Reformer Pilates | Serenev - Class Pass Free Trial
I signed up for a Class Pass Free Trial and got to try five different fitness classes for free!
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Studio front sign
The second fitness class I tried on my Class Pass free trial was reformer pilates! I was very into pilates back in school, but only ever did mat pilates. I really wanted to do a reformer class and booked the Reformer Sculpt & Tone class at Serenev Studio.
Serenev is located 222 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2N 3A9, just east of Yonge/Shepppard. When you arrive at their building, you have to take your shoes off at the entrance. After checking in at the front desk you wait until the room opens for your class. They have a really nice reformer pilates classroom that fits about 9 students.
Pilates Reformer
Reformer studio set up
Unlike our first class, this class was much faster in pace. Tina — our instructor, got started right away. I did have to let her know it was our first reformer class which is when she quickly showed us the different springs to set resistance and how to adjust the strap lengths. There is one reformer stationed in the middle of the room where you can watch and follow along with the instructor as they demonstrate each move.
After we got set up we started with a warm up and then got straight into the workout. The Sculpt & Tone class was a full-body workout routine. We did movements that worked on our core, legs, and arms. I have mainly done mat pilates where I used my own body weight as resistance. The reformer adds an a different type of resistance with the springs and guides moves with motion of the carriage sliding back and forth. We didn’t use any other equipment than the reformer and straps but I was very surprised at how versatile the reformer was. It allowed for different movement positions that focused on different muscles.You could even move the platform extender to the other side to do different exercises.
Tina was really good at keeping us motivated. She demonstrated the exercises for us on her reformer but also went around to make sure we had the correct form. She worked out with us and counted our reps and also showed us advance and modified versions of some moves. She explained everything well and was follow along with. Her music was good and she kept us on the beat with the music which made the class fun.
I could feel my muscles working throughout the whole class and by the end of it I left with shaky legs. The class does end with a cool down and clean up which I appreciate. It is always good to get a stretch in post workout. This was my favourite class from my trial.
Ratings:
Enjoyment - 10/10
I already enjoy pilates but adding the reformer was a really great addition to increasing the workout by adding some resistance and extra movement to each move. There was good music and vibes to motivate you through the class. Overall a very satisfying total body workout. Class size was also good and comfortable.
Difficulty/Intensity - 8/10
This was a higher intensity class which made you feel like you got a good work out in. It targeted different muscles of your body which felt more sore with each rep. Holding positions and pulsing really challenge you but the overall routine was manageable and I was able to keep up with all the moves. The switch between movements was a little fast paced at times, but I think once you are familiar with the different moves it would not take long to adjust.
Facilities - 10/10
The studio was clean and with calming and positive decor. There was privacy but also some good natural lighting which I liked. The studio lighting is also very pretty. After the class we wiped down our reformers so I know they maintain the cleanliness of the equipment. The front desk staff and the instructor were friendly and happy to talk with you. Tina was great at motivating and helping us through out the class. We also get a wet towel post workout to help us wipe sweat and cool down.
Location - 9/10
Serenev has a small private lot with parking spots available. North York is not as busy as downtown so driving here comes with a little more ease. It is not too far off from the 401 exit. It is also located about a 15 min walk from Yonge/Sheppard station, along a bus route making it accessible by TTC as well (there is currently some construction that can change traffic through).
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