What to Bring to Your First Reformer Pilates Class

Reformer Pilates has a way of making first-timers feel underprepared. The machine looks intimidating, the studio has an unspoken dress code, and nobody tells you in advance that turning up without grip socks is the equivalent of showing up to a swim meet without togs.

So here's the straightforward version: what to actually bring, what to wear, and what to leave at home.

The checklist

1. Grip socks

This is the non-negotiable. Most Reformer Pilates studios in Australia require grip socks for every class, and the ones that don't still strongly recommend them. The reformer carriage is a smooth, sliding surface, and once your feet start to sweat, bare feet or regular socks become a genuine slip risk.

Grip socks have silicone or rubber dots on the sole that give your feet traction on the footbar and carriage. They also act as a hygiene barrier on shared equipment, which the studios that have a mandatory sock policy are very upfront about.

Check your studio's policy before your first class. Many sell socks at reception for around $20 to $25 if you forget, but it's worth having your own pair before you go. A well-fitting grip sock should feel snug, almost like a second skin. Too loose and the grip dots lose contact with the surface, which defeats the purpose.

The Cheeky Winx grip socks are made from a cotton and spandex blend with grippy dots across the full sole. They come in a range of sizes and the kind of colours that make the Pilates sock aesthetic actually worth leaning into.

2. A water bottle

Reformer Pilates is deceptively hard work. It's low impact, which means your joints aren't taking a beating, but your muscles absolutely are. A 50-minute class will have most people sweating more than they expected, especially through the core and leg sequences.

Bring your own water bottle. Most studios have water available but won't hand out individual bottles, and sipping between sets makes a real difference to how you feel by the end of class.

3. A towel

Most studios don't provide towels, so bring your own. It serves two purposes: wiping yourself down during class and laying across the carriage as a barrier when you're lying down on the reformer. Most people don't realise that second one until they're already in class.

A compact microfibre towel is the right call here. It lays flat without bunching, dries fast between uses and takes up almost no space in your bag. The Cheeky Winx gym towels come in a range of sizes, fold down small and come with their own carry bag, so they're easy to throw in with the rest of your Pilates kit.

4. Form-fitting clothes

The reformer has springs, a sliding carriage and a footbar. Loose or baggy clothing can catch in the equipment and also makes it harder for your instructor to check your alignment, which matters more in Pilates than almost any other format.

Fitted leggings and a fitted top are the standard. High-waisted leggings are popular because they stay put through every position, including lying flat with your legs raised. Avoid anything with large zip pulls, hard buttons or embellishments that press into your back when you're on the carriage.

5. Hair tie

Keep your hair tied back and away from your face. The reformer has springs and moving parts, and loose hair can get caught. A hair tie is one of those things that feels obvious until you forget it.

6. Nothing else

The studio supplies everything else. No props, no resistance bands. The reformer has its own padded carriage and the instructor will have everything else ready for you. Just show up with the five things above.

What to expect when you get there

Arrive five to ten minutes early for your first class. Tell the instructor it's your first time. Every good Reformer Pilates instructor will adjust your springs, check your setup and walk you through the basics before the class begins. You're not expected to know what you're doing on session one.

Classes are typically 50 minutes. You will use muscles you didn't know existed. Some soreness in the following 24 to 48 hours is normal, particularly through the core, inner thighs and glutes. It settles quickly after your second or third session as your body adapts.

Frequently asked questions

Are grip socks mandatory for Reformer Pilates?

At most Australian studios, yes. Even studios that don't enforce it as a rule strongly recommend them for safety and hygiene. It's worth checking with your specific studio before your first class, but the safest assumption is that you need them.

Can I wear regular socks instead of grip socks?

Most studios won't allow it. Regular socks have no traction on the reformer surface. Once your feet start to sweat, regular socks become a slip risk during footwork and standing exercises. Grip socks are not interchangeable with regular socks for this reason.

What size grip sock should I buy?

Grip socks should fit snugly with no excess fabric bunching around the toes or heel. If you're between sizes, go smaller. A loose grip sock loses contact with the surface and reduces the traction that makes it useful in the first place.

Do I need to bring a mat to Reformer Pilates?

Not necessarily. The reformer has its own padded carriage, and your towel doubles as a barrier when you're lying down. If the studio uses mats for warm-up or cool-down stretches, they'll supply them. Your gym towel covers everything else.

What should I eat before a Reformer Pilates class?

A light meal or snack one to two hours before class is ideal. Pilates involves a lot of core work and exercises lying flat on your back, so training on a full stomach is uncomfortable. Something small and easy to digest works well. Most people find training completely fasted harder going than they expect, so some fuel beforehand helps.

Is Reformer Pilates suitable for beginners?

Yes. The reformer machine uses adjustable spring resistance, so instructors can modify every exercise for your fitness level. Most studios run mixed-level classes with cues for beginners throughout. You don't need any prior Pilates experience to start.

The short version: bring grip socks, a towel, a water bottle and fitted clothes. Everything else the studio handles. If you've been putting off your first class because it felt like too much to figure out, that's the whole list.