Innerform Pilates Book
04 - STRENGTH : REFORMER

STRENGTH : REFORMER

8 in class 50 min intermediate arrive early

Strength : Reformer is honest strength training, delivered on and off the reformer at our Lewisham studio. This is not Pilates - and that's the point! Expect real lifting: heavy dumbbells all the way up to 30kg, spring-loaded pressing and pulling, and higher-volume work, all inside a structure built on real strength and conditioning science. It's for people who want to get stronger and see measurable results.

It's an intermediate class, so you should be confident on the reformer at Intermediate level and comfortable lifting free weights before you book. Everyone does the same class together, but the load is personal: you pick your dumbbells and your spring settings, and your teacher guides you to the right weight.

A squat with a heavy dumbbell held at the chest, beside the reformer in Strength : Reformer at Innerform's Lewisham studio, with the class reflected in the mirror behind.

Honest strength training, on and off the reformer.

WHAT TO KNOW

What to know.

What to expect

You'll be challenged and coached near your limit. Part of the class is strength work: heavy weights, low repetitions and rest built in. Part of it is muscular endurance, in higher-volume blocks that ask you to keep going. We start by walking you through the plan and the logic behind it, then warm up properly before anything heavy.

Who it's for

People who want to get stronger and see measurable results! This is an intermediate class, so you should be confident on the reformer at Intermediate level and comfortable lifting free weights. If you're not yet confident with free weights, please book Small Group Personal Training first - we'll get you there! If you've never done Reformer Pilates before, you will be turned away from this class, so please start with our Reformer Foundation classes instead - you must do at least 5 before Intermediate.

The practical bits

Please arrive early! This class runs a strict zero-lateness policy: it starts exactly on time and the door closes with it. The studio door opens fifteen minutes before class, so there's time to get settled. Bring water and grip socks (they're required for every class on the reformer), and see when it runs on the schedule.

Two people pressing dumbbells overhead, one hand on the stomach, in Strength : Reformer at Innerform's Lewisham studio.
Single-arm dumbbell rows with one knee and one hand on the reformer in Strength : Reformer at Innerform's Lewisham studio.
QUESTIONS

About Strength : Reformer.

What is Strength : Reformer?

Honest strength training, delivered on and off the reformer at our studio in Lewisham. This is not Pilates - and that's the point! Expect real lifting: heavy dumbbells all the way up to 30kg, spring-loaded pressing and pulling, and higher-volume work, all inside a structure built on real strength and conditioning science. It's an intermediate class of 50 minutes with eight places.

How is it different from a regular Reformer Pilates class?

Our regular Reformer Pilates classes are Pilates: controlled movement that builds strength, control and mobility. This class isn't Pilates at all. It's strength training that uses the reformer's springs for heavy pressing and pulling, alongside dumbbells up to 30kg, and it's structured the way strength and conditioning is: heavy sets with low repetitions and rest built in, and higher-volume blocks for muscular endurance. You'll need to be confident on the reformer at Intermediate level to take part.

Is Strength : Reformer suitable for beginners?

No - this one's an intermediate class, so you should be confident on the reformer at Intermediate level first. If you've never done Reformer Pilates before, you will be turned away, so please don't book this one first. Start with our Reformer Foundation classes, where we show you round the machine and build the basics at a steady pace - you must do at least 5 before Intermediate. The class will be here when you're ready.

I'm not confident lifting weights yet - can I still come?

Not just yet. This class involves real lifting with heavy dumbbells, so you need to be comfortable with free weights before you book. If you're not there yet, please book Small Group Personal Training first and we'll get you there. A coach chooses your weights and watches your form the whole way, and once lifting feels solid, come and join us.

How heavy are the weights?

The dumbbells run from 3kg all the way up to 30kg. Everyone does the same class together, but the load is personal: you pick your dumbbells and your spring settings, and your teacher guides you to the right weight. Nobody is checking what anyone else has picked up.

How hard is it, honestly?

Hard, in the way good strength training should be. You'll be challenged and coached near your limit, through heavy strength work with low repetitions and rest built in, and through higher-volume blocks that build muscular endurance. Because you choose your own dumbbells and springs, with your teacher's guidance, near your limit means your limit and nobody else's.

Why do I need to arrive early?

This class runs a strict zero-lateness policy. We start by walking through the plan and the logic behind it, then warm up properly before anything heavy, and none of that works if people arrive halfway through. The class starts exactly on time and the door closes with it, so please give yourself a few minutes in hand.

What do I need to wear or bring?

Something comfortable you can move and work hard in, a bottle of water, and grip socks - they're required for every class on the reformer, this one included, and we sell them at the studio if you arrive without a pair. You won't need trainers, even for the lifting. That's it: the studio, the kit and your teacher take care of the rest.

Does the intro offer cover Strength : Reformer?

Yes - the intro offer is three classes for £33 over fourteen days, and it works on every class on the timetable, this one included. It is an intermediate class though, so if you're new to the reformer or to lifting weights, spend your intro classes on Reformer Foundation or Small Group Personal Training first and save this one for later. When you're ready for what comes next, have a look at our pricing page.
MORE CLASSES

More classes.

More than Pilates, one membership.

See all class types →

INTRO OFFER

Try three classes for £33.

The intro offer is three classes for £33, good for fourteen days and usable on every class on the timetable. If you already know your way round a reformer and a pair of dumbbells, use one of them here.

Try three classes for £33 See membership options