Reformer Collective Balham — Attraction in London

I was so excited to try Reformer Collective for the first time, but it was a severe disappointment that resulted in a completely wasted visit sadly.

When I arrived, the studio staff checked me in and confirmed it was my first time – and told me this was absolutely fine. She introduced me to the instructor, who hadn’t heard this. Once I entered the studio, the instructor asked if anyone was new. I raised my hand, and she immediately told me the class was too advanced for beginners.

This was not stated anywhere on ClassPass.

I then stepped out to discuss it with both the instructor and the staff member who checked me in. Neither of them were aligned, and neither could explain why this information wasn’t included in the class description.

I put my shoes back on, got my coat and asked for my credits back. They told me to cancel through the ClassPass app, but cancelling within 12 hours automatically triggers a £17 late fee - which is unreasonable given the situation.

The instructor then said, “I can’t turn you away, you can try it if you are careful and you listen,” but I said this didn't seem safe at all and I didn't want to risk getting injured. The room was completely dark for some reason (didn't expect this and can't think what this adds - it's not shown in the class imagery at all). As a first-timer I wouldn’t have been able to see how to adjust the equipment properly. I appreciate the instructor wanted to keep the class safe, but the overall experience was disorganised and contradictory.

This was an entirely avoidable situation. I don't often leave reviews as I appreciate things go wrong, but wasting peoples time like this is extremely aggravating. I was initially offered to come back 6 hours later (!). I was then offered an hour later which I unfortunately couldn't hang around for and to he honest just didn't want to give this place my business. I hope they review their comms with Classpass o avoid this situation for other people. Outsiders don't know that 'dynamic' means 'advanced'. I did kindly suggest this to the staff to raise with the owner, who I appreciate ultimately were stuck. It's a shame as a friend and I had planned to do this on a weekly basis if we liked it. Unfortunately for this company there is no shortage of these kind of...

Update, few month later. They gave me half price discounted session bundle so I came back for more classes. I must say that I love Carry's sessions on Wednesday evening. Really good class with her. She is a very nice coach and the dynamic reformer is a cool, challenging session. I could improve a lot and push beyond my limits. I can highly recommend dynamic classes with Carry on Wednesday in studio 2! I would still not come back for the normal reformer class in studio 1.

First time here after I have tried 2 other studios before but they don't have Sunday afternoon sessions.

12 reformer beds in the room facing each other being mirror like. Super confusing as there are moves when opposite of you they are doing it the other way, like mirroring you. The teacher was showing some moves on the bed only If I could see it as the pillar was in the way, plus she was the opposite side of me & mirror effect to copy.

I gave up by halfway through doing the moves exactly as I should and I just did like it looked something and I felt my muscles the best. I have had 5 sessions in other studios before but it was hard to follow here 1. Music was too loud, 2. teacher didn't care too much - 11 people to look out for.

My experience felt like I could just watch a YouTube video and copy what I see there I would have the same experience as being here, only I don't have the bed at home. The live session and the teacher at the present but not paying much attention on people didn't give extra.

To my suprise the session was cut at 46 mins. We didn't even fill out the 50...

Tried this studio today as was visiting a friend in London, unfortunately I didn't have a particularly pleasant experience. The person who greeted me was absolutely lovely and welcoming, however the instructor I had wasn’t like this. I found the instructor patronising and felt she was singling me out in the class, I am dyspraxic so can take longer to process instructions and felt like I was just being barked at without being shown how to do some of the movements in a helpful way. She also asked me during the class ‘have you done reformer before?’ just because I was taking a little longer to catch up with everyone else. I was also told ‘I could stop at any time’ which again just felt patronising as this wasn’t directly said to anyone else. Sorry to write a negative review but this was just my...