Nathan Ross Rees First Principles of Reformer Exercise

• Every exercise has a target muscle group
• Reformer workouts are simply resistance training (load: bodyweight or spring tension) 
• Spring tension will determine the target muscle group and the level of intensity
• A client’s experience with spring tension is relative to their body mass
• A client’s experience with spring tension is relative to their body length
• The instructor’s responsibility is to guarantee every client has the same loading experience regardless of their body
• The exercise starting position must be achievable for every client
• The purpose of adding movement layers to an exercise is to increase the load on the target muscle group
• Every workout must be full-body and a symmetrically balanced loading experience
• Client progression is the instructor’s objective

Philosophy

At the core of Reformer Academy’s training philosophy is the belief that every time we put a client in a body position with a spring tension there must be an outcome – achieving mechanical tension on the target muscle group. 

We emphasise the importance of starting every exercise in an achievable position for every client present.

Every movement layer added to an exercise is for the sole purpose of load progression on the target muscle group. 

This strategy enables every client to work at their optimal level for the entire duration of every exercise. 

The target muscle group is the reference point for every exercise experience. Every client must have the same loading experience in every exercise.

Our approach to reformer training priorities exercises that achieve measurable client results. 

Which can be seen when clients can do the same exercises over time with more load:

• A client using less spring tension for bodyweight-loaded exercise
• A client using more spring tension for spring-tension-loaded exercise

In this way, Reformer Academy successfully integrates progressive overload into reformer workouts.

Every exercise needs these three components to be successful in a group reformer class: 

Simple: Easy to understand and accessible for clients at any level

Scalable: Adjustable in load or intensity to meet individual needs

Intentional: Every exercise has an objective target muscle group

We believe the purpose of creativity is to find more effective versions of exercise including new sequences of exercise. 

Ultimately every decision we make, every interaction we have, we strive to build client strength and confidence.

Values

Client Experience: We focus on creating a highly personalised and optimised workout experience for every client

Rewarding Effort: We believe in creating a meritocratic environment which encourages and rewards effort

Building Strength and Confidence: Our ultimate goal is to create classes that empower clients physically and mentally

Mission

The Reformer Academy focuses on developing high-quality instructors to meet the expanding national and international industry demand. Our aim is to support the ongoing growth and professionalism of the group exercise industry while ensuring participants are set-up for successful careers.

Our mission is to empower reformer instructors and studio owners to deliver classes that are simple, effective, and transformational.

On a granular level this means every exercise taught must contribute to building client strength and confidence.

We provide our instructors with the tools to accelerate client connections.

Building leaders that are adaptable and adept critical thinkers.

Instructors that optimise the client experience bringing presence, awareness and confidence to every class.

It is the effectiveness of our systems that makes us successful. 

"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." - James Clear.

A competitive advantage in growing market relies on effective systems, consistency and accountability. High performance instructors are the difference between average and outstanding business success. Producing the next generation of exceptional reformer instructors for your business is what we do. 

Nathan Ross Rees Reformer Academy