A Morning of Strength, Stretch, and (a Little) Shaking at Apex Gym’s Reforma Pilates
The Stones Magazine team is always up for a challenge—especially when it promises expert coaching, stunning scenery, and a healthy dose of movement. So, when we were invited to try out the Reforma Pilates class at Apex Gym, we laced up (or rather, slipped off) our shoes and got ready to experience it firsthand.
Guiding us through the session was none other than Apex Gym’s owner and PT extraordinaire, Nick Lower. From the moment we stepped into the studio, we knew we were in for a treat. The space was everything you could hope for—light-filled, airy, and surrounded by countryside views that instantly made us feel a world away from our daily grind.
Nick welcomed us with his signature blend of expertise and reassurance, making even the most Pilates-inexperienced among us feel completely at ease. “It’s all about control,” he said with a grin. “And breathing. And maybe a little shaking.” We’d soon learn exactly what he meant!
We began with some gentle footwork, pressing against the resistance of the Reformer to wake up our muscles. It felt like a smooth, controlled glide—until Nick encouraged us to slow it down. Oh, hello, quads! Then came the leg circles—graceful in theory, slightly wobbly in practice, but an instant reminder of how good it feels to move with purpose.
The magic of the Reformer is that it supports and challenges you at the same time. Movements that seemed simple—like bridging or seated twists—took on a whole new level of intensity with the added resistance.
What struck us most was how adaptable the class was. Whether you were a complete newbie or a seasoned mover, Nick tailored everything to suit individual abilities. He adjusted springs, tweaked our positioning, and reminded us to breathe (which, let’s be honest, we all forgot at some point). His expert eye meant that we always felt supported, and his calm confidence made sure we pushed through even when our muscles were screaming.
By the end of the session, we felt taller, looser, and surprisingly energised. It was one of those workouts that left us feeling accomplished rather than exhausted, like we had genuinely done something good for our bodies.
Would we recommend it? Absolutely. Whether you’re looking to build strength, improve flexibility, or just try something new in a stunning setting, Reforma Pilates at Apex Gym is a must. And with Nick’s expert guidance, you’ll walk out feeling like you’ve done something pretty special (and maybe with a little post-Pilates wobble to prove it).
We’ll definitely be back. Next time, though, we might just mentally prepare for the leg circles in advance…
by Sophie Murphy
