It has been a lonnnggg time since I last did reformer pilates! As you all know I love my current rotation: weight training, running, yoga. BUT I do love to mix it up a bit and always like to add pilates in the mix when I am in a rut and need something a little different. As I’ve said before, we always want to keep our body guessing and make sure we dont get used to a certain routine.
A few weekends ago Pilates ProWorks (the San Francisco Marina location on Union Street) invited me to experience a class. The studio offers reformer pilates, mat boxing and TRX classes but I decided to go with the reformer. Right around the corner from my house, I signed up for a Saturday morning class with Clarissa. From the moment I walked in, the staff was super friendly which is something that I notice and take note of right away. The class before me was just finishing up so after a few minutes it was time to take to the reformer. The class was super intimate which I loved. It was only a class of 10 or so which was great and didn’t feel too crowded like your average studio. The studio was extremely clean, equipment was super well maintained, staff was friendly and the teacher was excellent- thank you Clarissa!
I have done pilates quite a few times, but it’s been awhile. I wasn’t exactly comfortable on the reformer at first, but after Clarissa set me up and showed me how to adjust the resistance I was good to go. The class was challenging and targeted muscles that I have not used (or noticed I used) in a long time! The moves are repetitive but that is certainly the exhausting part. If I am sore the next day, I can tell that was a great workout. And I WAS sore! We focused mostly on legs, so I am wondering if different body parts are focused on each class. Let me know in the comments if you are familiar!
I will say, I do prefer more high intensity workouts and am looking forward to trying the mat box or TRX class next. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t break a sweat and for me that’s key to feeling like I had a great session. Also, classes fill up FAST! I had a hard time booking actually and I would definitely feel disappointed if I had to schedule like that often.
(2 images above via Pilates ProWorks)
Tips for your first class:
- Bring grippy socks with you to class as they are required. You can also purchase them at the studio for $15
- There are not showers at the Marina location and not a lot of space to hang out so its best to plan to go home and shower after class
- Introduce yourself to the instructor and let him/her know you are new. The will keep an eye on you during class and make sure you are doing moves correctly in order to avoid injury. They will also show you how to work the reformer and adjust resistance
- Bring a water bottle and prepare to be sore the next day!
The facts:
Pilates ProWorks was founded in San Francisco in 2010 by a husband and wife duo and since have launched 15 studios in the US and South America.
Pilates Pro classes deliver a powerful 40- or 55-minute workout in a small group setting, in which each person works on their own FitFormer™ Pilates machine. This class combines resistance, lengthening, strength training, and cardio to aid in weight loss, define muscle, improve strength, endurance and flexibility, and boost energy.
matBox is a full-body workout that brings together Kickboxing, Pilates and Yoga into one powerful 55-minute session. The class starts with a round of high-intensity kickboxing with a punching bag. Then, the gloves come off and you hit the mat for a round of Pilates to strengthen your core. The final round incorporates Yoga to leave you aligned, balanced and fully invigorated. The result is a balanced mix of high-energy and focused intensity that tones, aligns and blasts calories. (Cant wait to try this class next!)
San Francisco locations:
- 2238 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (Marina)
- 563 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (Fidi)
If you want to check out a class they have a few deals running!
- Purchase a whole year of unlimited classes in 2017 for $2,017. This works out to $168 per month.
- For new clients, enroll in a FIT 10 autopay membership and get your whole first month for $20.17. This works out to $12.34 per class.
Regular prices:
- New clients: $20 for your first class or $135 1 month unlimited
- 1 class is normally $30
- They also offer 5, 10 or 20 packs (click here for full price list)
Have you taken a class at Pilates ProWorks before? If so, did you enjoy?
Thanks for reading! xo
