First Time For Everything – Reformer Pilates

Dr. Sara: Jamie and I thought it would be fun to try something that neither one of us had done and blog separately about our experience. So, I have her comments in my inbox and I’m refraining from opening her goodness (what you will now see in the blog) until I’ve shared with you. There is something liberating about doing something with no expectations and without any real downside. We both agreed that the worst thing that happened was we were sore and we embarrassed ourselves. Well… two women who have taken to embarrassing themselves without giving it a second thought really left us with no reason not to commit to a 30 min level 1 reformer Pilates class.

Find people who can go with the flow. Jamie is one of those people. I have friends that I have known way longer than I’ve known Jamie that I wouldn’t dream of being in that situation with. Not right or wrong, but it is cool to find people who have no idea what they are getting themselves in to and they say yes anyway. She got there before me. We made our way inside and I went on the verdict that my Costco active socks would be sufficient for the first class. Considering a level 3 class requires some acrobatics, I knew I would have to graduate if we progressed. 

Class was super fun! We had straps around our legs and arms and at times really felt like I had fallen into some weird film. I giggled most of the time. Jamie was a professional. Most importantly we both tried something new. How often do you try something new? How often do you let the fear of (rejection, fear, failure, disappointment) stop you from doing something?

The teacher reported noticing that we had “nice body control”. I kind of want to believe her. By the way, it was so nice to see so many sizes, ages and shapes in this class. She adjusted our work out space for our various heights and gave us ways to challenge ourselves but it a very even tone. I realized that I will do just about anything she asks of me as long as they aren’t yelling or telling me to go faster. Add this to the list of safe and effective ways that I endorse to move your body. If you aren’t careful you just may land on the reformer next to us going forward.

Jamie: It’s never easy stepping out of your comfort zone, but when Dr. Sara sent me a text asking if I would try a reformer Pilate’s class, I jumped at the chance.  I love to try new things but I don’t love trying them alone. Having a friend who is willing to step out of their comfort zone with you is such a blessing. Our main goal for the evening was to simply survive the intro class at Club Pilates – Rochester Hills.  I am happy to report that we not only survived but we thrived! The intro class was no joke, Michelle, the instructor, was so informative, knowledgeable and challenging! She kept the moves interesting and intense.

Let me back up for a moment, earlier in the day, since I had no idea what to expect at this intro class, I thought it would be a good idea to do a leg workout.  What was I thinking? I walked into the class already sore, but thought maybe this will simply be a good stretch. Boy was I wrong. This was an intense workout! Club Pilates – Rochester Hills offers an intro class at their studio for FREE! I know what you are all thinking, FREE??? You get what you pay for but not here.  I have never done Pilates before and had never even seen a reformer machine before. Dr. Sara and I walked into the Club and I have to say I was a little nervous but was quickly calmed when I saw a variety of women leaving the prior class. How many times do you walk into a new workout class or program and only see super fit men and women walking out? When this has happened to me in the past it immediately adds to my anxiety about what’s to come. The entire team at Club Pilates made us feel welcome as soon as we walked through the door; they greeted us by name and made sure that we felt comfortable.  Michelle, our instructor, explained the reformer machine, each move along with a way to intensify each move, she also helped you to tweak your movements to get more out of each one. I have been to quite a few intro courses over the years, none have been this good! At the end of 30 minutes, I was sweating, sore and wanting more. I didn’t sign up at the end of the class but after sleeping like a rock (first time in nearly 3 years) I have decided this morning to sign up for a class once a week. This gets 5 stars, two thumbs up, and a fist bump! I can’t wait to get started and keep you all posted on this new adventure!  Go check it out and let them know that Dr. Sara and Jamie sent you!