5 /5 Ish: I discovered Studio Anatomy on Tiktok and decided to sign up for three classes. I had my first reformer pilates session today; I had never done it before but had always wanted to. Mat pilates and barre are more familiar to me. However, I consider myself a complete beginner and enrolled in the essentials class, which is the most beginner-friendly. Overall, to walk you through my experience... its simple to book classes online, and you get reminder emails about your upcoming class, which I really appreciate as someone who is easily distracted. The studio is located in Hackney, E9, about a 10 minute bus ride from Whitechapel bus stop, and about a 3 minute walk from the bus stop. So, given the short distance between the train and bus routes, that was ideal for me.
Now onto first impressions of the studio, you have to enter with an app to unlock the front door, when I downloaded the app this morning for my class this afternoon, I have to say I wasnt keen on doing so but I would say I was more afraid of not being able to get in for any reason... technical/app issues primarily... and missing out on my class and the monetary investment I made. You go up a floor and enter; I was greeted by an enthusiastic American Studio Atanomy receptionist who assured me that I its okay that I was a beginner. That seemed like a good sign to me! Then she walked me through the facilities, including the changing room, bathroom and whether or not I had pilates socks. In this case, I didnt and was satisfied with our purchase, but I do want to point out that its £12 here. I saw people wearing their £2 trampolining grip socks, but lets hope its a pilates and life-enhancing investment.
The class was full, with 9/10 spaces filled, and I would estimate that nearly half of the students were beginners, which was reassuring. My class was led by Alicia, a pilates instructor. She was very kind and attentive, which is exactly what you want as a beginner. She was also very reassuring that I was a beginner and was hands on when needed, which I appreciate as someone who is a visual learner and finds it difficult to act solely on verbal guidance.
The class was challenging, but in the best way possible; the kind of challenging where youre halfway through an exercise and thinking, "OMG, this is so painful!" But your instructor instructs you to hold it for 4 seconds more, twice! Overall, I was challenged, and I know I will feel amazing when I wake up tomorrow morning. Fixing my posture and increasing my flexibility are two of my goals with reformer pilates, and I believe that if I stick with it long enough, I will be able to achieve those goals, especially if I can do it in the essentials class.
Overall, I had a good time in class and hope to return soon! If my next two sessions are as enjoyable as this afternoons, I may even purchase bulk classes!
If youre new to reformer pilates, Studio Anatomy is a great place to start. The instructors are pleasant and knowledgeable, and the facilities are good! The only downside I have is that they don’t have shower facilities!
If you made it this far, I’ll be posting my journey with reformer pilates with Studio Anatomy on tiktok - give a watch and follow if you’re keen! Tiktok: @ishramen
