I walked into Buckingham Pilates feeling confident. After all, I strength train twice a week. I lift weights regularly, and I am comfortable with resistance. Naturally, I assumed I would adapt quickly.
However, reformer Pilates had other plans.
From the moment I stepped inside, the studio set the tone. It is calm, light-filled, and beautifully designed. More importantly, everything feels intentional. The reformer machines are neatly arranged, which makes the space feel structured rather than overwhelming.
Since it was my first time, I paid close attention to how the session began. Fortunately, Millie immediately put everyone at ease.
The Instruction
First and foremost, Millie was exceptional.
Before we even started moving, she explained the machine in detail. She broke down the springs, the straps, and the moving carriage. In addition, she showed us how to safely get on and off the reformer. As a result, nothing felt intimidating.
Throughout the class, she continued to guide us clearly. For example, she would explain where our feet should be placed, how our spine should align, and when to adjust resistance. At the same time, she emphasised breathing and control.
Because of that, I felt confident from the start.
Health and safety were not treated as an afterthought. Instead, they were built into every cue. Alignment mattered. Control mattered. Precision mattered. Consequently, I always knew what I was doing and why.
For a first session, that level of clarity makes all the difference.
Why It Feels So Different From Weight Training
In the gym, my training is structured around external load. Typically, I focus on squats, deadlifts, presses, and progressive overload. As a result, I associate strength with heavier weights and visible effort.
Reformer Pilates approaches strength differently.
Rather than lifting plates, you work against spring resistance. Because the carriage moves, your body must stabilise constantly. Therefore, there is no room for momentum. Each movement is slow, controlled, and deliberate.
Most importantly, your core is engaged the entire time.
Not surface-level abs, but the deeper stabilising muscles. For instance, the transverse abdominis and the smaller postural muscles around the spine are activated in nearly every exercise. Consequently, the work feels internal and precise.
Even though I train consistently, I felt challenged in new ways. Specifically, I noticed how much control was required during transitions and returns. If you lose focus for a second, the carriage lets you know.
In other words, this is strength built from the inside out.
A True Full-Body Session
The session was structured as a full-body flow. To begin with, we activated the lower body with controlled leg work. Then we moved into core-focused sequences. After that, we incorporated arms and shoulders using the straps.
Throughout the class, the movements connected seamlessly. Because of that, the body stayed engaged the entire time.
Moreover, Millie offered small but powerful corrections. For example, she would cue a slight pelvic adjustment or remind us to soften the ribs. As a result, the exercise would instantly feel more intense and more targeted.
Those subtle refinements are what elevate the experience.
The Result
Initially, I thought I understood my own strength. However, reformer Pilates revealed a different layer.
It improves posture, enhances balance, strengthens the deep core. In addition, it increases body awareness and joint stability. Over time, that kind of training supports everything else you do.
Therefore, I see it as a powerful complement to traditional strength work.
Buckingham Pilates delivers a high standard experience from start to finish. The studio feels welcoming. The machines are excellent. Most importantly, the instruction is clear, precise, and supportive.
If you already train, this will challenge you differently. Meanwhile, if you are new to structured exercise, you will feel guided every step of the way.
As for me, I will absolutely be back.
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