Reformer at no.52: how a Brighton studio is revolutionising Pilates
What do you picture when you hear the words Reformer Pilates?
If you are anything like me, you probably picture an LA fitness influencer wearing a Lululemon set, drinking her protein smoothie and raving about her latest Reformer Pilates class. This aesthetic has come to dominate social media and is inspiring and aspirational for some; Reformer Pilates is indeed brilliant at strengthening, toning and conditioning the body. However, this aesthetic can feel unobtainable and unrelatable for others. Reformer Pilates is often presented online as exclusive, expensive and geared towards a specific image, which can be off-putting if you don’t see yourself reflected in it.
In reality, Reformer Pilates is one of the most accessible and adaptable forms of exercise, suitable for a wide range of abilities, body types, and fitness goals. It isn’t about fitting into a specific image but about moving your body in a way that works for you.
Recently, I attended Reformed at no. 52 studio in Brighton, run by Sarah and Kate,a new Pilates concept where you exercise solo with an on-screen instructor. Instead of a group class led by a fitness instructor, you can exercise on your own terms. All the equipment is provided, and there are nearly 1,000 classes to choose from - just connect your headphones and go!
This boutique studio is designed for people on the move who need flexibility and simplicity. If you are new to Reformer Pilates, you can follow a beginner program which will teach all the basics and gradually give you the confidence to use all the equipment correctly. If you are more experienced, you can pick from hundreds of different classes, filtered by length, difficulty, muscle groups and more. There is something for every level of fitness and for every mood, whether you want to leave feeling pumped and energised or calm and grounded in your body.
What makes Reformed at no.52 so different, is that it removes some of the pressure that can come from group sessions. There is even the option to bring children along at certain times of day, opening up the workout to parents who wouldn’t have been able to fit it into their schedule otherwise. It is also a more affordable and flexible option than some traditional Reformer studios where instructor and equipment costs can make it a premium workout.
Speaking to friends, colleagues and family, I have noticed that people assume that to attend a Reformer Pilates class you need to already be confident in your strength, balance and flexibility. This assumption is actually far from the exercise’s original purpose. Reformer Pilates was originally used as a form of rehabilitation to help injured soldiers recover their strength, mobility, and posture. Joseph Pilates invented the reformer using the springs from hospital beds, transforming them into a machine that allowed bed-bound patients to stretch and rebuild muscle safely.
From injured soldiers to New York dancers to LA influencers, reformer Pilates has evolved dramatically over the years and is now coming to Brighton in a brand new approachable format.
Reformed at no.52 is perfect for anyone who wants to tailor their workouts to their own schedule, pace and training plan without the pressure of a group setting and without feeling like they have to look a certain way or have a certain lifestyle to belong.
Written by Phoebe Simpson, Photography by @roxanarxx and @reformedpilates_uk