At Tempo 301, our Reformer Pilates classes are designed to build strength with precision and control, helping you develop a deeper understanding of how your body moves. Each movement is intentional, supported by the resistance of the machine. You are guided by our expert Pilates trainers to challenge your muscles while staying mindful and grounded. The aim is always long-term, sustainable fitness rather than short bursts of intensity that fade quickly.
Alongside Reformer, we offer Barre within our Tempo Signature lineup. Barre draws from Pilates, dance conditioning and strength training, combining rhythm, alignment and small-range movement to create a powerful, full-body workout. It is known for its deep muscle activation, stretches that lengthen the body, controlled pulses and sequences that test stamina. When paired with Reformer, it forms a balanced and intelligent approach to training.
When these two methods meet, something special happens – strength and grace combine to create a practice that’s both intelligent and enjoyable.
This combination is so effective because it blends the precision resistance of Reformer with the rhythmic, small-range movements and flexibility focus of Barre, supporting the entire body in a way that feels connected and progressive.
Reformer Pilates: Strength and Control
Reformer Pilates teaches you to move with structure and awareness. The use of springs introduces resistance that challenges your stability and encourages slower, more controlled movement. This supports the development of deep core strength, improved posture and steady alignment. Over time, you learn to create tension through the body intentionally, maintaining form even when muscles begin to fatigue.
The benefits of this style of training extend far beyond the studio. You gain confidence in how you hold yourself, how you stand, how you walk and how you carry strength throughout daily movement. It is strength that lasts.
Barre: Endurance and Flow
Barre complements this approach with a different kind of challenge. In Barre, movements are often small but repeated, encouraging stamina and endurance. Sequences commonly target the glutes, hamstrings, calves and deep core, strengthening the muscles that support balance and coordination.
There is also a strong emphasis on flexibility and length. This helps counterbalance areas that may feel tight or overworked and supports posture in a way that feels natural and beneficial. Barre classes at Tempo 301 are rhythm-led, using music to guide timing and create cohesion throughout the class. In this way, the work feels fluid, even when the muscles are working hard.
Why Barre and Pilates Work So Well Together
Together, they form a powerful duo: each amplifying the other’s benefits in subtle but transformative ways.
How Reformer Pilates and Barre Strengthen Each Other
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Improved Control Under Fatigue
Reformer relies on slow, deliberate movement. Barre builds the muscular endurance needed to maintain that control as you work. When you repeat high-rep, small-range movements in Barre, you train the body to stay steady even as the muscles begin to tire. This translates beautifully into Reformer, helping you hold form for longer and move with greater ease.
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Better Standing Stability
Barre frequently works in standing, training the legs and core to support balance. This is particularly important for standing variations on the Reformer, such as split work and jumpboard sequences. By strengthening the supporting muscles used for balance, Barre helps you feel more grounded and confident when transitioning to higher-level Reformer challenges. The result = more control, less wobble, and greater ease in every upright movement.
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Balanced Strength and Mobility
Where Reformer builds deep stabilising strength, Barre brings in mobility and length. This balance helps prevent tightness and over-reliance on certain muscle groups. It encourages the body to stay open, strong and adaptable. This is key for sustaining a consistent practice and reducing the likelihood of discomfort or imbalance over time.
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Shared Rhythm and Precision
Both Tempo Pilates (Tempo 301’s bespoke reformer method) and Tempo Barre are set to music, which is central to how we teach. The playlist guides pace, supports rhythm and helps students stay connected to their breath and alignment throughout the class.
The music isn’t there to push intensity, but to offer structure and flow. Because both methods share this musical foundation, moving between Reformer and Barre feels cohesive rather than contrasting, supporting a consistent experience across your training.
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Progress That Continues to Evolve
For those who have been practising Reformer for some time, adding Barre can introduce a refreshing challenge that keeps progress moving. The change in tempo, the endurance work and the increased lower-body intensity allow your body to develop new strength without changing your overall training philosophy. It keeps your routine stimulating, rewarding and consistent.
Pilates & Barre: A Sustainable Approach to Fitness
The pairing of Reformer Pilates and Barre supports a style of training that can be maintained long-term. It builds strength, control, stamina and mobility without placing excessive strain on the body. Both methods are low-impact, joint-friendly and designed to support everyday movement.
This is fitness that feels good to return to. Fitness that withstands busy schedules and changing seasons. Fitness that evolves with you.
Try the Tempo Mix
You can find Tempo Barre classes in London at our SE17 studio, as part of our Signature timetable, with Reformer Pilates on offer across our SE17, E8 and E1 studios. You can move between both using your usual class pack or membership. Or, if you’re new to Tempo 301, start with our Intro Offer: 3 classes for £45.
Reformer builds strength. Barre builds stamina. Together, they move you forward.
