Welcome to Ascension
Reformer Pilates.
Step into Solihull's new premier Pilates studio, where cutting-edge reformer equipment meets an intimate, bespoke atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned Pilates enthusiast or taking your first steps, our expert instructors are committed to delivering tailored sessions that achieve exceptional results.
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2 classes for £20
Available once per new customer. For details, see our booking page or the Ascension Reformer Pilates app, or contact the team.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, strength and flexibility. Reformer Pilates uses the same principles on a reformer: a bed-like frame with a padded carriage that slides backwards and forwards along rails.
Springs attached to the carriage provide the resistance. Changing the springs makes an exercise harder or lighter, and in some exercises the springs help support the movement rather than resist it. You push against a footbar or pull on straps with your hands or feet, working through slow, controlled movements rather than fast repetitions.
Because the resistance can be adjusted for every exercise, the same class can be pitched differently for someone new to Pilates and someone who has been practising for years.
Reformer Pilates
Performed on a reformer, using springs for adjustable resistance and a moving carriage. The equipment can add challenge or support you through a movement. Everyone works on their own machine, and our group classes have a maximum of 6 people.
Mat Pilates
Performed on a mat using your own body weight, sometimes with small equipment such as rings, balls or bands. It needs very little equipment and can be done almost anywhere.
Your first class at Ascension
You do not need any Pilates experience to join us at our studio in Earlswood, Solihull. Plenty of our clients arrive as complete beginners, and our instructors take the time to explain the equipment and each exercise clearly.
New customers can try 2 classes for £20, and our weekly Beginners classes are the ideal place to start. Book online or through the Ascension Reformer Pilates app, then let your instructor know it is your first class when you arrive. With a maximum of 6 people in a group class, your instructor can help you set up the reformer, keep an eye on your technique and offer alternatives for any exercise that does not feel right. Individual sessions are also available if you would prefer more personal guidance.
Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. Grip socks (also called Pilates socks) are required in all sessions, and if you do not already own a pair you can buy them at your session. If you have any questions before booking, get in touch with the team.
Book Your First ClassExercising safely
Reformer Pilates suits many people, but it is not right for everyone at every stage. Please speak to your GP or another healthcare professional before your first class if you have an injury, a health condition or symptoms, have recently had an operation, are pregnant or have recently given birth, or are unsure whether the exercise is suitable for you. Tell your instructor about anything relevant before the class starts, and stop and let them know straight away if an exercise causes pain or you feel unwell.
More than just classes.
At Ascension, we provide more than just classes. We create an environment where you can build strength, improve posture, and achieve better body alignment. Each session is tailored to meet your individual needs, ensuring you leave feeling balanced, revitalised, and ready to take on the day.
Offering both individual and group sessions (maximum of 6), we ensure a supportive yet exclusive fitness experience. Explore your potential with Ascension Reformer Pilates today.
Book Your SessionWhat Reformer Pilates can offer
NHS guidance recommends that adults do strengthening activities working all the major muscle groups on at least 2 days a week, and lists Pilates as one way to do this. Everyone's experience is different, and what you get from a class depends on your starting point and how often you train. With that in mind, Pilates is generally associated with:
Strength
The NHS lists Pilates among muscle-strengthening activities. On the reformer, the springs add resistance that can be increased as you get stronger.
Flexibility
The NHS also lists Pilates as a flexibility activity, helping your joints move through the range you need for everyday tasks and exercise.
Balance
Balance is one of the core focuses of Pilates. Many reformer exercises ask you to stay steady and controlled while the carriage moves beneath you.
Posture
Pilates places a strong emphasis on posture and alignment, paying attention to how you hold and move your body throughout each exercise.
Movement control
Exercises are slow and deliberate, encouraging you to control each movement through its full range rather than relying on momentum.
Every level
The NHS describes Pilates as suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, and the reformer's adjustable springs let each exercise be scaled up or down.
What the research says
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials found that Pilates exercise reduced the intensity of low back pain compared with no exercise, with a similar trend compared with other types of exercise. That research looked at Pilates in general, not Reformer Pilates specifically. Our classes are a fitness activity, not a treatment for back pain or any other condition, so if you have pain or a health condition, please speak to a healthcare professional first.
Our specialist classes
Alongside our small group and individual sessions, we run two specialist classes each week. Both can be found and booked on our website or in the Ascension Reformer Pilates app.
