Explore the Reset Reformer philosophy where evidence-based science and mindful intention unite. Learn how our unique approach creates lasting mind-body change.
At Reset Reformer, you’ll often hear us say that our method is where “science meets soul.” It’s more than just a tagline; it’s the very bedrock of everything we do.
But what does that actually mean for your practice? It’s the powerful, intentional fusion of two seemingly different worlds: the empirical, proven principles of anatomy and physiology, with the intuitive, mindful art of connecting to your inner self.
Many studios lean heavily to one side. They are either cold, clinical environments focused solely on corrective exercise, or they are so esoterically “spiritual” that the practical benefits get lost. We believe true, lasting transformation happens in the sweet spot right in the middle.
The Science: The Brilliant Engineering of the Reformer
Let’s talk about the machine itself. The Reformer is a masterpiece of biomechanical engineering. The springs provide variable, accommodating resistance. This isn't like lifting a dumbell, where the weight is constant. The spring resistance increases as you stretch it, challenging your muscles through the entire range of motion and building functional, lean strength.
This is crucial for injury prevention and rehabilitating niggling issues like a sore back or a weak knee.
The moving carriage demands stability. Every single exercise, from a basic footwork series to advanced choreography, requires your deep core stabilisers to fire. It’s not about crunches; it’s about creating a powerhouse of strength from the inside out. This is the science of building a resilient body - one that can handle picking up a toddler, gardening, or sitting at a desk without falling apart.
The Soul: The Art of Mindful Movement
This is where the magic happens. The science gives us the map, but the soul is the compass. “Soul” in our studio isn’t a vague concept; it’s the practice of mindful intention. It’s the breath.
We teach you to use your breath as the conductor of your movement. Inhaling to prepare, exhaling to engage deeply and execute the motion. This simple act does two profound things:
It Downregulates the Nervous System: The focused, rhythmic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, shifting your body from a stressed "fight-or-flight" (sympathetic) state to a calm "rest-and-digest" (parasympathetic) state. This is where healing happens. This is where stress melts away.
It Forges the Mind-Body Connection: When you link your breath to a specific muscle engagement, you are no longer just going through the motions. You are having a conversation with your body. You are building neural pathways that enhance body awareness, or proprioception.
How They Meet: The Reset Reformer Difference
In our classes, science and soul are inseparable. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
During the "Hundred": We don’t just cue you to pump your arms. We guide you to feel your shoulder blades stabilised on the mat (science of scapular stability) while you use a sharp exhalation to maintain your deep core engagement, visualising your belly hollowing towards your spine (soulful connection and nervous system regulation).
In a Lunge: We ensure your knee is tracking correctly over your ankle (science of joint integrity) while we encourage you to feel the line of energy from your back foot all the way out the crown of your head, creating a sense of expansion and release (soulful embodiment).
In Our "Restore" Class: We use the gentle resistance of the springs to facilitate deep, passive stretching (science of myofascial release) while incorporating guided meditation and breathwork to calm the mind and release emotional tension stored in the tissues (soulful healing).
This union is what creates transformation that sticks. You don't just get a physical workout; you get a mental and emotional reset. You leave feeling not just physically stronger, but mentally clearer, emotionally lighter, and spiritually grounded. You leave having truly connected with yourself. That is the power of a practice where science and soul are not just meeting, but dancing together.