Is Reformer Pilates Hard If You're a Beginner?

Curious about reformer Pilates but haven’t taken the leap yet? Maybe you’re wondering if you’re fit enough, coordinated enough, or even “the type”. If so, keep reading. Studio Pilates will challenge you — that’s the honest answer. But it’s built so your very first class feels empowering, not overwhelming.

Here’s what you need to know.

You Don’t Need to Be Fit to Start

This is the biggest myth we bust every single day. At Studio Pilates, every class is built around our Universal Class Accessibility Strategy — which means one class works for every body, every fitness level and every age. There are no beginner classes or advanced classes. Just one class, where the spring resistance on your reformer machine is what makes it the right level of challenge for you specifically.

From your first class you won’t be watching everyone else do things you can’t. You’ll be doing exactly what everyone else is doing — just at your level. As you get stronger your resistance increases, and the workout grows with you.

Our expert instructors are also there to provide any modifications needed, either to scale back or challenge you further.

What to Expect in Your First Reformer Pilates Class

Before you join a regular class, every new Studio Pilates client completes a compulsory Orientation Workout — an introductory workout that covers how our custom reformer machine works, what to expect in class, and how to set yourself up for success.

By the time you step into your first regular reformer class, you’ll already know your machine, understand the format, and feel confident walking through the door.

Each Studio Pilates class runs for 40 minutes. You’ll move through a series of full-body exercises on the reformer — guided by your friendly instructor and our in-studio screen system — with around 90 seconds of continuous effort per exercise. 

It’s low impact. It’s high intensity. And it will surprise you!

Why Does Reformer Pilates Feel Different From Other Workouts?

The most common thing we hear from first-timers — especially those who already exercise regularly — is: “I had no idea I’d feel it that much!” That’s not an accident, it’s science!

Studio Pilates workouts are specifically designed to keep your muscles working continuously in what sports scientists call the hypertrophy training zone — the sweet spot where muscles actually change and grow stronger. Each exercise runs for around 90 seconds, targeting the same muscle group back-to-back to maximise results.

Add minimal rest between exercises, precise spring resistance, and slow controlled movements — and you have a workout that creates serious change in a short amount of time. This means you’re not just moving, you’re strength training with purpose.

Is Studio Pilates Right for Me?

Whatever your starting point, Studio Pilates is built for real people with real lives like busy parents, working professionals, and anyone who wants to enjoy a full-body workout without having to go to the gym.

Whether you’re returning to exercise after a break, managing an old injury, juggling a demanding schedule, or simply looking for something that actually delivers results — the answer is yes, Studio Pilates is for you.

The physiotherapy-designed programming builds lean muscle, strengthens the deep stabilising muscles that support your spine, improves posture, and delivers full-body conditioning that keeps you strong, capable and energised for the long haul.

It’s not just about how your body looks. It’s about what your body can do — and keeping you doing it for as long as possible.

The Core First Difference

Every Studio Pilates class is built around our Core First Policy. Before we train any major muscle group, we activate the deep stabilising muscles that protect your spine and make every other movement more effective.

The key muscle here is your transversus abdominis — your body’s internal support system, often called your internal weight belt. Research from the University of Queensland has shown that strengthening this muscle is directly linked to reduced back pain and improved spinal stability.

Your supportive instructors will help you find and activate it from your very first class. Once you feel it working, it changes everything.

What About the SPTV System?

One of the most common concerns for beginners is not knowing what’s coming next. At Studio Pilates, we’ve solved that.

Our SPTV system displays every exercise on screens throughout the studio in real time — multi-angle and crystal clear — so you always know exactly what movement is coming and how to do it correctly.

The sequence of exercises you see on these screens has been created by our in-house physiotherapists, so you have exercises on screen from physiotherapists and in-person expert instructors keeping you safe in every class. 

These screens also free your instructor from demonstrating at the front of the room. Instead, they’re moving through the class — adjusting your springs, correcting your form, and making sure you’re genuinely feeling each exercise in the right place.

It’s the closest thing to a personal training session in a group class environment.

How Quickly Will You See Results from Reformer Pilates?

Most clients feel a difference within their first few classes. You’ll likely discover muscles you didn’t know you had — and trust us, that’s a good thing!

Visible results typically start to show around the nine-class mark, which is exactly why our 6 Class Intro Offer exists — six classes in two weeks to give your body enough time to start responding before you’ve even finished your first pack.

Consistency is the key, and that’s why we recommend two to three classes a week as the sweet spot for most people starting out.

Our Three Promises to Every Client

Whatever brings you through the door, these are non-negotiable at every Studio Pilates studio, every single class:

Safe. Every workout is physiotherapy-designed to challenge you without breaking you.

Achievable. No confusing choreography, no circus moves. Just intelligent exercises you can follow and feel working from the very first rep.

Customisable. Every exercise can be made easier or harder. We meet you where you are — and take you further than you thought possible.

Reformer Pilates for Beginners: FAQs

Do I need experience to start?
None at all. Your Orientation Workout covers everything before your first class.

What should I wear?

Comfortable activewear and grip socks which are available at your studio if you need them.

What if I have an injury or back pain?
Studio Pilates is physiotherapy-designed and instructors are trained in movement modification. Always let your instructor know before class so they can support you. Many physiotherapists actively refer their clients to us!

Is there an age limit?
The minimum age is 14. There is no maximum — our classes regularly include clients across all decades of life.

There’s truly no better time to start reformer Pilates than now! Find your nearest Studio Pilates studio here to book your Orientation Workout. Your first class might just surprise you. 🤍