Caversham Bridge
Richfield Ave
Reading
RG1 8BD
Richfield Ave
Reading
RG1 8BD
Get ready for a full-body workout with our reformer Pilates classes, designed to strengthen, lengthen, and tone through low-impact movements and resistance-based exercises
Focusing on mindful movement and breathwork, reformer Pilates goes beyond just being a workout—it's an effective way to cultivate long-term body awareness and overall wellbeing.
Level up your workouts in our state-of-the-art Reformer Pilates studio and further your flexibility with our classes.
At Village Health & Wellness Club Reading, our classes emphasise slow, controlled movements that help strengthen deep stabilising muscles, improve alignment, and lower the risk of injury.
Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic pain, or just want to develop a stronger, more balanced body, these classes offer the support and challenge you need.
With experienced instructors leading the way, each class provides personalised guidance, ensuring you maximise the benefits of every session.
Reformer Pilates is a fantastic option for everyone, whether you're just starting your fitness journey or you're an experienced practitioner looking for a new challenge. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- It provides a full-body workout with targeted resistance. Each session on the reformer machine focuses on strengthening your core while engaging various muscles throughout your body.
- It offers a gentle, supportive way to alleviate joint and back pain. The adjustable springs and guided movements of the reformer promote proper alignment and controlled motion.
- It supports weight management. While it may not be a high-impact cardio workout, regular reformer Pilates can help increase lean muscle mass and boost metabolism.
- It enhances flexibility, posture, and body awareness. The focus on precise, mindful movements improves flexibility, promotes better posture, and sharpens overall coordination.
- It fosters a welcoming and motivating community. More than just a workout, reformer Pilates classes create a supportive environment where you can connect with others who share your passion for health and wellness.
Reformer Pilates is about control, not speed. The low impact moves make it perfect for all ages and abilities.
Many people who suffer from lower back pain or osteoporosis choose Pilates to work their full bodies and ease the tension of their joints.
Our Pilates classes are great for anyone who loves the social aspect of a group workout, want to try something new to the scene or are keen to shed weight and tone.
For your reformer Pilates class, look to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and helps your instructor observe your posture and alignment.
Opt for breathable, stretchy materials like cotton-spandex blends or moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool and comfortable during your workout.
You'll find more top tips on the perfect workout wardrobe below.
Pilates was invented by German carpenter and gymnast, Joseph Pilates. He wanted to help injured dancers and soldiers maintain their fitness levels, without risking further injury.
During his time as a nurse in World War I, he invented the reformer machine by attaching springs to hospital beds, so that patients could start toning their muscles even while they were still bed-bound!
Our reformer Pilates class at Village Health & Wellness Club Reading is designed for members who want to transform the way their body looks, feels and how easily it moves.
Attending regular classes can help to improve your body's strength and tone. Over time, you'll notice firmer thighs, tighter glutes and a flatter stomach.
The hundred (a classic Pilates exercise performed lying on your back with your head and shoulders lifted, while pumping your arms and breathing rhythmically)
Short box (an exercise that focuses on strengthening the lower back and core.)
Side leg series (movements that target the hips, glutes, and outer thighs)
Spine stretch (this move improves spinal mobility and flexibility.)
Long box exercises (using a long box on the reformer, which can add a challenge to many exercises.)
The principles of Pilates cover six key areas:
Pilates was originally called ‘Contrology’ , because controlled movements are crucial to maintaining proper Pilates form. To ensure optimum body control, you'll need to really think about how your body moves.
Full concentration on your movements will ensure you get the very best of out your Pilates class at Village Health & Wellness Club Reading. We'll focus on which muscles you're using and how they work to complete each move. We'll perfect each move as we go.
The Powerhouse is essentially, your core muscles - the abs, lower back, pelvic floor, glutes and hip muscles. Your Pilates movements will all begin with these core areas.
Whilst breathing tends to come pretty naturally, breathing properly takes some concentration. We'll assess and improve your breathing technique during your Pilates class, leaving you more relaxed, less stressed and with bags more energy.
Every Pilates motion should be done with precision. By aligning your body in the correct way, you'll be able to move much more smoothly and maintain your balance.
Each Pilates move should be fluid and graceful. One move should flow straight into the next. Find your flow, so that you're almost gliding, and your body is constantly in motion.
The reformer machine offers a low-impact way to engage in effective resistance training. With its adjustable springs, it provides smooth resistance, enabling you to build strength safely while minimising stress on your joints.
