Teaching LES MILLS REFORMER™: Instructor Insights

Tell us about yourself and how the opportunity came about? 

Sarah Steele (SS): I’m now a LES MILLS REFORMER PILATES teacher and I also teach BODYPUMP™, BODYBALANCE™, AND LES MILLS PILATES™. I’ve been teaching for 25 years. When I heard we were launching LES MILLS REFORMER, I was excited to get going again because I have taught Reformer classes previously, so it was really exciting for me to try the Les Mills concept. 

Natasha Ireland (NI): I teach BODYCOMBAT™, BODYBALANCE and LES MILLS STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT™ alongside LES MILLS REFORMER. I’ve been teaching for six years and started off as a member here. When I heard we were launching LES MILLS REFORMER, I was a little bit nervous – the concept of the bed and springs were new to me. With the other programs I teach it’s more traditionally equipment-based, so this felt slightly different. 

When I got on the bed, I found it easy to flow with. The breathwork was different to what I would normally do in a regular class, but once you get into it, it’s easy to pick up. 

SS: We’re really lucky to have a newly-converted studio. There was a real buzz about getting Reformer beds and our club loves Les Mills, so we knew we'd have an audience straight away that would want to come in and do group training to music on the Reformer beds.

How was the training and how did it prepare you for the class? 

NI: I think it's similar to a lot of the trainings. It's very structured and it was nice to do the training face to face. I've done some online trainings and it's so much nicer to learn in-person. You get a lot of practice time, and you pick up bits from other people that you wouldn't necessarily do online. I enjoyed hearing from my fellow trainees and getting feedback from them. Everything from movement, to tone of voice. You pick things up from different people to build into your own teaching. 

SS: The benefit of doing the training course over a whole weekend is that we got to practice a lot and get familiar with the beds. The good thing about Les Mills training is that you go over and over the workout, the moves and the execution for deeper learning. 

Which coaching aspects were most valuable or different to a usual Les Mills training? 

NI: The aspects I found most valuable when I started teaching were around how I make people feel through my coaching. As a Reformer Instructor, it's important to share what things should feel like, because you can't see everyone when you’re on the bed. So you want them to know how it should feel as they work through the moves. 

SS: It’s a good reminder as well that when you're training, you’re training with Instructors. But when you’re back with your members, they need a bit more attention.

In terms of different coaching cues, eye contact is a definite difference with this workout. You're not able to do that on the bed, so you have to make more of an effort to find ways to connect without looking at participants. But it’s easy to personalize the experience – because it’s in small groups we can call their names out and we're lucky we can see them in the mirror.

How do you coach beginners in LES MILLS REFORMER? 

NI: I've had some total beginners, and some that have done other Reformer workouts, while I've also had people who wanted to try it just to see if they would enjoy it. It's good to encourage them to try it and explain that there are lots of options. Help them see what feels good and then go from there. I encourage them to reflect and give feedback afterwards. And each release is different, so that helps with finding what they like. 

SS: If they're familiar with Les Mills and the concept, it’s easy for us to explain that it’s set to music, and you're going to follow the same routine every week. Even if you come in and you're not sure, sit up, watch the class, and then come back next week and do it, because it will be exactly the same next week, and we really encourage that. 

I have had beginners and if there are no major injuries, they can get in and do two or three classes a week. It’s a full-body session. It might take a bit longer to set up and go through the instructions at first, but in terms of bang for buck, this is great. What might take 10 weeks to go through in another class, you get all in one 45-minute session!

Who else has LES MILLS REFORMER attracted? 

NI: I've had three members that have left boutiques to come to the gym here. They were attracted by the Reformer studio, and they've joined my class and found it a really great full-body workout. And they've found that it’s hitting the same intensity, so it's quite nice it's at that level from a Les Mills program. And our existing club members were really excited – a lot of people were struggling to book on classes because of the demand.

‍What is the LES MILLS REFORMER music like?

NI: Members love this workout. They like it because they've got the music, the beats, and songs they can sing along to. The music builds a lot of energy and progression. It creates a connection with the move that you're doing and the exercise.

I get really into it. I listen to the music, I learn the moves, and then I'm playing it in my head. I feel other people appreciate that when I'm teaching my class, because I've spent so much time learning the music side of it and mapping out where I'm going to be – knowing where to pause and build energy around specific moments in the class.

How have you seen members progress since launching LES MILLS REFORMER? 

SS: They're definitely more confident, especially those who are doing it regularly. Once they're confident with the bed, they get stronger. I really noticed the change in members’ movements in release one with the swan dive. It's brilliant to see the progression. And the music is really motivating; it helps the time go quick and it gives you a beat to work with. 

When it comes to dialing up the intensity with the springs, it's about giving members permission. Like in other classes, it's your workout. If you feel like you might be ready to try a slightly different spring selection, have a play. Sometimes people struggle, but there’s always an adaptation.

‍NI: It's nice to see that people are confident with where they're moving on the machines and how they want their machine set up, because everyone's unique. I find that people have probably challenged themselves a little bit more, feeling empowered to add a little more weight on, or take it off when needed.

On the last release where we do an ab workout on top of the bed, we're taking the springs off. And the beds that we've got here are quite weighty, so you still feel it, but it's slightly different to having that spring on. It's nice to see them have that challenge for their own development. 

My dad actually came to my class and in his first class said he felt like he was on a boat, but now he feels really confident that he can do this workout. I like hearing how he feels about his progress. I feel really proud he's carried on and it's then made a difference for him.