Week 11: I tried Reformer Pilates for the First Time

I knew I was in trouble the moment the instructor said, "Hop on the carriage."

The carriage. Not mat. Not floor. A machine with ropes, springs and the general energy of something that might fling me across the room if I breathed wrong.

So yes. Reformer Pilates. My latest attempt at "gentle strengthening". Spoiler: gentle it is not.

The class started fine. Slow movements. Nice breathing. Very zen. Then he asked us to straighten our legs. My hamstrings started writing their will. My core tapped out at minute seven. By the time we got to the part where you push the carriage away while holding straps, I swear I levitated.

But once I stopped shaking, sweating and quietly apologising to my hip flexors, I actually liked it. My posture felt taller. My back felt open. I walked out of the studio thinking, "Maybe this is my new personality."

So yes, I will be back. Partly because I have already prepaid four classes. Mostly because Reformer Pilates feels like the missing link between my chaotic gym attempts and the strong, sculpted version of me in my head.

Catch you next week – remember, it is fine to be a beginner as long as you keep showing up.