Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux finds out more about the exercise that continues to grow in popularity
This week, I headed along to the just-opened Reformation studio in Bolands Mills, a newly restored community hub in Dublin. I was invited by F&F, Tesco’s fashion brand, to put its new activewear range to the test in a reformer Pilates class – my first time trying out the popular exercise.
While I have done plenty of yoga and mat Pilates before, this felt brand-new, and if I’m honest, a little intimidating. I needn’t have worried. I grabbed Reformation co-founder and Pilates instructor Annie Kirwan for a chat before the class began, and she immediately put me at ease.
“People often think, ‘oh, I’m not flexible enough for that’ but you don’t need to be where you think you need to be,” she says. “Just come in as you as you are and you’ll be looked after and supported, step by step. You’ll only get better at something by starting! Honestly, this is one of those exercises that once you get into it, it’ll change your life.”
The space is beautiful, set within the city’s historic Flour Mills building, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting. I get to grips with the reformer machine, which is much less complicated than I first think. It’s like a long, low bed on rails with a flat, padded platform you can lie, sit or kneel on. This platform gently slides back and forth as you move; underneath the foot bar, there is a set of metal springs, which you can remove or add to create the resistance you require. The more springs attached, the heavier the movement feels. “The joy of reformer is that it can help you, and it can challenge you,” Annie explains.
You can push against the foot bar with your hands or feet while a headrest helps to keep you stable, and there are two long straps with handles that you place your feet into, which allows for a much deeper stretch. During the class, you’ll incorporate movements that work on your entire body, particularly your hips, spine and core. Annie points out that reformer Pilates is great for strengthening pelvic floor, the group of muscles and ligaments that support the bladder, uterus and bowel. And because you’re moving with the help of the machine, it’s joint-friendly and ideal for injury recovery or postnatal women.
Annie also emphasises that this is an exercise suited to all ages, after I note that there may be a misconception around it because of aesthetic videos on social media. “Reformer is for everybody. With older people, it’s all about working to keep their strength – your muscle is your resilience. This is an exercise all around building balance and strength.”
She adds: “When people are in their 20s, they might train to look a certain way, and punish their bodies. There’s a transition you go through in life where you become sick of fighting against yourself. Reformer is really about working with yourself, checking in with how you feel and moving to feel better.”
If you’re not Dublin-based, there are plenty of studios offering reformer Pilates across the country, from Pulse Pilates in Co Wicklow to Flexelle in Tipperary. Generally, all you’ll need to bring with you are a pair of grip socks; check out Donegal business Sláinte Socks here or Kildare-based Ailínithe here.
As for the F&F gear, I was so impressed. While the likes of Lululemon activewear will set you back a pretty penny, this range offers incredible value, with prices starting from €12.50 and available in sizes XS–XL. The pieces are stylish, but the high-performing fabric is also excellent quality; moisture-wicking and quick-dry, it offers brilliant stretch and support.
I also perused its new cosy loungewear line and I’m calling it – this leopard print swim robe (above) is going to fly off the shelves.
