What to bring
Grip socks (Pilates specific), water, and fitted clothes. That’s it. Wondering what to bring to a pilates reformer class? Same list. Towels, extra socks, and water are all available at the studio. You can walk in with almost nothing and be completely set.
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.
The Complete Packing List
What to Bring to Your HIIT Class
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 | Available at FORM50? |
|---|---|---|
| Grip socks | Required. They prevent slipping on the FORMFormer and for sanitary reasons. | Yes – available for purchase |
| Water bottle | You’re going to sweat more than you think. | Yes – water refill available & water available for purchase |
| Fitted clothing | Wear your favorite workout clothes that make you feel your best. Fitted clothing lets your coach see your alignment and loose fabric can get caught on the FORMFormer. | Yes – workout sets available for purchase |
| Hair tie | You’ll be sweating and will want your hair out of your face. | Yes – free at the studio |
| Small towel | Optional – If you typically get sweaty or wear shorts we recommend bringing a towel so you don’t slip. | Yes – available for purchase |
| Grip gloves | Optional – Some clients tend to have sweaty hands. A grip glove will help you hold your planks longer and feel connected to the FORMFormer. | Yes – available for purchase |
At every FORM50 studio – Astoria, Brooklyn Heights, Midtown East, Williamsburg, Boca Raton, and Miami – everything you may need is ready for you to take your boutique HIIT class for the first time. You can walk in with nothing but yourself and be fully ready to go.
What to Wear to FORM50 Class?
What to Wear
Wondering what to wear to a HIIT class that uses a reformer? 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.
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 minute-by-minute breakdown so you know exactly what’s coming.
Check in, drop your bag in the cubbies or lockers, and your Coach will show you around the studio and to your machine. Every first-timer at FORM50 gets a personal briefing – your coach will walk you through the FORMFormer, explain the spring settings, and answer your questions. Don’t worry, we got you covered every step of the way.
Bad knee? Lower back issues? Pregnancy? Tell your coach before class starts, not after something hurts. This is a must. It’s how your coach modifies exercises for you and how you protect yourself while getting the most out of your 50 minutes.
The class opens with controlled foundational core exercises that let you feel how the FORMFormer moves beneath you, with bursts of cardio towards the end for your HIIT training. Unlike a home setup where you’re figuring out HIIT equipment on your own, every piece of HIIT training equipment in the studio is dialed in for you. In a FORM Your Foundation class, your coach walks through every exercise before you do it. Even in a Total Body Sculpt session, the warm-up is deliberate enough that first-timers find their footing fast.
This is the core of the class – slow and controlled movements paired with fast and explosive HIIT intervals is the perfect combination to functionally sculpt your body. Core, legs, arms, back – everything gets worked. Expect to feel muscles you never knew you had. If something’s unclear, pause and ask your coach to demonstrate again. That’s what they’re there for.
Stretching on the FORMFormer – longer holds, slower breathing, full decompression. Don’t leave early. This is where your heart rate comes down, your muscles start recovering, and your heart rate resets.
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. That’s the FORM50 effect — 50 minutes that make you feel stronger than when you walked in. 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.
- 1.5–2 hours before class: A small, balanced snack. Banana with almond butter, Greek yogurt, a handful of nuts, or toast with avocado. Something that gives you fuel without weighing you down.
- Within 60 minutes of class: Water only. If you’re genuinely hungry, a banana or a few crackers – max. Something fast-digesting and low in fat.
- What to avoid: Heavy meals, high-fat foods, and anything high in fiber right before class. Dairy is fine for most people but not immediately before high-intensity work.
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.
HIIT Class Tips for Beginners: 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 you’ve already pushed through something you shouldn’t have.
- Cranking the resistance too high too soon. More springs does not mean more impressive. The FORMFormer is precision HIIT workout equipment – resistance can make some movements harder to control and increases injury risk when you’re still learning the machine. Start on the recommended setting. Let your coach guide you up from there.
- Comparing yourself to the person next to you. That person next to you might have been coming three times a week for eight months. You’re on day one and these are not comparable situations. Everyone has a starting point. 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 – spend this time to disconnect and focus on you.
- 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 to get the most benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need grip socks for class?
Yes – grip socks are required at FORM50. They prevent slipping on the machine and keep the FORMFormer 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 if you want to secure your spot it is especially important to book in advance 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 scientifically backed – it replaces an entire gym’s worth of gear. No yoga mat, no dumbbells, no bands. Just grip socks and water – both of which are available at the studio if you forget.
Your first class is the hardest one to book. Not because it’s hard – because the anticipation makes it feel bigger than it is. Now you know what to bring to a Pilates class, what to wear to a HIIT class, and exactly what your first FORM50 class looks like. Once you’re on the FORMFormer, it becomes simple: follow your coach, move with control, and let 50 minutes do the work.
Ready for your first class?
Every new FORM50 client gets a personal walk-through with their coach before class – your machine settings, your modifications, your questions answered. The FORM Your Foundation class exists specifically for your first few sessions. Studios in Astoria, Brooklyn Heights, Midtown East, Williamsburg, Miami, and Boca Raton.
