Living in Europe, I have missed sweating with my blogger friends in New York City! On an almost weekly basis we would enjoy at least one workout together either on our own or due to a sponsored event. These workouts not only gave us an opportunity to catch up but also exposure to a number of fun, new workouts over the years ranging from yoga to intense bootcamps. You name it, I tried it during my three years of blogging in New York City.

Each weekend that I am in London I try to fill this workout class void by scheduling at least one workout with a fellow blogger. Luckily last weekend my girl Charlie planned another wonderful blogger event which coincided with my time in London and happened to include a workout which was new to me – dynamic reformer Pilates!

TenPilates hosted our group of 7 bloggers for an hour long class Saturday morning during which time our instructor Matt, would lead us through an introduction to the machine and ensure that our muscles were crying for mercy by the end! After quick introductions he asked the group which muscles we wanted to focus on during the workout. After voting to not focus on one area but instead try an array of moves we got to work.  (photo courtesy of Charlie)

If you’re like me, you’ve never heard of dynamic reformer Pilates. Here is a snippet from their website, describing the workout. I’m not really sure, even after the class, how this type of Pilates is different than other reformer Pilates classes, which I tried once last year at Pilates Pro Works.

Dynamic Pilates is an innovative, intense, results-driven workout, centred on and around the Reformer bed, that strengthens core muscle groups, slims figures, burns fat and creates lean, toned muscles.

We used the reformer throughout the class to make simple movements far more difficult due to the use of springs and pulleys, which provided resistance. Performing exercises on the rerformer also required balance and focus! In addition to the reformer we used pilates rings, straps, foam blocks, and hand weights during the workout. Every movement engaged multiple muscles which made the workout feel even more effective! Similar to barre classes, I found that my small muscles, especially in the arm and glute area, burned the most.

After working each muscle group he led us through a short stretch which was complete bliss! Here you can see us using the rings to stretch out our calves!

Overall I really enjoyed the class and can see the benefit to adding it into a workout schedule at least once per week. The class highlighted just how week many of our glutes are even though we just completed marathons! I hear it often but it is so rare that any of us actually keep up with true strength training during the peak of marathon training. The classes are 27 pounds per session when purchased individually which is equal to $44! That is expensive even for me, who is accustomed to New York boutique fitness class prices! They do however have an introductory offer which is 12.50 pounds for new students and class packages to provide a minimal discount.

Unfortunately this is too expensive and not close enough to our flat to become a regular class on my London weekend schedule. However, based on how much I enjoyed this reformer class I am hoping to try some other less expensive options in London!

Have you tried Pilates before? If so, do you prefer reformer or mat?