Wednesday night I followed Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice.

Thanks to the wonderful women at Well+Good NYC and Pilates ProWorks, I had the opportunity to step on a reformer for the very first time! While I have made my way through almost every machine at Equinox and many different fitness classes throughout the city, I’ve always been too intimidated by the reformer to actually try it.

Lucky for me, Pilates ProWorks recently made its East Coast and New York City debut in the Union Square area this February and wants to bring their unique spin on Pilates to New Yorkers! The studio, located at 47 West 14th Street, between Fifth and Sixth, strives to bring the fun back to the reformer, a fitness machine often feared by many but loved by many of the celebrities whose bodies we admire.  The open studio space is inviting while also highlighting their two core offerings, Pilates Pro Method and Barre Pro, through an open floorplan which allows you to watch the classes from the waiting area.

While our group looked into the different rooms, whispering in excitement, we were greeted by their energetic and friendly staff. Everyone was very welcoming and excited to see lots of new faces. Many of the instructors have a background in dance which you can see come out in the music selection, class offerings, and the special alterations they’ve made to their pilates, TRX, and barre classes.

As part of the Well+Good event, each attendees could choose to participate in either a Barre Pro or Pilates Pro Method class 55 minute class. Due to my intimidation, I figured that there was no time better than this event setting to muster up my courage and balance. The studio, when full, only allows for 12 students which means the instuctor is able to easily navigate through the class helping students with form and adjustments, similar to a small yoga class. Our instructors, Jenn and Jackie, explained the basics behind the FitFormer machine which provides full resistance training without the jerkiness of some older reformer styles. In addition she took us through the machines different parts and how we’d use each for different exercises. After cranking up the fun playlist which reminded me of my favorite running mix, we started our 55 minute workout. Within minutes, we were all shaking and breaking sweats. This magical reformer takes movements such as a lunge or plank and notches them to the next level.  With each movement, I really felt the specific muscles engaging which also helped me focus on form and balance.

But, just when I thought i’d found my groove, the music amped up and we hopped off for a burst of cardio. Oh yes, our hearts didn’t stop beating the entire workout. Every five minutes we were on the floor doing weighted step-ups, mountain climbers, and more. This, combined with the flowing movements on the proformer left me feeling lithe like and balanced. In addition, I felt myself pushing to perfect my form and work harder since this was something new and different. It was a fun change to my normal run, lift, spin, yoga repeat routine.

When the music ended I walked out curious of what this 55 minute practice could do for my body and running if it was a weekly addition. At $35 per class it is certainly more affordable than many other reformer classes in the city. In addition, their daily class schedule starts at 6am and doesn’t end until 8pm, leaving time for even the busiest people to squeeze in one of their nine different class offerings.  While I know that I can’t afford to go there full time, due to my other gym membership, it is something I would look to supplement my current training. I think it could be the perfect evening class as well since it’s located near my home and focused a bit more on lengthening which is a perfect balance for my personal training sessions and running.

Next time you’re looking to change up your regular routine or feel especially hard core, I suggest taking advantage of their $25 new client rate and try one of their classes.

Thank you again Well and Good and Pilates ProWorks for a wonderful event!