C2 in Dedham, Massachusetts | Studio Spotlight

Earlier this year, I spontaneously decided to take a Reformer class at C2 Pilates in Dedham, NH.  Signing up over the phone was a breeze. There was a class going on as I arrived at the studio. As is typical for me, I was early because I always want to make sure I find parking and I don't have to rush to class or be late.

The studio is equipped with Stott Pilates equipment, which I haven't had much experience with. The springs felt a bit heavier than the Balanced Body springs I'm used to. These reformers had five springs, 3 red, 1 blue which is a half spring, and one white which is a quarter spring.

Class started with a mat warm-up which of course made my abs burn quite a bit.

A couple of weeks later, I took my second reformer class at this fairly new Pilates studio with Tricia. We started with a Tower warm-up (Roll Down), which was a nice and gentle way to get started.

The springs didn't feel as heavy anymore the second time I worked on them. Funny how that goes. It's all about expectation, isn't it?

I learned one new exercise, which I really loved. It's a closed chain hip extension exercise on the Reformer. I'm always on the lookout for good glute strengthening tricks, and this one is a keeper.

You're on hands and knees facing away from the foot bar. Place your hands on the back edge of the carriage, just outside the shoulder blocks. Place the ball of one of your feet against the foot bar.

EXHALE, and press the leg to straight, using your glute. INHALE, bend the knee to come back in.

You can do this exercise parallel, like I show in the picture above, or turned out, like in the picture below. It's a bit hard to see, but my heel is facing inward towards the camera, and my knee is slightly opened to the side when it bends.

Give this one a try and let me know what you think! Hopefully, you find it a great addition to the Reformer repertoire, which is now published! Have you checked it out, yet? 

Learn this exercise in detail by becoming a Pilates Encyclopedia member!

Read more studio spotlights HERE.