The Class: EDEN Pilates Reformer Class

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Duration: 60 minutes

Instructor: Amber Connor

Classpass: Yes

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer machines, lovingly referred to by some as torture devices, sculpt the body with tiny muscle repetitions over and over, breaking down deep muscle tissue for greater strength and the lean, lanky muscle tone so many women (and men!) seek.

The “reformer” part of reformer Pilates is the name of the machine you use. It enables you to add light or heavy resistance to your movements, targeting small or large muscle groups respectively. EDEN specializes in reformer classes.

I had only taken one reformer class prior several years back, so I was eager to relearn the technique behind this revered workout method.

The Space

EDEN Pilates, located in West Hollywood, is clean and bright when we enter for a noon Tuesday class. The back area has cubbies and a small sitting area where you could enjoy a cup of free tea before or after class. You might think you’re in the apartment of your cool artsy friend, until you realize your friend doesn’t have 12 reformer machines in her living room.

The Workout

We start with core work to warm up. I feel fine the first five minutes, until I realize my movements are supposed to be smaller. Once corrected, my abdomen is on fire.

This burning serves as wonderful foreshadowing for the rest of class.

The next 60 minutes, we make our way through the main muscle groups: arms, legs, more abs, butt, finishing with a bit more arms work. We end with a stretch.

I wish I could tell you more about the specific moves we did, but I think I blacked-out from the pain.

Amber was motivating and friendly the duration of the class. We had a nice chat with her after about the scope of the Pilates scene in LA. It is vast and varied, yet within the instructor world, pretty small.

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for well-structured, instructional reformer class in Los Angeles, EDEN Pilates has all you need.