Reformer Pilates · Balçova–Güzelyalı
Reformer pilates in Izmir
The reformer is a pilates machine made of a sliding platform with springs that provide resistance. The springs can make a movement harder or support it, so complete beginners and regular exercisers can both work at their own level.
What is a reformer class good for?
On the reformer, movements are done against the controlled resistance of the springs. Your muscles work both as they contract and as they lengthen, so you get stronger without lifting weights or putting impact on your joints.
- Strength around the abdomen, back and hips (the core)
- Postural awareness and spinal mobility
- Flexibility and controlled range of motion
- Balance and coordination between both sides of the body
Pilates is not a medical treatment. If you have an injury, a history of surgery or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting and let us know as well.
Reformer at Studio 4 in brief
- The studio has 3 Bendis Pilates reformers, one of which is a Cadillac reformer. We also work with a Pilates Chair, a Ladder Barrel and a Spine Corrector.
- No more than 3 people per class: everyone works on their own reformer, no sharing.
- Every class is taught by Nazlı Bendeş: Balanced Body Reformer instructor training and the Turkish Gymnastics Federation Pilates Level 2 Basic Instructor certificate.
- Your first class is a free introduction and level assessment.
- Close to the Fahrettin Altay metro and tram stations; 1 metro stop from Balçova.
Equipment
Our reformers and other pilates equipment
Studio 4 has 3 Bendis Pilates reformers, one of which is a Cadillac reformer. Bendis is a Turkish manufacturer of studio pilates equipment.
Why 3? Our classes have no more than 3 people. So even in duo or trio classes everyone works on their own machine: no waiting, no sharing, and your spring settings are adjusted just for you.
What's on a reformer?
- Carriage: The platform you lie on, which slides back and forth on rails.
- Springs: Resistance is adjusted by changing the number and tension of the springs. A heavier spring doesn't always mean harder; in some movements a light spring challenges balance and control more.
- Footbar: A height-adjustable bar you press against with your feet or hands.
- Straps: For pulling and pushing movements with the arms and legs.
- Shoulder rests and headrest: Keep your body in place while the carriage moves.
Equipment beyond the reformer
- Cadillac reformer: A frame built on top of the reformer with a trapeze bar, hanging springs and grip points. On top of classic reformer work, it allows spring-supported exercises from above and below. (What is Cadillac pilates?)
- Pilates Chair: A small but challenging piece of equipment with a sprung pedal and handles. Seated, standing or pressing the pedal, you work on leg, hip, shoulder and core strength, and it challenges your balance too.
- Ladder Barrel: A wooden ladder combined with a curved barrel. Used for spinal stretches, side bends and abdominal and back strength work.
- Spine Corrector: A small, curved, padded piece of equipment. Used lying on your back or side for stretches that open the upper spine and for core work.
Our instructor Nazlı Bendeş has completed Balanced Body instructor training for each of these: Reformer, Cadillac/Tower and Chair & Barrels.
Class flow
How does a reformer class go?
- A short check-in: We talk about how you feel that day and any pain or sensitivities, and set the springs accordingly.
- Warm-up and breathing: Lying on your back, we wake up the core with footbar leg work and breathing.
- Main section: Arm and leg work with the straps, abdominal and back series, side bends and rotations. Kneeling or standing movements are added depending on your level.
- Balance and control: Movements that ask you to keep your balance while the carriage is moving.
- Stretch and close: We finish with stretches for the hips, hamstrings and spine.
The instructor watches every movement and corrects your alignment throughout the class. Even in a class of 3, everyone works on a variation that suits their level.
How would you like to take your reformer class?
We offer reformer classes as private, duo or trio sessions.
Private
The class is built entirely around you. The best place to start if you are new, have a specific goal or need to protect a sensitive area.
Duo
In the same class with a friend, your partner or your mother. You motivate each other, and the instructor watches both of you closely.
Trio
The busiest class at the studio has 3 people. There is group energy, but nobody gets lost in a crowd.
Who is the reformer for?
- People who have never done pilates and don't know where to start
- Desk workers who want to improve their posture and strengthen their back
- People who do another sport and want to add core strength and flexibility
- Anyone looking for exercise without jumping or impact that is gentle on the joints
- People who want to stay active at 40, 50, 60 and beyond (our age limit guide)
Check with your doctor first
- Pregnancy and the postnatal period
- Surgery or injury in recent months
- Diagnosed spinal conditions such as a lumbar or cervical disc herniation (what does the research say?)
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure or a heart condition
- Osteoporosis
If your doctor has given you the go-ahead, tell us about your situation; in these cases we usually start with private classes.
Choosing a studio in Izmir
What to look for in a reformer pilates studio in Izmir
1. How many people are in a class?
In a class of 10 it is hard for the instructor to correct everyone individually. On the reformer, doing a movement correctly matters more than how many reps you do. With us there are never more than 3 people in a class.
2. Does everyone get their own reformer?
When machines are shared, your own working time gets shorter. Studio 4 has 3 reformers and our classes have no more than 3 people.
3. What reformer training does the instructor have?
Ask which reformer training the instructor has completed and see the certificate. You can find our instructor Nazlı Bendeş's training and certificates on her story page.
4. Do they get to know you in the first class?
A good start is a first class that asks about your health history and goals and assesses your level. With us, the first class is a free introductory class.
5. Is it somewhere you can go regularly?
The benefits of pilates come with regular practice. Our studio is in Fahrettin Altay: 1 metro stop from Balçova, and reachable by tram from Güzelyalı. We teach on weekdays from 08:00 to 20:00 and at weekends from 08:00 to 13:00.
Frequently asked
About reformer pilates
How many reformers does Studio 4 have?
Our studio has 3 Bendis Pilates reformers, one of which is a Cadillac reformer. We also have a Pilates Chair, a Ladder Barrel and a Spine Corrector. Since there are never more than 3 people in a class, everyone works on their own machine.
How many people are in a reformer pilates class?
We teach reformer classes as private, duo or trio sessions. There are never more than 3 people in a class.
Is there a free trial class?
Yes. Your first class is a free introduction and level assessment. To book, message us on WhatsApp or call +90 545 805 09 99.
How much does reformer pilates cost in Izmir?
The price depends on whether the class is private, duo or trio and on the number of classes per month. We share current prices on WhatsApp. You can find our package rules on the packages page and what drives prices in our Izmir reformer pilates prices guide.
How many classes until I feel the effect of reformer pilates?
It varies from person to person. People who keep up 2–3 classes a week usually notice in the first few weeks that they move with more control. For details, see our article on how many days a week to do pilates.
Is reformer pilates suitable for beginners?
Yes. Because the springs can be set to support the movement, the reformer is a good place for beginners to start. In the first class we introduce the machine and teach the basic movements.
What is the difference between reformer and mat pilates?
Mat pilates is done on a mat using your body weight; the reformer adds resistance or support with a sprung machine. Both are based on the same principles. For a detailed comparison, see our guide.
What should I wear to class?
Comfortable, close-fitting clothes that don't restrict movement and non-slip pilates socks are all you need. If you don't have pilates socks, ask us at your first class.
How many classes a week should I take?
For most people, 2–3 classes a week is a balanced start for both progress and recovery. We plan your programme together based on your goal.
Get to know the reformer in your first class.
Let's find the right time and class format for you together. Message us on WhatsApp or call +90 545 805 09 99.