Reformer Pilates for Beginners in Hollywood, FL

Lighthouse Pilates & PT teaches reformer Pilates for beginners in Hollywood, FL, and you don't need any Pilates experience to book your first class. Group classes are capped at six people, so your instructor has time to show you the equipment and watch how you move. The studio is led by Dr. Mary, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, who designs the classes.

What a reformer is

A reformer is a padded carriage that slides along a frame. Springs underneath it set the resistance, and you move the carriage by pressing against a footbar or pulling on straps. Changing the springs changes how much work an exercise takes, so the same machine suits someone on their first day and someone who has been coming for years.

It can look complicated the first time you see one. If it's your first class, your instructor will walk you through how the reformer works before you start, including how to get on and off and where your feet and hands go.

Level 1, our beginner class, also uses the chair, a smaller piece of equipment with a spring-loaded pedal. The class covers the basics of both at a steady pace.

Which class to book first

Level 1 is built for people who are new to the reformer and chair. It runs Saturdays at 11 am.

If Saturday morning doesn't fit your week, All Levels is open to beginners as well as clients with more experience. It runs Monday through Saturday, including 6 pm classes on Mondays and Wednesdays, so it's easier to fit around a workday.

Some people would like to learn the equipment one on one before they join a group. A private session gives you an instructor's full attention. A duet is two people with one instructor, which works well if you'd like to start with a friend or partner. If you're not sure which to book, call or text us and we'll help you choose.

Before your first class

Grip socks are preferred on the reformer, so bring a pair if you have them, and wear something you can move in comfortably.

Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early. The front door locks when class starts, and the extra time lets you meet your instructor and get set up on your reformer before everyone begins.

If you've done mat Pilates or another kind of exercise class before, mention it when you arrive so your instructor knows where to start you.

You can book a group class on our website up to 2 hours before it starts. If something comes up, you can cancel or reschedule up to 8 hours before class.

For more on how a first class runs, read What to Expect at Your First Reformer Pilates Class at Lighthouse.

Six people per class

Learning new equipment is easier when someone can see what you're doing. With six people at most, your instructor can check your setup and your form and suggest changes as you go. There's also time to ask questions, and in a room that size your instructor gets to know you quickly.

Where beginners go next

Most clients spend time in Level 1 and All Levels before they move on. When the basics feel comfortable, the schedule has harder classes to grow into.

Core Elements uses the reformer, chair and mat in one class and is open to all levels. Sculpt Lab pairs free weights with the reformer and chair, and newer clients can join it with modifications. Level 2 & 3 is our most advanced group class, for people who know the reformer and chair well. You can read more about Sculpt Lab and Level 2 & 3 in Advanced Reformer Pilates in Hollywood, FL. If you're not sure you're ready to move up, ask your instructor after class.

Pilates and physical therapy in one studio

Lighthouse also offers physical therapy, and Dr. Mary leads both the PT and the Pilates. You don't need to have done physical therapy to take a class here. If you're coming to Pilates after finishing PT, our post Pilates After Physical Therapy in Hollywood, FL explains how people make that move.

Getting started

The Book Class page on our website always has the current schedule, and our New Client Special page lists the options for first-time clients. We're at 4435 Sheridan Street in Hollywood. Questions? Call or text (954) 228-5790. Someone answers calls and messages weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to noon.

Working during the day? Read Evening and Saturday Pilates Classes in Hollywood, FL.