Reformer Pilates

With consistent practice, Reformer Pilates can help you build strength, improve flexibility and balance, and develop greater control of your movement. You may notice everyday activities and other workouts feeling more stable and coordinated.

Results vary with your starting point, how often you attend, and your overall activity. Our instructors help you refine your technique and find new challenges as you progress.

Reformer Pilates is a low-impact workout using a machine with a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, straps, and a footbar. The springs provide resistance or assistance, allowing you to challenge your strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination.

Classes combine controlled movement with attention to breathing and technique. At Lift, your instructor guides you through each exercise and helps you adjust the setup to suit your experience and ability.

Yes—beginners are welcome. You don’t need Pilates experience to get started. Our small classes give instructors time to explain the equipment, guide your technique, and offer adjustments as you learn.

Let your instructor know it’s your first class. If you have an injury, are pregnant or recently postpartum, or have other movement considerations, contact us before booking so we can help you choose an appropriate starting point, which may include a private session.

Mat Pilates uses your body weight and sometimes small props to create resistance. Reformer Pilates uses a sliding carriage, springs, and straps that can add resistance or provide assistance, depending on the exercise.

Both emphasize controlled movement, breathing, and technique. The reformer offers additional ways to adjust the challenge and explore different movements. At Lift, all our Pilates classes use reformers.

We recommend two to three classes per week to build familiarity with the movements and progressively challenge yourself. Once a week can also contribute to progress, especially alongside other exercise.

There’s no fixed timeline for results. Changes depend on your starting point, consistency, and goals. Pay attention to improvements in control, confidence, and how exercises feel—not just visible changes.

Reformer Pilates can be a valuable foundation for your exercise routine, but a well-rounded program also includes aerobic activity and strength work that challenges all major muscle groups.

What you add depends on your goals. Walking, running, cycling, or swimming can complement Pilates, while dedicated strength training offers more opportunities to build muscle and lift progressively heavier loads. We offer both Reformer Pilates and StrengthDeck at Lift, so you can make room for both in your routine.

We offer small-group Reformer Pilates classes and private sessions on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Group classes have a maximum of five participants, allowing for individual guidance throughout the session.

Private sessions offer dedicated time with an instructor, with the session tailored to your goals, experience, and pace.

We have two Reformer Pilates studios on Manhattan’s Upper West Side:

• 171 W 80th St, just off Amsterdam Avenue, near the 79th Street 1 train.
• 2091 Broadway, 2nd Floor, between 72nd and 73rd Streets, near the 72nd Street 1, 2 and 3 trains.

Choose your location when browsing the class schedule.

We offer individual classes, class packs, and memberships so you can choose what fits your routine. Visit our pricing page to compare current options and purchase classes.

Yes. Each class pack has an expiration period, which you can review before purchasing on our pricing page.

If you have questions about an expiration date or upcoming travel, contact us before purchasing so we can help you choose the right option.

Your instructor will guide you through a sequence of Reformer exercises, explaining the setup, demonstrating movements, and offering feedback along the way. Expect controlled movement, focused effort, and adjustments to help you find the right challenge.

Doors open five minutes before class. Let your instructor know if it’s your first visit so they can help you get familiar with the equipment.

Choose your studio and book your first class using the schedule above. You can also download the Lift NYC app to purchase classes and manage your bookings.

Have a question before your first visit? Text or call us at 646-450-4626—we’re happy to help.