Services
Reformer Pilates Classes
Start here if you're new to all of this, haven't exercised in a while, or are looking to refine and practice your technique at a gentler pace.
LEARN MOREFor established Beginners thinking about stepping up to Intermediate. Learn how familiar exercises are transformed and get to grips with some more challenging exercises.
LEARN MOREA step up in pace and intensity, and definitely not for first-timers. Expect a varied and challenging workout with more functional progressions and an emphasis firmly on effort and results.
LEARN MOREWe know that the idea of stepping up a level can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be – and we’re here to help. Whether you’re preparing for Intermediate or Advanced level, our transition classes are designed to gradually introduce you to the exercises, progressions and level of difficulty you’ll be facing, at a slower pace.
LEARN MORELet Pilates help strengthen your body for an easier labour and a faster recovery. Safe and specially designed for women in their second and third trimester.
LEARN MOREAdding a Jumpboard to our Reformers brings plyometric and cardio benefits. A demanding workout, expect to sweat, and feel your legs (and lungs) burning.
LEARN MOREUsing this most versatile and effective pieces of exercise equipment to enable a deeper and more thorough stretch than you could achieve unassisted.
LEARN MOREThis small group class uses a range of Pilates equipment, including the Reformer, the Tower, the Split Pedal Chair and the Ladder Barrel to add extra variety. Challenge your body in new ways, with an emphasis on precision and control.
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Pilates At Ten
Think pilates, but with extra bite.
Yes, Ten’s Dynamic Reformer Pilates offers all the postural, flexibility toning and injury-prevention benefits of traditional Pilates. But it goes a step or three further. Along with our own refinements, we’ve added elements from other exercise disciplines, including circuits, weights and spin.
The result is an intense and demanding full body-workout that sculpts figures, builds lean, toned muscle, fast, and will leave you buzzing with endorphins.
If you’re new to Ten or to the Reformer, your first class should be a Beginners session, regardless of your fitness level. This is to make sure that you’re familiar with the Reformer, and comfortable with the techniques you’ll be using.
Pilates At Ten
What is Reformer Pilates?
Quite simply Reformer Pilates is Pilates performed on a Reformer machine. One of the most adaptable and effective pieces of exercise equipment available, the Pilates Reformer allows a greater number of exercises than is possible just using a mat. The Pilates Reformer is essentially a low frame, with a sliding platform (or carriage) on which you lie, sit, kneel or stand to perform different routines. The carriage is connected to the Reformer frame by a series of springs that can be adjusted to provide more support, and thus make an exercise easier, or to increase resistance and/or instability to increase the difficulty and challenge of the routine.
BENEFITS OF PILATES
Pilates is one of the best all-round forms of exercise available. There are too many advantages to list them all but here are 10 key benefits:
- It’s a great, highly effective and time-efficient full body workout.
- It strengthens the core – the muscles that support the hips, spine and neck – really important for anyone who spends hours a day at a desk, or hunched over a laptop or a screen because it improves spinal alignment and reduces the risk of posture-related pain or injury.
- It improves muscle strength, endurance and tone – particularly around the abdominals, lower back, hips and glutes.
- It improves posture, flexibility and balance – essential for our physical wellbeing, but too often lost thanks to today’s sedentary lifestyles.
- It’s prehabilitative – meaning that it doesn’t just make you stronger and fitter, it also helps prevent injury.
- It’s mindful and immersive – a valuable time-out from the pressures of work and day-to-day life. Promoting focus, presence and concentration, it’s a great way to reduce anxiety and stress.
- It’s low impact, and suitable for people of all ages and abilities.
- It’s great for improving strength and control of your Pelvic Floor – one of the most important, but most overlooked and under-trained muscle groups in the body.
- By improving your posture, strengthening, toning and lengthening your muscles, you’ll stand taller and look leaner.
