Your First Reformer HIIT Class: What to Bring & What to Expect
Your first HIIT class at FORM50 is 50 minutes. In that time, you’ll work every major muscle group on our custom-built HIIT equipment, meet a machine you’ve probably never used before, and leave wondering why you waited so long to try this. Whether you’re searching for your first HIIT class and what to expect or trying to figure out what to bring to a pilates class – this guide covers all of it.
Your first class is the hardest one to book. Not because it's hard - because the anticipation makes it feel bigger than it is. Once you're on the FORMFormer, it becomes simple: follow your coach, move with control, and let 50 minutes do the work.
The Complete Packing List
Short answer: not much. Unlike a traditional gym where you’re scrambling together HIIT workout equipment, FORM50 is a fully-equipped studio with all the HIIT training equipment built in – you’re not hauling a gym bag anywhere.
| Item | Why You Need It | At FORM50? |
|---|---|---|
| Grip socks | Required. They prevent slipping on the FORMFormer and for sanitary reasons. | Yes – for purchase |
| Water bottle | You’re going to sweat more than you think. | Yes – refill + purchase |
| Fitted clothing | Lets your coach see your alignment. Loose fabric can catch on the FORMFormer. | Yes – sets for purchase |
| Hair tie | You’ll be sweating and will want your hair out of your face. | Yes – free at studio |
| Small towel (optional) | If you get sweaty or wear shorts – helps prevent slipping. | Yes – for purchase |
| Grip gloves (optional) | For sweaty hands. Helps you hold planks longer and stay connected to the FORMFormer. | Yes – for purchase |
At every FORM50 studio – Astoria, Brooklyn Heights, Midtown East, Williamsburg, Boca Raton, and Miami – everything you may need is ready for you. You can walk in with nothing but yourself and be fully ready to go.
What to Wear to FORM50 Class
The FORMFormer has two platforms, a moving carriage, springs, cables, and highbars. All of these interact with your body and your clothing throughout the session. Fitted is the word that matters here.
Wear
- Fitted leggings or bike shorts
- Close-fitting top or sports bra
- Grip socks (required – non-negotiable)
- Low-profile sports bra with no clasp at the back
Avoid
- Loose or wide-leg pants – they catch on the carriage
- Drawstring waistbands that dig in when lying flat
- Jewelry – rings and bracelets snag the upholstery
- Sneakers or bare feet
You’ll move through multiple positions – planking, lying, tabletop, kneeling, standing. Fitted clothing lets your coach see your alignment and correct your FORM, which matters most in your first few classes.
Minute by Minute
Your First Reformer HIIT Class: What to Expect
Walking into a boutique HIIT class for the first time can feel intimidating – but the unknown is usually what creates the anxiety, not the class itself. Here’s the breakdown so you know exactly what’s coming.
What first-timers always tell us: they felt muscles they didn't even know they had, they were sore in the best way for days, and they couldn't stop talking about it. Most people book their second class before they leave the studio.
What to Eat Before Your First Class
The goal is to get energy without feeling full. A FORM50 class involves core engagement and high metabolic output – all of which will not feel great on a heavy stomach.
Most of these foods will be complex carbohydrates, which your body needs to sustain energy during workouts lasting longer than 30 minutes. Carbohydrates will NOT make you gain weight, despite popular misconception, so long as you’re using them strategically to fuel your training. The best pre workout meal is one that gives you energy without weighing you down.
Depending on the time of day you’re training, some complex carbs you might consider 30-60 minutes before your workout could be:
Early morning class with no appetite? A few bites of banana or a date is enough to keep you from getting lightheaded. FORM50 hosts morning, midday, and evening classes at every location – pick the time that works with how you naturally eat.
For First-Timers
5 Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Not telling your coach about injuries. This is the one that actually matters. Your coach will modify exercises for you – but only if they know what they’re working around. Mention the bad knee before class, not after.
Cranking the resistance too high too soon. More springs does not mean more impressive. The FORMFormer is precision equipment – resistance makes movements harder to control and increases injury risk when you’re still learning the machine. Start on the recommended setting.
Comparing yourself to the person next to you. That person might have been coming three times a week for eight months. You’re on day one. These are not comparable situations. Focus on your machine, your body, your 50 minutes.
Keeping your phone out. The FORMFormer requires both hands and your full attention. A phone on the carriage is a safety issue. Leave it in your bag. The world can wait 50 minutes.
Leaving before the cool-down. The cool-down is not wasted time. Skipping it means your heart rate doesn’t come down properly, your muscles miss the start of recovery, and you’ll be significantly more sore tomorrow. Stay for all 50 minutes.
Book a Class – We Can’t Wait to See You
FORM50 classes run 7 days a week – morning, midday, and evening – at every location. Find your studio and grab your spot:
- Astoria, New York
- Midtown East, New York
- Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights
- Miami, Florida
- Boca Raton, Florida
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need grip socks for class?
Yes – grip socks are required at FORM50. They prevent slipping on the FORMFormer and keep the equipment sanitary. If you forget yours, they’re available for purchase at the front desk at every location.
Can I come to a boutique HIIT class for the first time with zero experience?
That’s exactly who FORM Your Foundation is built for. Your coach breaks down the machine and every movement before you do anything. You don’t need prior reformer experience, HIIT experience, or any structured fitness background at all. A boutique HIIT class like FORM50 is actually the best place to start because the class sizes are small and the coaching is hands-on.
What if I can’t keep up?
Every exercise has a modification. If something feels too challenging, your coach will offer a lower-resistance or simplified version on the spot. Move at the pace that’s right for your body. Nobody in the room is watching or judging – everyone is focused on their own 50 minutes.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. FORM50 classes run on reserved spots because class sizes are deliberately small – 13-15 spots. Our booking window opens 2 weeks in advance, and it’s especially important to book ahead for popular morning, evening, and weekend classes. Booking is done through the FORM50 app or the website.
What HIIT equipment do I need to bring?
None. That’s the beauty of a studio like FORM50. All the HIIT equipment is here waiting for you. The FORMFormer is purpose-built and replaces an entire gym’s worth of gear. No yoga mat, no dumbbells, no bands. Just grip socks and water – both available at the studio if you forget.