Reformer Observation Logbook

Date of observation: 2026-07-04

Duration: 60 minutes

Class type: Large Group

Instructor name: Rachel Edwards, Aoife Mac Intyre

Studio / location: Swords IFT Studio

Class structure & exercise selection: The class followed a well structured sequence that gradually increased in intensity. We began with a warm up using Double Leg Press, External Double Leg Press, Internal Double Leg Press, and Tendon Stretch to activate the legs, improve foot alignment, and prepare the body for movement. We then progressed to upper body and core activation with Arm Arcs and The Hundred, focusing on breathing, core stability, and coordination. The main part of the class included Arm Rotation, T Arms, Coordination, and Triceps, which challenged shoulder stability, upper body strength, and overall body control. The class finished with controlled movements that emphasized precision, posture, and breathing, allowing the body to return to a relaxed state while reinforcing proper alignment and movement quality.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: The instructor used clear and simple verbal cues throughout the class, making the exercises easy to follow. They frequently reminded us to engage the core, maintain a neutral spine, and keep the shoulders relaxed. Visual demonstrations before more complex exercises, such as Coordination and Arm Rotation, helped improve understanding. The instructor also used imagery, such as "lengthen through the crown of your head" and "draw your ribs together," which made it easier to find proper alignment and movement quality.

Class management & safety: The class was well organized, with smooth transitions between exercises and enough time to change the springs safely. The instructor always checked that everyone had adjusted the springs correctly before starting the next exercise. They observed the participants closely and provided individual corrections when needed, especially for posture and shoulder alignment. Different exercise options were offered for participants who needed modifications, ensuring everyone could work safely and confidently.

My takeaways for teaching: I want to use short and clear verbal cues because they help clients stay focused without becoming overwhelmed.
I learned that demonstrating an exercise before clients perform it can improve their confidence and movement quality.
I will pay close attention to safe transitions, spring changes, and individual alignment, making sure clients are comfortable and moving with control before progressing to the next exercise.

Date of observation: 2026-07-05

Duration: 60 minutes

Class type: Large Group

Instructor name: Rachel Edwards, Aoife Mac Intyre

Studio / location: IFT Studio Swords

Class structure & exercise selection: The class followed a progressive structure, beginning with a gentle warm up to improve spinal mobility and activate the core. We started with Pelvic Tilt, Bridge, and Bridge with Arch, focusing on spinal articulation, pelvic control, and glute activation. The main section included Semi Circle, Long Stretch Series, Elephant, and Down Stretch, which challenged full body strength, shoulder stability, core control, and coordination. The class concluded with Half Roll Back, allowing us to slow the pace, reinforce abdominal control, and improve spinal mobility. The sequence provided a balanced combination of strength, stability, and mobility while finishing with controlled movements that helped the body return to a relaxed state.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: The instructor used calm and precise verbal cues that encouraged slow and controlled movement. Throughout the class, there was a strong emphasis on breathing, spinal articulation, and pelvic alignment, especially during Pelvic Tilt, Bridge, and Semi Circle. Demonstrations were used before the Long Stretch Series to clarify body position and hand placement. Helpful imagery, such as "peel your spine off the carriage one vertebra at a time" and "push the carriage away without losing your center," made the movements easier to understand and perform correctly.

Class management & safety: The instructor managed the class efficiently by allowing enough time for everyone to adjust the springs and equipment before each new exercise. Transitions between Bridge, Semi Circle, and the Long Stretch Series were explained clearly to maintain safety. The instructor regularly observed the group and corrected alignment when necessary, particularly during weight-bearing exercises like Elephant and Down Stretch. Modifications were suggested for participants with limited spinal mobility or wrist discomfort, ensuring that everyone could perform the exercises safely.

My takeaways for teaching: I learned that using breathing cues together with movement cues helps clients achieve better control and smoother spinal articulation.
I will make sure to explain transitions carefully, especially before exercises that require changes in body position or spring settings.
I want to observe clients closely during springs on exercises so I can correct alignment early and help prevent unnecessary strain.