- You feel and see the benefits fast. As Joseph Pilates said “In 10 sessions, you’ll feel better, in 20 sessions you’ll look better, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a completely new body.”
THINGS TO CONSIDER
BOOKING YOUR FIRST CLASS
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1 START WITH BEGINNERS
If you’re new to Reformer Pilates or Ten, we recommend starting with a Beginners Class. It’s not a reflection of your strength or fitness, but advised to help you get comfortable with the Pilates Reformer, understand the terminology we use and learn the techniques involved.
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2 BOOK WITH OUR INTRO OFFER
Our Reformer Pilates introductory offer gives you your first 3 Classes for just £57. Not only is it the best value per session you’ll find, but it’s also perfectly packaged to help you experience more of our trainers and start making progress towards your goals.
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3 BRING YOUR GRIP SOCKS
Grip Socks provide the necessary stability you’ll need during your workout, and are compulsory for all Reformer-based classes. Don't worry if you don't have any; they are available for purchase from the studio reception at just £12 for your first pair.
Dynamic Reformer Pilates vs Classical Equipment Pilates
At Ten, Pilates isn’t treated as a single discipline. We offer both Dynamic Reformer Pilates and Classical Equipment Pilates because they serve different purposes and together, they deliver stronger, more sustainable results.
While both approaches are built on the same foundations of control, alignment and strength, the way they are applied and the experience they create is distinctly different.
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What is Classical Equipment Pilates?
Originally named Contrology by Joseph Pilates, Classical Equipment Pilates was designed as a demanding, full-body system that drew on multiple movement disciplines. It was never intended to be a gentle exercise method, but a way to develop strong, balanced and well-coordinated bodies through precision and control.
At its core, Classical Equipment Pilates focuses on stretching, strengthening and balancing the musculoskeletal system, improving postural alignment, and developing deep core strength. Breath control plays a central role, particularly through the abdominals, helping stabilise the pelvis, spine, and shoulder girdle while promoting efficient, controlled movement. Over time, this approach increases muscular flexibility, joint mobility and overall movement quality.
Today, Classical Equipment Pilates remains a powerful tool for refining technique, correcting imbalances and building a strong foundation for long-term physical health. Using a wider range of equipment, including the Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Split Pedal Chair and the Ladder Barrel, movements can be broken down, adjusted, and progressed with accuracy and intention, making it as valuable for experienced practitioners as for those new to Pilates.
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What makes Dynamic Reformer Pilates different?
Dynamic Reformer Pilates applies those same principles in a more contemporary, athletic way. Classes are performed on the Reformer only, with movements linked into a continuous, flowing format that challenges strength, control and endurance at the same time.
At Ten, our Dynamic Reformer Pilates approach increases intensity through longer sets, higher repetition and reduced rest, while still maintaining the precision and alignment that define Pilates. Exercises progress more quickly, resistance is used more dynamically, and sessions often incorporate elements inspired by strength training and conditioning, all without compromising form.
The result is a physically demanding, full-body workout that builds lean muscle, improves stamina and leaves you feeling energised rather than exhausted.
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Why do we programme both?
Rather than choosing one style over the other, many members benefit most from doing both.
Classical Equipment Pilates helps sharpen technique, improve control and address movement patterns that can limit progress. Dynamic Reformer Pilates builds strength, confidence, and cardiovascular endurance, allowing refined movement patterns to be applied under load and intensity.
If you’re already doing Dynamic Reformer classes, adding Classical Equipment Pilates can enhance performance by improving alignment and control. If you come from a Classical background, Dynamic Reformer introduces greater flow, intensity and variety. And if you’re new to Pilates altogether, our Trainers will guide you towards the right starting point, usually beginning with Beginners Pilates classes to ensure you’re confident with the equipment and technique.
Both disciplines share the same foundations. The difference lies in pace, intensity and application.
It’s still Pilates — just delivered in two ways, for better results.
FAQ
GOT QUESTIONS?
WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!
