise Wellness Concept Bawtry at Bawtry Hall, just outside Doncaster.
We've created a boutique 14-bed studio where the workout can be challenging without the environment feeling intimidating.
You don't need experience.
You don't need to already be strong.
And you don't need to know what any of the springs do.
We'll teach you that bit.
Ready to try your first class?
If you're completely new to RWC, you can start with our 3 classes for £39 introductory offer.
Choose a Beginners class if you'd like a little more time to learn the foundations, or jump into Full Body if you're ready to get started.
Come and see what all the shaking is about.
Rise with intention.