Why OneFormer Is the Best Reformer Workout for Beginners

Trying a reformer workout for the first time can be intimidating. There’s the machine itself, the springs, the straps, the unfamiliar exercises—and perhaps the worry that everyone else in the room will already know exactly what they’re doing.

Whether you’re completely new to reformer training or have been curious about Pilates or Lagree-style workouts, getting started shouldn’t feel overwhelming.

At OneFormer, we designed the experience differently.

You don't need reformer experience to get a great workout here. In fact, we’ve put a lot of thought into making OneFormer one of the best places to start reformer training—and still have plenty of room to progress as you get stronger.

1. We Have Two Foundations Classes—and They're Real Workouts

A lot of studios offer an introductory class occasionally. At OneFormer, beginners have two different Foundations classes, offered multiple times throughout the day.

And “Foundations” doesn't mean easy.

These are complete workouts designed to help you build strength while learning the movements, terminology, machine setup and transitions you'll see throughout the program.

That means you don't have to choose between learning and working out. You get both.

You can also take Foundations more than once. There’s no pressure to move into another class until you feel ready—and plenty of experienced students continue taking Foundations because they're great workouts in their own right.

2. Expert Teachers Help You Learn the Right Way From the Beginning

When you're new to reformer training—or coming to OneFormer after trying Pilates, Lagree or another reformer-based workout—good instruction matters.

Our experienced OneFormer teachers don't just call out exercises from the front of the room. They'll help you understand where your body should be, what you should be feeling and how to adjust an exercise when something doesn't feel right.

They can also adapt movements to your individual body, strength and experience level.

Learning good form from the beginning doesn't just make the workout safer—it makes it more effective. Instead of simply trying to keep up, you're learning how to get more out of every movement.

3. Half Springs Let Us Fine-Tune the Workout to You

This is one of the biggest differences between the OneFormer and Lagree's megaformers or the Xformer machines.

Our machines include half springs, giving you more resistance options and allowing your teacher to fine-tune the load for a particular exercise.

That's especially valuable when you're starting out.

Sometimes a full jump in spring resistance is simply too much. A half spring gives you an option in between, so you can find the resistance that allows you to maintain good form while still challenging your muscles.

As you get stronger, those same spring options make it easy to progress gradually rather than making a big jump before you're ready.

4. Almost Every Exercise Can Meet You Where You Are

OneFormer isn't about everyone in the room performing an exercise exactly the same way.

Our teachers can give you modifications when you're learning a movement and progressions when you're ready for more. That makes it possible to challenge yourself at your current level rather than trying to match the person on the machine next to you.

And that level will change.

Something what feels difficult in your first few classes may feel completely different a month later. That's part of what makes OneFormer training so rewarding: you can actually feel yourself becoming stronger and more capable.

5. You Don't Need to Get Fit Before You Start

This may be the most important thing for a beginner to know.

You don't need to be flexible. You don't need a strong core. You don't need Pilates or Lagree experience. And you definitely don't need to understand the machine before you arrive.

That's what your first classes are for.

The OneFormer may look complicated when you first see it. Very quickly, the springs, straps, carriage and movements start to become familiar. Our Foundations classes and teachers are there to make that learning curve comfortable.

What you will get from day one is a challenging, full-body workout—and a program that can continue getting harder as you get stronger.

Your First OneFormer Class

If you've been curious about reformer workouts but don't known where to start, start with Foundations.

We'll teach you the machine, help you find the right resistance, show you how to move with good form and give you options that work for your body.

You don't have to know what you're doing before you walk through the door.

That's our job.