Still have questions? Read our full FAQs or contact our team, and we'll be happy to assist
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Which class is best for my first time doing Reformer Pilates?
If you’re new to Reformer Pilates or Ten, we recommend starting with a Beginners Pilates Class. It’s not a reflection of your strength or fitness, but advised to help you get comfortable with the Pilates Reformer, understand the terminology we use and learn the techniques involved.
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Who can do Reformer Pilates?
At Ten you must be 18 or over to attend classes. However Pilates can be done by anyone, of almost any age, exercise history or ability. Its many benefits include:
- It’s low impact, so kind to bones and joints.
- It’s rehabilitative, so it doesn’t just make you fitter and stronger, it also helps prevent injury.
- Exercises can be modified to compensate for a client’s injury, areas of weakness and/or reduced mobility.
- Pilates is highly effective for helping mothers-to-be cope better with pregnancy and recover faster after childbirth.
- It’s also a great workout for men, because it’s not only an integrated and full-body programme, but also improves posture, flexibility and balance – all areas where men are traditionally weak.
- Pilates is as effective at helping people recover from injury as it is at improving sporting performance.
- Pilates has even been shown to improve mental and physical wellbeing for menopausal and post-menopausal women.
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I have an injury – or am recovering from one – can I still do a Ten class?
If you have suffered a significant injury – either recently or in the past – you will need to speak to our Trainers before attending a class. Depending on the severity of the injury and the extent of your recovery from it, you may need to consult a doctor for a medical clearance form.
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What should I wear to a Pilates Class?
Wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move freely (and to sweat). Usually a t-shirt or vest and shorts or leggings. While you should be comfortable, tops should be close-fitting enough for you to be able to monitor and correct your posture and body shape during exercises.
At Ten, we also ask you to wear grip socks for all Reformer-based sessions. If you're new to Reformer Pilates, get your first pair of Ten Grip Socks for just £12. Available in Studio only.
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How often should I come to classes?
Whilst this is the most common question asked, the answer is always different. Your personal goals, exercise history and general level of fitness will all determine the impact that exercise has on your body, and the frequency that will best help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Please speak to a Trainer for your individual assessment.
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How can I learn more about Reformer Pilates?
Our blog has all the advice you could want. From essential equipment, to health benefits. From sports specific advice to tips to maximise your workout our blog should be your first port of call for all things reformer pilates.
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What is Dynamic Reformer Pilates?
Dynamic Reformer Pilates is the latest iteration of the traditional Pilates discipline, performed on the Pilates Reformer and updated for the way we live and work now. It offers all the muscle toning, posture-aligning, injury preventing, mobility-enhancing and core strengthening benefits of classical Pilates but goes a step further.
As the name suggests, Dynamic Reformer Pilates is more intense and dynamic, Movements are still precise and controlled, but at Ten we link them into a smooth, continuous flow with fewer pauses. We add more ‘functional’ exercises – working the core muscles in combination with additional muscle groups – to increase the intensity of the overall movement and deliver cardiovascular conditioning benefits.
We focus on duration of the exercise to create greater muscle fatigue, and use your bodyweight and the Reformer to intensify the movement of the larger muscle groups to create a highly effective and time-efficient full body workout.
- Expect your instructor to put their hands on you from time to time. It’s the most effective way for them to correct your form or posture and make sure you’re set up to get maximum benefit from your session.
- If you want to see benefits, frequency is key. If you train 3 times a week you’ll be amazed how fast you progress.
- Know when to stop. Don’t be tempted to keep going until you can’t do a single more rep. Technique fails before muscles do, and that‘s how injuries happen. Instead, keep going until you can’t do another rep without losing your form or technique. Then shake it out, and if necessary reset, and go again.
- If you find yourself shaking during a hold. Don’t worry. It’s supposed to happen. That’s what hard-working muscles do.
- Don’t worry about what the person on the next reformer is doing. The only person you’re in competition with is yourself.