Beginners
Our Beginners classes take place every week and are the ideal starting point if you are new to Reformer Pilates or would like to build your confidence on the reformer.
Reformer Burners with Aimee
Aimee runs two Reformer Burners classes each week for more established Reformer clients who want to challenge themselves further and really feel the burn.
Class times can occasionally change, for example because of staff holidays, so please check the latest timetable when you book.
Our studio.
Why choose Ascension Reformer Pilates?
Tailored Experience
Enjoy personalised care in private or small group sessions (maximum of 6), ensuring focused attention and quality results.
Exceptional Expertise
Our instructors blend professionalism with passion, guiding you toward your goals, whether enhancing core strength, improving flexibility or building strength and control as you return to exercise after an injury. If you have an injury or health concern, please seek appropriate advice first and let your instructor know.
State-of-the-Art Studio
Designed to inspire and support your fitness journey, our studio offers an exclusive environment with top-tier reformer beds and facilities.
Real reviews from real customers.
Went in as a complete Reformer Pilates novice after enquiring through the website — the team replied promptly with clear, welcoming instructions on how to book via the app, making the whole first-time experience easy.
After just a couple of sessions with Katie and Sophie, already completely hooked — the instructors are incredibly kind, supportive and knowledgeable, taking the time to explain everything clearly.
Coming up to six months of weekly classes with Sophie, Katie or Aimee — cannot recommend it enough. All three instructors are absolutely amazing.
Reformer Pilates questions
Do I need Pilates experience to join a Reformer class?
No. You do not need any previous experience. Our weekly Beginners classes are a good place to start, our instructors explain the equipment and each exercise, and the springs can be adjusted so every exercise suits your level. Let your instructor know it is your first class when you arrive.
What is the difference between Reformer Pilates and mat Pilates?
Both follow the same Pilates principles. Mat Pilates uses your own body weight on a mat, while Reformer Pilates uses a machine with a sliding carriage, springs and straps, so the resistance can be increased to make an exercise harder or used to support you through a movement.
Do you have an offer for new customers?
Yes. New customers can try 2 classes for £20, and the offer can be used once per customer. For details, see our booking page or the Ascension Reformer Pilates app, or contact the team.
Do I need to wear grip socks?
Yes. Grip socks, also called Pilates socks, must be worn in all sessions. If you do not already own a pair, you can buy them at your session.
Which class should I book as a beginner?
Our Beginners classes run every week and are the ideal place to start. You can find and book them on our website or in the app. Class times can occasionally change, for example because of staff holidays, so please check the latest timetable when you book.
What is a Reformer Burners class?
Reformer Burners are two weekly classes with Aimee for more established Reformer clients who want to challenge themselves further and really feel the burn. They can be booked on our website or in the app. Class times can occasionally change, for example because of staff holidays, so please check the latest timetable when you book.
How many people are in a class?
Group classes have a maximum of 6 people, so your instructor can give you focused attention. Individual sessions are also available.
Is Reformer Pilates suitable if I have an injury, a health condition or I am pregnant?
Speak to your GP or another healthcare professional before booking if you have an injury, a health condition or symptoms, have recently had an operation, are pregnant or have recently given birth, or are not sure whether the exercise is suitable for you. Always tell your instructor before the class starts. Reformer Pilates is a form of exercise, not medical treatment.
Can Reformer Pilates help with back pain?
Research suggests Pilates in general may help reduce low back pain compared with no exercise. Those studies did not look at Reformer classes specifically, and a class is not a substitute for a medical assessment. If you have back pain, speak to a healthcare professional first. Our physiotherapy team can assess back pain if you need it.
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing that lets you move freely, along with grip socks (also called Pilates socks), which are required in all sessions. If you do not already own a pair, you can buy them at your session.
How do I book?
You can book online or through the Ascension Reformer Pilates app, available on the App Store. You can also contact us with any questions.
Sources and further reading
General information only. Our classes are not medical advice or treatment.
- NHS: Pilates video for beginners (opens in a new tab), including exercise safety information
- NHS: How to improve your strength and flexibility (opens in a new tab)
- NHS: Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64 (opens in a new tab)
- Patti A, et al. Effectiveness of Pilates exercise on low back pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis (opens in a new tab). Disability and Rehabilitation, 2024 (PubMed)
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Book your session now.
Offering both individual and group sessions, we ensure a supportive yet exclusive fitness experience.