Improves Core Strength
Each exercise focuses on your core and engages various muscle groups, which helps improve your stability, posture, and muscle tone across your body.
Enhances Flexibility
The controlled and precise movements on the reformer gently stretch your muscles, increasing your range of motion and reducing stiffness.
Injury Prevention
The guided movements ensure proper alignment and muscle engagement, making it a great choice for recovering from injuries and avoiding future ones.
Boosts Body Awareness
It requires focus and control, which helps you strengthen the connection between your mind and body, improving your balance and coordination.
Muscle Toning and Building
Our reformer Pilates class will help to tone and strengthen muscles throughout your body creating a more sculpted physique.
Stress Relief
The controlled movements and mindful focus can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Variety of Exercises
Like to switch up your workouts? The reformer allows for a wide range of exercises so you'll never be bored.
Of course, we offer much more than Pilates classes! A look at our fitness facilities in Reading...
Gym
Warm up before your Pilates class with the latest, state-of-the-art cardio and resistance equipment as well as spacious free weight and stretching areas.
Swimming Pool
Our 20m heated pool is perfect for a cool down after a hard workout, or a workout in itself. Afterwards, chill out in the spa pool, steam room or sauna.
Classes
Aside from Pilates, we offer a vast selection of fitness classes, from Yoga to Zumba and everything in between. Find your perfect fit at Village Health & Wellness Club Aberdeen.
Group Cycling
With 40 bikes, our gym in Aberdeen provides the perfect setting for your instructor-led or Virtual cycle class. Classes include Les Mills RPM and V-Cycle.
Technogym
Track your progress with the latest Technogym equipment and receive personalised training routines and motivation while working out to your own music.
Our Social Scene
Make those all-important weekend plans with friends over a light bite in the restaurant, a saintly salad in the bar or a smoothie in Starbucks. The perfect way to wind down after your pilates class and enjoy our member's social scene.
Member Benefits
Being a member of Village Health & Wellness Club means more than just working out. Enjoy exclusive discounts across all of our hotels plus access to high street exclusives with our member benefits programme!
Personal Training
The Personal Training team at Village Gym Reading are highly qualified in training techniques, nutrition, motivation and measuring performance, to ensure that you achieve your fitness goal, and enjoy getting there!
BodyBalance
A yoga based fitness class designed to increase flexibility and strength.
Raise The Barre
Our Barre workouts, designed by Les Mills, are accessible to all fitness and flexibility levels.
Combining classic ballet positions with high repetitions of slight movements using very light weights, Barre can improve posture and help shape your body.
The benefits of a Pilates class
The health benefits of a holistic class go way beyond the toning and strengthening results you'll gain from many other fitness classes.
You'll get them too, plus a bumper crop of other wellness-boosting effects...
Yoga
Improve your posture, strength and flexibility with our Yoga class.
Book your Pilates class at Village Health & Wellness Club Reading via the Member's Area...
Smash those short-term fitness goals with an initial three month membership or save a few pounds whilst you burn a few, by committing to your fitness or exercise goals with an initial 12 month membership.
Young person's (18-22 years) memberships are also available, plus discounts for students and local business professionals.
How many times a week should you do reformer Pilates?
2–3 sessions per week is enough to see improvements in strength, posture, and flexibility. Advanced users may benefit from 4–5 sessions weekly, with rest days for recovery.
What should I wear to reformer Pilates?
Wear fitted, stretchy clothing like leggings and a tank top to avoid fabric getting caught in the machine. Grip socks are recommended for safety and stability.
Can I lose belly fat with reformer Pilates?
Yes, Reformer Pilates strengthens the core and tones muscles, which helps slim the waist. While it doesn’t directly burn belly fat, it supports overall fat loss when combined with diet.
How long does it take to see results from reformer Pilates?
Most people notice improvements in posture and strength within 10–12 sessions. Visible body changes often appear after 2–3 months of consistent practice.
What other fitness classes does Village Health + Wellness Club Reading offer?
Our Reading wellness club will offer over 100+ fitness classes per week. From the high intensity Les Mills workouts including BodyPump, BodyAttack and Grit, to low impact classes such as Reformer Pilates* and Yoga. Plus our very own Village exclusive BURN, boxing and HIIT classes.
The full class timetable will be released closer to the opening date. Members can look forward to a schedule with over 100 classes per week.
*Note: Reformer Pilates will be an add-on to your membership.
