You've been thinking about trying Pilates for weeks. Maybe you've been watching videos on Instagram, looking at studios in your area or wondering what all the fuss is about.
But there's one thing holding you back.
Perhaps you're worried you won't be fit enough. Maybe you think everyone else will know exactly what they're doing. Or perhaps the reformer machine itself looks a little intimidating!
First of all, Let us reassure you. You're not alone.
At Reform & Glow, our Reformer Pilates studio in Wigston, Leicester, we welcome people who are completely new to Pilates. You don't need to be fit, flexible or experienced, and you certainly don't need to know what you're doing before you walk through the door.
If nerves have been stopping you from booking your first class, here are seven things we'd love you to know.
1. You Don't Need to Be Fit or Flexible to Start
Let's clear this one up straight away. You do not need to get fit before you start Pilates!
It's easy to assume that Pilates is only for people who can touch their toes, hold a plank effortlessly or make every movement look graceful. But that's simply not the case.
Reformer Pilates is a form of exercise that can help you develop strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness over time. You don't need to have these things mastered before your first class.
Our beginner-friendly sessions help you learn the movements at a pace that feels manageable, with guidance from your instructor along the way.
You don't need to arrive as the finished product. That's the whole point of starting!
2. Everyone Else Isn't Going to Be Watching You
One of the biggest worries people have about trying a new fitness class is feeling self-conscious.
Will everyone else be better than me? Will I look silly? What if I get something wrong?
Here's the truth: most people are concentrating on their own movements, breathing and trying to remember what their instructor just said!
At Reform & Glow, our classes have a maximum of eight people, creating a more personal and supportive environment than a large group fitness class.
Our instructors are there to guide you, help you understand the movements and offer support when you need it. Nobody expects you to get everything right the first time.
And remember, everyone who looks confident in class was a beginner once, too.
3. You Don't Need to Understand the Reformer Machine
If you've never tried Reformer Pilates before, the machine can look a little complicated.
There are springs, straps, a moving carriage and various bars. It can seem like a lot to take in before you've even started!
But don't worry. You aren't expected to know how everything works.
Your instructor will guide you through the exercises and explain what you need to do. You'll gradually become more familiar with the machine, the movements and the terminology as you attend more classes.
Before long, adjusting the springs and setting yourself up for an exercise will start to feel much more natural.
You don't need to do your homework before arriving. Just turn up, and we'll help you with the rest.
4. It's Normal to Find Some Movements Challenging
Reformer Pilates can look deceptively easy from the outside. The movements are controlled, the exercises can be relatively small, and nobody is jumping around the room.
So why are everyone's legs shaking?
Reformer Pilates uses resistance from springs to challenge your muscles while you work on control, stability and alignment. Sometimes, even a small movement can feel surprisingly challenging!
You might wobble a little, struggle to coordinate your arms and legs or need a few attempts to understand an exercise. That's completely normal.
Your first class is about learning, not perfection. You may find some movements easier than others, and that's exactly how it should be.
Over time, you'll develop greater familiarity with the exercises and begin to notice improvements in your strength, control and confidence.
And if your legs shake during a movement? Welcome to the club!
5. You Don't Have to Keep Up With Everyone Else
It's natural to look around the room and compare yourself with other people, especially when you're trying something new. But Reformer Pilates isn't a competition.
Everyone has different strengths, different starting points and different reasons for attending. Some people might be completely new to Pilates, while others may have been practising for years.
Our instructors can offer guidance and options to help you work at a level appropriate for your experience and ability.
If you're new to Pilates, we recommend starting with a beginner class, where you can become familiar with the fundamentals before progressing.
You can also explore our guide to choosing the right Pilates class to help you decide where to begin.
There's no rush to master every exercise. Focus on your own progress and give yourself permission to learn.
6. You Don't Need to Know Anyone to Feel Welcome
Walking into a new studio for the first time can feel daunting, particularly if you don't know anybody. You might wonder where to go, what to do or whether you'll feel out of place.
At Reform & Glow, we're passionate about creating a welcoming community where people can enjoy movement, meet others and take time for themselves.
Our small-group classes mean you're not lost in a crowd, and our instructors are there to help you feel comfortable from the moment you arrive.
You don't need to bring a friend, know the terminology or have any previous experience.
Just bring yourself. We'll take it from there!
7. You Don't Have to Feel Confident Before You Book
This might be the most important thing to remember.
It's easy to convince yourself that you'll book a class when you're fitter, when you feel more confident or when you have a little more time. But confidence often comes from doing something new, not from waiting until you feel ready.
Your first Reformer Pilates class might feel unfamiliar. You might have questions, need a little extra guidance or discover muscles you didn't know existed! But you might also leave feeling stronger, more positive and pleased that you finally gave it a go.
You don't have to know whether Pilates will become your new favourite thing before you try it. You simply have to give yourself the opportunity to find out.
And who knows? Your first class could be the start of something you absolutely love.
Ready to Try Reformer Pilates in Leicester?
If you've been curious about Reformer Pilates but nerves have been holding you back, we'd love to welcome you to Reform & Glow.
Based in Wigston, Leicester, our studio offers small-group Reformer Pilates classes with a maximum of eight people, expert guidance and a supportive atmosphere where you can work at your own pace.
Whether you're completely new to Pilates or returning to exercise after a break, we're here to help you get started.
There's no need to be fit, flexible or experienced. You just need to take that first step.
Ready to give it a go?
Explore our prices & memberships and book your first class at Reform & Glow.
We can't wait to meet you!