
Reformer Pilates Classes
At Formation Physiotherapy, we offer Reformer Pilates Classes in our Lisburn Road studio.
Using reformer machines, our physio-led classes focus on your whole body to develop your core strength and flexibility. Reformer Pilates engages all major muscle groups, providing a comprehensive workout that strengthens the entire body and aids recovery. Each of our instructors have completed advanced training through the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI).
Google Reviews
26 reviews
Join us for a reformer pilates class at a time that suits you.
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New Customers
Please create an account with us using our booking software TeamUp, you can select ‘My Account’ to make an account or click the class you want to book and follow the instructions.
Existing Customers
If you have visited us before or used TeamUP with another studio/venue you can log in using the same email & password. Please do this from ‘My Account’ or by selecting the class you want to book. Once you are logged in you can manage your pricing options and view your class credits in your dashboard.
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What is Reformer Pilates?
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What is Reformer Pilates and how does it work?
Reformer Pilates involves using a specialised machine, called a reformer, to provide a unique and effective workout. This machine consists of a sliding carriage attached to springs, offering adjustable resistance, allowing for a wide variety of exercises targeting all major muscle groups. The reformer's design enables controlled movements, promoting strength, flexibility, and core engagement.
The core principle of Reformer Pilates lies in its focus on precise, controlled movements that engage deep core muscles and improve overall alignment. Resistance can be tailored to individual fitness levels, making it suitable for both beginners and those with more experience. This versatility, coupled with its ability to facilitate stretching and improve range of motion, makes Reformer Pilates a comprehensive approach to fitness.
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What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates strengthens core muscles, improving posture and reducing back, knee and joint pain, while also enhancing flexibility and range of motion. Its low-impact nature allows for injury rehabilitation and prevention, and it provides a full-body workout. We often use the reformer with our physiotherapy patients as they move towards recovery.
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Reformer Pilates: Our Unique Approach
At Formation Physiotherapy, we believe the best pilates classes are led by qualified physiotherapists. Through our awareness of the whole body and our expertise in rehabilitation, our clients can be assured that they are in safe hands and will receive personalised instruction in class. Our instructors have each undergone advanced training for accreditation through APPI.
As you attend our classes, our physiotherapists will initially evaluate your needs and fitness level before tailoring your fitness journey so that they are aligned with your individual goals. Over time and through conversation, we will also monitor your progress and make adjustments based on the improvements you make along the way.
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Who can benefit from Mat Pilates?
We offer a variety of Reformer Classes for different fitness and experience levels and can offer modifications within each of our classes.
We believe that Reformer Pilates especially benefits:
- Individuals recovering from injury or surgery
- Those seeking a form of low-impact strength training
- People with back, knee or joint pain
- Athletes looking to improve flexibility and performance
Our Client Reviews
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Katie
My Mum and I attended Formation Physiotherapy for a Reformer Pilates evening class with Emma. The studio is intimate and inviting which created a very personalised experience. Emma is so knowledgeable and able to make tweaks and give advice to ensure we both got the best out of our class. I felt amazing afterwards and really look forward to our next session- my mum was a beginner and it was perfect for her. Couldn’t recommend Formation Physio and Emma highly enough!!
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Clodagh
I have attended Formation Physiotherapy for both Pilates and for physiotherapy. I have always received effective treatment and the Pilates sessions help with balance and flexibility. The class size means that you receive individual support.
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Karen
The pilates classes are run by physios who ensure you make the moves correctly. The whole team are very knowledgeable and really helpful.
Meet the Team
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Emma Bothwell
OWNER / PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BSc (Hons) MSCP -
Ruth Lewis
OWNER / PHYSIOTHERAPIST
MSc BSc (Hons) MSCP -
Jill Holmes
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BSc (Hons) MSCP -
Owen McElhinney
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
BSc (Hons) MCSP
FAQs
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Yes, Reformer Pilates is a form of strength training due to its reliance on resistance provided by the reformer's springs, which challenges muscles and builds strength. By adjusting the springs, the workout intensity can be modified, allowing for progressive overload.
The exercises engage both large and small muscle groups, emphasising core engagement and promoting muscle tone and definition. Furthermore, Reformer Pilates builds functional strength, improving stability, balance, and coordination, which translates to enhanced performance in daily activities.
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Yes! Reformer Pilates builds lean muscle through spring-based resistance, focusing on toning and core strength, rather than significant bulk. It enhances functional fitness, improving everyday movement while effectively strengthens the body.
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Yes! Reformer Pilates is often recommended for back pain due to its focus on strengthening core muscles, which provide crucial spinal support and stability. The controlled movements and adjustable resistance of the reformer promote improved flexibility and mobility, relieving muscle tension and stiffness that contribute to back pain. Its low-impact nature minimises joint stress, allowing for gradual progression and tailored exercises, while also fostering better posture and body awareness to correct imbalances.
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Yes! Reformer Pilates can be beneficial for knee pain due to its low-impact nature, strengthening of supporting muscles, and improvement of flexibility and range of motion. If you do have any questions regarding an injury before starting Reformer Pilates, you can speak to one of our team for advice.

Pilates Classes Booking and Cancellation Policy
Classes are suitable for all clients and will have options that are most appropriate to your Pilates experience and level of general fitness. The Beginners class is ideal if you are a complete beginner
If you are unsure of whether or not a group class would be suitable for you, try one of our Taster classes, or speak to one of the Formation Physiotherapy team about attending an individual Pilates session first.
All classes and Pilates sessions must be booked and paid for in advance via the online booking system. Alternatively, speak to one of the Formation Physiotherapy team to book over the phone or when you are in the clinic.
Spaces will be filled on a first come first served basis.
Classes can be booked individually at the drop in rate or in a block of 7 for a discount.
Class Reminders
By registering your phone number and email address, you agree for Formation Physiotherapy to send you reminder messages ahead of your class - this will be 36 hours before (for text messages) and 48 hours before (for email messages). This still gives you time to amend your booking if you know you will not be able to attend the class.
We reserve the right to cancel a class if there are less than 2 people registered for a class 24 hours before the scheduled time. If this is the case, we will inform you 24 hours before the class, and offer you an alternative class in the block.
Block bookings
must be purchased by the start of each block
you are committing to attending the same weekly class for 7 weeks and a space will be reserved for you in the same class each week
if you are unable to attend a class you can swap into another class in the block if
you amend your booking 24 hours ahead of the class starting
there is space in the class you wish to swap into
if you cancel a class within 24 hours of the start time, these are late cancellations and can not be rescheduled
it is not possible to carry on any unused classes into the next block