Before 2025, my reformer Pilates routine was anything but structured. I’d attend a class now and then, or buy a short bundle and let it run out. But knowing that the real benefits — like building lasting strength and improving posture — only come with consistency, I decided it was time to commit. After all, there’s a reason images of Hailey Bieber mastering classic Pilates moves dominate search results. Reformer Pilates demands time, patience, and repetition, especially when learning exercises like the hundred without feeling completely wiped out.
An Unlimited Membership Changed Everything
It felt almost symbolic when my nearby studio, Prescription in Lisbon, introduced an appealing unlimited membership offer. Suddenly, I no longer had to ration classes or track credits. Their warm, terracotta-toned studio quickly became a second home. I began attending almost daily, fitting in 50-minute reformer sessions before work, during lunch, or between social plans. While I experimented with their cardio-inspired and recovery-focused options, I mostly stayed loyal to the classic reformer classes that formed the backbone of my routine.
The Tough First Week and Learning Proper Form
The opening week was by far the most challenging. Every muscle — even the ones I didn’t know existed — seemed to burn. Pilates offered no instant results or shortcuts. Alongside the physical challenge, there was a strong mental element as I focused on correct alignment and controlled movement. Attending frequently allowed instructors to refine my technique, and with little time between sessions, their feedback truly stuck. This combination helped me finally understand how precision-based training is meant to feel.
Settling Into a Rhythm and Seeing Progress
Before long, reformer Pilates became part of my daily flow. I moved through sports bras and leggings at record speed and enjoyed the simplicity of committing to one workout style. Outside the studio, my only other activity was long walks and the occasional game of padel. I didn’t need to overthink my routine — I just showed up and moved. Gradually, I noticed clear physical progress, learning when to push harder and when to ease off, respecting my body’s limits.
How Often Is Too Often?
At my peak, I averaged five to six sessions a week, which raised the question of whether that was excessive. According to Pilates instructor and PT Aimee Victoria Long, reformer Pilates thrives on consistent practice. She explains that regular sessions can lead to a stronger integrated core, better posture, and increased flexibility thanks to the machine’s full range of motion. However, she notes that session intensity and recovery time are key factors when determining an ideal weekly frequency.
Balancing Intensity and Recovery
While reformer Pilates isn’t comparable to high-impact workouts, it still places deep demands on the body. Long highlights that the spring resistance builds strength without stressing the joints, supporting joint-friendly conditioning. For some, five or six classes may feel like too much, while others thrive with a varied schedule. Including restorative sessions alongside strength-focused classes can make frequent attendance more sustainable. Even practicing two to four times weekly can deliver meaningful results.
After 70 It’s Not Walking or Gym Sessions This Specific Movement Pattern Truly Upgrades Healthspan
Finding the Sweet Spot
I noticed that when travel or other commitments reduced my weekly sessions, my body often felt more refreshed. These rest periods allowed for better recovery, helping me return with renewed energy. Still, being away for too long made me miss the studio. Regular attendance helped me connect with instructors I enjoyed and recognize familiar faces, creating a subtle sense of community abroad that felt grounding as a freelancer living overseas.
The Mental Health Benefits I Didn’t Expect
One surprising outcome of my reformer Pilates journey was the impact on stress relief. Each class began with bouncing on a built-in trampoline, and with every jump, tension seemed to fade. Long explains that Pilates’ focus on breath control and intentional movement often makes it feel meditative. Over time, sessions became a mental reset, and I found myself craving that release even on rest days.
Reconnecting With My Body
Physically, the changes became undeniable after two months of dedicated practice. My Pilates commitment came around ten months after fertility treatment, a period that had left me feeling disconnected from my body. While I stayed active throughout, this new routine restored my sense of control. I felt full-body strength returning, noticed visible muscle tone, and regained confidence. My core definition improved, my legs felt leaner, and seeing myself in the mirror finally felt reassuring again.
Listening to Your Body Is the Real Key
Long emphasizes that success comes from body awareness. Persistent fatigue, lingering soreness, or unresolved tightness may signal overtraining. But feeling energized, supported, and able to maintain good form suggests your routine is working. Like most fitness approaches, the answer isn’t extreme commitment or complete rest — it’s balance. For me, that balance meant staying consistent, honoring recovery, and investing in a few extra pairs of grippy Pilates socks.
