What I Wish I Knew Before My First Reformer Class at Tunu Space

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I'll be honest - I was terrified before my first Reformer Pilates class at Tunu Space. Walking down Blackberry Lane in Dublin, I could see the studio through the windows and my stomach was in knots. The equipment looked intimidating, I'd heard Reformer was "really hard," and I was convinced everyone would be fitter, more flexible, and generally more graceful than me. Spoiler alert: I was wrong about pretty much everything.

If you're reading this while nervously clutching your phone before your first class, take a deep breath. Here's what I wish someone had told me before I walked into Tunu Space.

You're Not Going to Be the Only Beginner (Even If It Feels Like It)

That woman effortlessly flowing through movements? She was once exactly where you are now. At Tunu Space, they actually call us beginners "Pilates Virgins" - and somehow that playful term makes the whole experience feel less intimidating and more like joining a club.

The team at Tunu Space genuinely loves introducing people to this method of body conditioning. Their White Level classes are specifically designed for newcomers - it's not a burden to have beginners, it's what they're passionate about. As they say, they're "with you every step of the journey," and I felt that from the moment I walked in.

Your Body Will Feel Different Immediately (And That's the Point)

Joseph Pilates famously said: "In ten sessions you can feel the difference, in twenty you can see the difference, and in thirty sessions you have a whole new body." The Tunu Space team mentions this quote, and I thought it was marketing fluff until I walked out of my first class feeling like I'd discovered muscles I didn't know existed.

You'll feel it after just one session - not sore exactly, but awakened. Like your body has been having a conversation you weren't part of, and suddenly you're invited to join. That "feel good" sensation they promise? It's real.

Dress Comfortably, But Not Too Comfortably

I made the mistake of wearing my baggiest gym clothes, thinking loose meant comfortable. Wrong. The instructors at Tunu Space need to see your alignment to keep you safe and effective - wear form-fitting (not tight) clothes that allow them to observe your movement. They're not judging your body - they're ensuring you move properly.

And here's a game-changer nobody tells you: buy the grip socks at the studio. Yes, you'll exercise in socks, and yes, regular socks might occasionally work fine, but Tunu Space sells special grippy socks for a critical reason. After one class, you'll understand why that small investment makes everything easier and safer.

The Springs Are Your Friends, Not Your Enemies

Those intimidating springs that look like medieval torture devices? They're actually brilliant. Tunu Space's apparatus uses springs that provide progressive resistance - the further you stretch them, the harder you work. It's like having a training partner that adjusts to your strength in real-time.

Unlike weight machines that do all the stabilizing for you, on Tunu Space's reformers, you have to stabilize your body just like in everyday life. The springs allow for flowing movements that strengthen and stretch simultaneously - your body will thank you for this.

It's Okay to Ask Questions (Please, Actually Do)

I spent my first few classes confused but trying to look like I knew what I was doing. Don't do this. The Tunu Space instructors want you to ask questions. They customize every class to meet individual needs and take extra care to address each student's health goals and concerns.

Have a pre-existing injury? Tell them - they'll modify exercises accordingly. Confused about breathing? Ask. Feeling overwhelmed? Speak up. They require you to let them know what's going on with your body, not because they're being nosy, but because they genuinely care about your safety and progress.

Consistency Beats Intensity (And Tunu Space Makes It Easy)

I initially thought I'd go to one class, feel amazing, and be transformed. Reality check: the Tunu Space team recommends 2-3 classes per week for best results. They work with you to identify the ideal number that helps achieve your health goals, understanding that 4 times a week isn't realistic for most people.

Their membership structure is designed around quarters or a year to help build consistent routines. Don't put pressure on yourself to be perfect - focus on showing up regularly, and your body will adapt and strengthen gradually.

Getting There Is Easier Than You Think

Pro tip about parking: Street parking on Blackberry Lane is limited, but there's ample parking at St. Mary's Community Centre Car Park on Richmond Hill for just €2 per hour. I wish I'd known this before circling the block nervously before my first class!

Booking through their Momence system is straightforward, though heads up - if you join a waitlist, notifications come from a +44 number since the system doesn't support Irish numbers yet. If a spot opens up, the fastest way to grab it is through the app or your web account directly.

The Community Will Surprise You

I expected a competitive gym atmosphere. Instead, I found people cheering each other on and genuinely celebrating small victories together. Tunu Space has built something special - a community of like-minded people who understand that everyone started somewhere. Their referral program (bring 5 friends who get memberships and get a month free!) isn't just about business - it's about sharing something transformative with people you care about.

You'll Leave Planning Your Next Visit

Here's what nobody prepared me for: I left my first class at Tunu Space already thinking about my next one. Despite being convinced I'd hate it, despite feeling challenged in ways I wasn't expecting, I was genuinely excited to come back.

That's the real magic of Tunu Space - they meet you exactly where you are and gently guide you toward where you could be. Every body is different, every journey is unique, but that feeling of possibility they create? That's universal.

So take that deep breath, find parking at St. Mary's if you need to, and walk into Tunu Space as you are. Trust the process and trust their team. Your future self will thank you for starting today.

Ready to book your first White Level class at Tunu Space? The team is genuinely excited to welcome new "Pilates Virgins" and can't wait to share this incredible practice with you. Have questions? Email enquiries@tunuspace.ie - they typically respond within 24 hours.