What’s LES MILLS REFORMER™ like to teach?

‍What is Reformer Pilates, and what makes LES MILLS REFORMER different?

Reformer Pilates combines controlled, low-impact movement with resistance from a reformer machine, while LES MILLS REFORMER takes a more immersive group training approach, with Instructors taking part in the workout alongside participants.

For Amanda Pitts, a LES MILLS REFORMER Instructor at Village Gym Hull (UK), the format was an immediate draw:

"Exercise to music is my passion, and combining that with the reformer – it just felt like the perfect fit for me."

"It's the fact that we're all working out together," she adds. "We're all feeling that burn in the legs or the arms. It means I can connect with the members because I'm teaching it on the bed with them."

Katherine Tamplin, who teaches at Village Gym Glasgow, believes that approach helps it stand apart:

"I think LES MILLS REFORMER is bringing something unique to the table," she says. "It's taking the principles of classical Pilates while creating a real group workout experience. I think they also really enjoy that I'm doing most of the class with them."

Is Reformer Pilates good for beginners?

Yes. LES MILLS REFORMER includes options, spring adjustments, and movement progressions that allow beginners to participate confidently while giving experienced members room to progress.

Katherine says the modifications and progressions make LES MILLS REFORMER accessible, even for people who are completely new to Pilates or the reformer:

"You can come in as a participant with zero experience of Pilates, zero experience on the reformer, and still be okay in the class because you can change the spring selection to make it a little bit lighter, a little easier, or lower your range of movement."

Sam Hop, a LES MILLS REFORMER Instructor at Village Hotel Club Nottingham, sees that flexibility reflected in her classes:

"I have a mixture of members in my classes, some who've done it before and some who haven't, so I like that there are options to either make it harder or easier for them."

She adds: "The experienced members like it because they feel like they've got a workout, and the beginners like it because they’re able to take it slowly or adapt a move."

What’s LES MILLS REFORMER training like?

LES MILLS REFORMER training is designed to help Instructors develop the technical skills and confidence needed to teach on the reformer, even if they are new to the equipment.

Because reformer training is often viewed as a significant undertaking, some Instructors have questioned how much could be covered in a relatively short training period.

Amanda admits she was skeptical at first:

"I have to admit, I was a little bit concerned that the training was just two days, and then I was unleashed to teach reformer to everybody."

However, she says the amount of practice and feedback offered quickly changed her perspective:

"We practised loads. We had plenty of feedback, so by the time we left, we felt confident, prepared, and ready to teach."

For Katherine, who entered the course with a mat Pilates qualification but limited reformer experience, the amount of hands-on learning stood out:

"What surprised me most about the training process was how much time I actually got to spend on the reformer. I definitely came away feeling really good about the reformer, and that it's not scary at all."

Sam, who had already taught FitCore Reformer before adding LES MILLS REFORMER to her timetable, valued the technical coaching and individual support provided during training:

"They helped us with technique and how to move on the reformer, which is a vital part of the class because the way you move on the reformer can alter how you feel the exercise."

She also highlights the opportunity for self-assessment and feedback:

"We also filmed one another teaching our tracks which, as cringey as it is to watch yourself, is a great tool for self-assessment."

What opportunities can teaching Reformer Pilates create for Instructors?

Teaching LES MILLS REFORMER can help Instructors diversify their schedules, expand their skills, and connect with new members.

For all three Instructors, adding LES MILLS REFORMER has created new opportunities.

Amanda says: "Becoming a LES MILLS REFORMER Instructor has given me more opportunities. I've got more classes now. I've got a variety of classes. It's been massive for me."

Katherine says the qualification has helped expand her timetable and build relationships with members who now attend her other classes as well.

Sam believes LES MILLS REFORMER has helped her offer something different on a busy timetable: "Teaching the Les Mills version means my classes are different from the rest."

What advice do the Instructors have for anyone considering training in LES MILLS REFORMER?

Sam recommends experiencing the reformer before training:

"Come and take part in a class, have a go on the reformer yourself. It can be quite a daunting bit of kit. Once you know you're not going to fall off, it's not as scary as it looks. And if you've had fun, then it's for you."

Katherine is equally enthusiastic:

"If another Instructor came to me because they were unsure if they wanted to do the LES MILLS REFORMER course, I would 100% advise them to do it, no matter what background they came from."

Amanda is quick to the point: "I would just say go for it!"