Wondering how to get into a “Group Reformer” class at reFORM? Here’s how we do it.
Most of our group equipment sessions are “semi-privates” (2 students) and “groups” (3-4 students). These sessions do not appear on our online schedule, as they are organized by our staff to meet demand. Most days we have several of these. Our staff is trained to teach to all levels, but with sufficient planning we prefer to place clients with partners at a similar level. These sessions are generally scheduled a few weeks in advance. Completion of our “Intro” package of five privates is required, except by instructor permission.
We do offer “Group Reformer” classes through Portland Community College. These classes are taught as a series (usually ten weeks) and follow the PCC calendar. You can see the full PCC schedule here. Registration and payment for each series is through PCC. If there is space due to cancellation, these classes are also available for drop-in.
The Reformer is an important part of the Pilates system, but it is just one part! In our equipment sessions, we use all the tools at our disposal, including the Reformer, WundaChair and Cadillac/Wall Unit. We feel strongly that Pilates works best when it is practiced as a complete system. This includes mat work, which is in fact the center of the system. reFORM membership includes unlimited free mat classes during any week that they have a private, semi-private or group equipment session.
If you’re new to Pilates and your goal is to get into our affordable group sessions, we aim to prepare you with our “Intro” package of five privates for $265. This means covering the beginner exercises on the Reformer, teaching how to adjust the straps and gears, and familiarizing you with the spring settings. We use primarily Peak brand equipment, so we help clients trained on other brands can get comfortable with the specifics of our machines. We also introduce Pilates matwork, the WundaChair and the Cadillac.
We feel it is possible in five sessions for many people to make enough progress to enter into a semi-private or group. For people with significant limitations or injuries, we try to teach modifications that will make group sessions safe. We may also recommend that you continue with more privates before entering into groups. As with all of our member private, semi-private and group packages, Intro clients are entitled to unlimited free mat classes during any week that they have a lesson.
If you have Pilates experience, we still encourage you to take advantage of our Intro package. It’s a great deal and we can teach to any level.