Beginner Reformer Pilates in Markham

New to Pilates —
or just new to us?

Maybe you’ve never set foot on a reformer. Maybe you know exactly what the springs and straps are for, but this is your first class at NÜWA.

Either way, you don’t need to know how we do things yet.

If reformer Pilates is completely new to you, we’ll show you how everything works and take you through the movements one at a time. If you’ve practised elsewhere, we’ll help you get familiar with our equipment, our cues and the way we teach.

You don’t need to arrive knowing everything. That’s why we’re here.

Where should I start?

There’s no single starting point for everyone.

Some people walk through our doors having never touched a reformer. Others have been practising for years. Some are getting back to movement after an injury, pregnancy or a long break.

Here’s where to begin at NÜWA.

  • I’m completely new to reformer Pilates.

    Start with Reformer Foundations.

    It’s a 50-minute beginner reformer Pilates class designed to make your first experience calm rather than confusing.

    You’ll learn how the reformer works, how to set it up for your body and the fundamental movements everything else builds from. Nothing is assumed, and there’s no need to keep up with anyone else.

    Once you’re comfortable with the basics, Reformer Flow becomes your everyday class.

  • I have reformer Pilates experience.

    I have reformer Pilates experience.

    You’re welcome to start with Reformer Flow.

    If you’re already comfortable using a reformer and have taken reformer classes elsewhere, you don’t necessarily need to start from scratch.

    We still recommend taking Foundations once. Equipment, spring tensions, cues and names for movements can vary from studio to studio, and Foundations gives you a chance to get familiar with how we do things at NÜWA before stepping into a faster class.

    From there, Flow is your everyday class, with Advanced there when you’re ready for more.

  • I’m returning after an injury, pregnancy or time away.

    I’m returning after an injury, pregnancy or time away.

    Start where your body is now.

    Bodies come with histories. Tell your instructor what’s going on before class and we’ll adapt the work where appropriate. Modifications are a normal part of how we teach — not a special arrangement.

    Reformer Restore offers slower, gentler work, and in some situations Foundations or a private session may be the better place to begin.

    If you’re unsure, ask us. We’ll help you choose.

Your first visit to NÜWA

Whether it’s your first-ever Pilates class or simply your first one with us, there are a few things worth knowing.

Before you come

Wear something comfortable.

Choose clothes you can move freely in. There’s no need for special Pilates clothing.

Bring grip socks.

They’re required for safety. If you don’t have a pair, we sell them at reception — and they’re included with the Begin at NÜWA introductory offer.

Give yourself a little extra time.

Arrive about 10 minutes early so we can check you in, show you around and get you settled before class begins.

If there’s an injury, condition or anything else your instructor should know about, tell us before class.

Arriving unhurried is a pretty good way to start Pilates.

If it’s your first time on a reformer

Springs. Straps. A moving carriage. A footbar that seems to have rather a lot of positions.

It can look like a lot at first.

We’ll show you how to get on and off safely, what the springs do, where your hands and feet go and how to set the reformer up for your body.

Then we’ll start moving.

You’ll hear some unfamiliar words. You might need to look around occasionally. You will almost certainly forget something we explained five minutes earlier.

We’ll tell you again.

That’s what a beginner class is for.

What does beginner reformer Pilates actually feel like?

Probably more challenging than it looks.

Reformer Pilates is controlled and precise, and a small change in position can completely change what you feel. Your instructor will help you notice where the movement is coming from and why you’re doing it — rather than simply asking you to copy a shape.

You may shake. You may discover muscles you weren’t particularly aware of before. You may spend more time concentrating than you expected.

But the goal isn’t to leave you wrecked.

It’s to give your body enough challenge to learn something from it — and enough confidence to come back.

Four classes. Two weeks. Enough time to get your bearings.

One class doesn’t tell you very much.

The first time, you’re learning the equipment, listening for cues and figuring out where everything goes. Give yourself a few more classes and things start to feel different.

4 classes · 14 days · $99

Begin with Reformer Foundations, then use your remaining three group classes to get familiar with the movements, our instructors and the way we teach — while discovering what your own body can do.

A pair of grip socks is included.

Begin at NÜWA

And after your
first few classes?

Keep going.

With repetition, movements that initially require your full concentration start to feel familiar. You notice more. You control more. And gradually, the strength you build on the reformer starts showing up outside the studio too. Most people see the greatest change when they practise two to three times a week.

You don’t need to master Pilates.

You just need to keep showing up.