Reformer + Dumbbells
Dumbbells are added on the Reformer. Arms, shoulders and back work harder, without losing the flowing quality of Pilates. Useful if you want more tone in your upper body.
Pilates in Finale Ligure: Matwork, Reformer and Reformer with weights
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Three ways to do Pilates, in small groups and at your own pace: bodyweight on the mat, on the Reformer with springs set to suit you, and on the Reformer with dumbbells or kettlebells when you want more intensity. Not sure where to start? We'll help you choose at your first session.
Pilates, simply explained
Pilates is a way of training built on movement control. Every exercise starts from the centre of the body (deep abdominals, back and pelvis) and is done slowly, in time with your breathing. What we aim for is a body that is more stable and more mobile, with better awareness of your posture outside the class too.
At Body Zone classes are small, so your instructor has time to watch you, correct you and offer the right variation. You don't need to be flexible or fit already: you start from your own level.
Pilates Matwork
Pilates on the mat, using your own body weight, with exercises for control, breathing and core stability.
What it gives you
- strengthens the deep muscles that support your back
- helps improve posture and joint mobility
- teaches you to breathe and move with more awareness
As well as bodyweight work, we use small props that make an exercise easier or more challenging, including the Matilde's Braid elastic braid.
Who it's for. A good place to start if you've never done Pilates, or if you want a solid foundation before moving on to the Reformer.
Pilates Reformer
The Reformer is a bed-like frame with a carriage that slides on rails and is attached to springs. The springs provide resistance: more springs, more work. This means we can make the same exercise easier or harder in a few seconds, adapting it to you.
The movement is smooth and guided by the machine, with little load on your joints. It builds strength, balance and body control, and gives you instant feedback: you can feel straight away whether you're working the right way.
The studio has 4 Reformers: there are at most 4 of you in a class, each on your own machine.
Reformer with dumbbells and kettlebells
For those who have already done Reformer and want a more intense workout, we combine the precision of Pilates with small training weights.
You need some Reformer experience before these classes. If you're new to it, you start on the Reformer and the weights come later.
Reformer + Kettlebell
The kettlebell makes the work more dynamic: more strength, more stability, more coordination. The right combination if you love Pilates but also want a functional workout.
For these classes we follow the RYB Academy method, designed for Reformer work with dumbbells and kettlebells: correct technique, safety and progress tailored to you. How we work
Which Pilates is right for you?
A quick guide. At your first session we'll choose together.
| Class type | Level | Intensity | Main goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matwork | All levels, great for beginners | Moderate, adjustable | Core, posture, mobility, breathing |
| Reformer | All levels | Light to challenging (adjusted with the springs) | Strength, balance, control, with low impact on the joints |
| Reformer + weights (RYB Academy) | For those who have already done Reformer | Higher | More upper-body tone (dumbbells); strength, stability and coordination (kettlebell) |
Want to learn the basics of Pilates with an instructor all to yourself, or do Reformer with people you know? You can, with private sessions.
Curious about something different? The Matilde's Braid elastic braid is also part of the Pilates Matwork classes and the Functional training circuits, and it's suitable for everyone: discover Matilde's Braid.
Pilates FAQs
I've never done Pilates. Can I start?
Yes. Matwork and Reformer are suitable for every level (for Reformer with dumbbells and kettlebells, though, you need some Reformer experience first). At your first session we work out where to begin and suggest the group that suits you best. In the early weeks we focus on the basics: breathing, pelvic position, movement control.
Should I start with Matwork or the Reformer?
It depends on you. Matwork is an excellent foundation; the Reformer, thanks to its springs, can help if you struggle to feel the right muscles working on the mat. We'll talk about it at your first session and decide together.
How many people are in a class?
Only a few, because we want to follow everyone closely. On the Reformer there are at most 4 of you, one per machine: the studio has 4 Reformers. Matwork classes are small groups too.
What should I wear? Do I need anything special?
Comfortable clothes you can move freely in, ideally close-fitting so we can see your body position. We train barefoot, so bring a pair of grip socks. There are changing rooms and showers. To attend, you need a medical certificate for non-competitive sport (certificato medico non agonistico).
I have back pain. Can I do Pilates?
Pilates works a lot on core and posture, but every back is different. Tell us how you are first: if you have a diagnosis, for example a herniated disc, we'll ask you to check with your doctor and decide together whether to start with postural training.
Would you like to try Pilates?
Tell us what you're curious about, Matwork, Reformer or weights: we'll reply with the next steps.