Date of observation: 2026-07-18

Duration: 60 minutes

Class type: Large Group

Instructor name: Aoife Mac Intyre, Rachel Edwards

Studio / location: IFT Studios Swords

Class structure & exercise selection: The class was structured with a gradual progression from preparation exercises into more challenging strength and mobility work. The session started with the Long Box Series, including Double Arm Press, Swan Prep, Swan, Pulling Straps, and T Arms, to prepare the upper body, improve spinal extension, and activate the back muscles. The main work continued with Triceps Extension and Single Arm Press Swan, focusing on arm strength, shoulder stability, and controlled movement. We then moved into the Short Box Series, including Round Back, Flat Back, and Spine Twist, which challenged abdominal control, spinal flexion, extension, and rotation. The class finished with controlled movements that emphasized posture, breathing, and body awareness, leaving the body feeling more open and balanced.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: The instructor used detailed verbal cues to help create better body awareness and alignment throughout the exercises. During the Long Box Series, the focus was on keeping the shoulders organized, lengthening the spine, and using the back muscles instead of relying only on the arms. Visual demonstrations were helpful before exercises like Swan and Pulling Straps, where correct positioning was important. Imagery such as “reach your chest forward and up” and “keep your neck long while your shoulders stay away from your ears” helped create a better understanding of spinal extension and upper body control.

Class management & safety: The instructor maintained a safe and organized environment by clearly explaining spring changes and allowing enough time for transitions between the Long Box and Short Box Series. Attention was given to proper box positioning and equipment setup before starting each exercise. Individual corrections were provided when participants needed adjustments, especially during spinal extension and rotation movements. The instructor encouraged everyone to work within their own range of motion and offered modifications when flexibility or strength limitations affected form.

My takeaways for teaching: I learned that giving specific cues about where the movement should come from helps clients avoid compensations and move with better control.
I want to include more imagery in my teaching because it can make complex movements easier for clients to understand and feel in their own bodies.
I will focus more on observing small alignment details, especially during extension and rotation exercises, to provide better corrections and support safe movement.

Date of observation: 2026-07-19

Duration: 60 minutes

Class type: Large Groups

Instructor name: Aoife Mac Intyre, Rachel Edwards

Studio / location: IFT Studio Swords

Class structure & exercise selection: The class followed a dynamic flow that focused on lower body strength, balance, and upper body mobility. We began with the Standing Leg Series, including Abduction, Adduction, Scooter, and Squat, to activate the legs, improve pelvic stability, and challenge single leg control. The main work continued with the Side Arm Series, including Overhead Reach, Internal Rotation, Mermaid, and Round Back, which focused on shoulder mobility, lateral flexion, spinal movement, and postural awareness. The sequence gradually moved from strengthening exercises into more mobility based movements, allowing the body to release tension and improve overall movement quality. The class finished with controlled stretching and breathing to create a sense of balance and relaxation.

Cueing style & teaching highlights: The instructor used focused cues to improve balance, alignment, and body awareness during the exercises. In the Standing Leg Series, the instructor emphasized keeping the pelvis stable, standing tall, and controlling the moving leg instead of using momentum. During the Side Arm Series, cues about shoulder placement and spinal length helped create better movement quality. Visual demonstrations were useful for exercises like Mermaid and Round Back, where the direction of the stretch was important. Imagery such as “grow taller through the spine” and “keep your standing leg strong like a tree” helped connect the movement with better body awareness.

Class management & safety: The instructor managed the class smoothly by giving clear instructions before changing positions and equipment setup. During the Standing Leg Series, attention was given to balance and safe foot placement to prevent unnecessary strain. The transitions into the Side Arm Series were organized, with enough time for participants to adjust their position comfortably. The instructor provided individual feedback, especially when participants lost pelvic alignment or lifted their shoulders. Modifications were offered when needed to support different flexibility and strength levels.

My takeaways for teaching: I learned the importance of giving alignment cues before asking clients to increase movement range, especially in balance exercises.
I will focus on teaching clients how to stabilize their body first and then add movement with control.
I want to use more creative imagery in my classes because it helps clients understand posture and movement more naturally.