How often should you do Reformer Pilates?

Once a week: feeling the difference

One class a week is enough to feel better. You move more easily, you stand a little taller and your week feels less stiff. It's a good rhythm for learning the method and finding out whether it suits you.

What once a week won't do is change your body quickly. There's too much time between classes for the work to build up.

Twice a week: when your body changes

Twice a week is when most women start to see real change. Strength builds from one class to the next instead of fading in between. Your core gets stronger, your posture improves and the exercises start to feel like your own.

For most women this is the sweet spot between results and a week that stays manageable.

Three times a week or more

Three classes a week is where many regulars settle once Pilates is part of their life. Progress comes faster and the work gets more varied. With the Unlimited plan you can come every day if you like, one class per day.

More isn't always better, though. Your body gets stronger between classes, not during them, so rest days count too.

Combining Reformer with the gym and other sport

Reformer Pilates goes well with almost anything. If you go to the gym, do fitness classes or lift weights, it's a good partner to your training. The weights build strength and muscle. Pilates adds core control, mobility and posture, which help you lift with better form. Runners, cyclists and tennis or padel players use it the same way, to build the strength and control their sport depends on. Walking and swimming pair well with it too.

If you already train hard, one or two classes a week is plenty. Plan them around your heaviest gym days so you come to the Reformer fresh. Think of them as the sessions that keep the rest of your training balanced.

Picking a rhythm you'll keep

The best frequency is the one you can keep up for months. Two classes you never miss beat four you keep cancelling. Look at the schedule, find the times that fit your week and book them ahead.

Our subscriptions are built around this: once a week, twice a week or Unlimited, billed every four weeks. Not ready to commit? Class packs let you try it at your own pace. See prices and packages.

Common questions

Keep reading

• Reformer or mat Pilates: what's the difference?Same method, different tools. What changes on the machine and which one suits you.
• Your first Reformer Pilates class: what to expectWhat to bring, when to arrive and what happens in those 50 minutes.
• Pilates through menopauseWhat changes in your body and what Reformer Pilates can do for you.