Why You Shake During Reformer Pilates and Barre and Why it's Actually a Good Thing

If you’ve ever found yourself mid-Pilates or barre class with your legs trembling or your core quivering, you’re not alone. That familiar shake is something most of us experience - especially in slower, more controlled classes like Reformer Pilates or barre. But here’s the good news: that shake is not a sign of weakness. In fact, it’s one of the clearest signs that your workout is doing exactly what it should.

Reformer Pilates at Ankr & Flow

Here’s why shaking happens and why you should embrace it.

1. It’s Neuromuscular Activation at Work: Shaking occurs when your brain is rapidly sending signals to your muscles to contract and stabilise. The more precise and controlled the movement (like holding a plank on a moving reformer or pulsing in a plié), the more your nervous system has to work. That shaking? It’s your brain and body syncing up and learning to fire more efficiently.

2. You’re Reaching Muscle Fatigue  - a Good Thing: Pilates and barre target the smaller, stabilising muscles that don’t usually get as much attention. These muscles tire quickly because they’re not as strong - yet. When you hit the point of fatigue (aka the shake), you are triggering muscular adaptation. That’s what leads to increased strength, tone and endurance.

3. You are Improving Stability and Balance: Shaky muscles are typically stabilisers - the unsung heroes that support your joints, spine and posture. When you work them deeply, you’re enhancing your body’s ability to stay balanced and aligned in both workouts and daily life.

4. Small Movements, Big Burn: Pilates and barre focus on small, refined movements - often with little to no added weight. The intensity comes from time under tension and precision. This deep muscular engagement leads to the shake and ultimately, to results.

5. You’re Building Mind-Body Awareness: Shaking brings awareness to the muscles you're working. You can’t “zone out” when your body is trembling - you have to breathe, focus and stay in control. That awareness improves coordination and reinforces good form.

6. It Means You’re Growing: The shake is a sign of progress. It’s your edge - the moment your muscles are being challenged enough to adapt and grow stronger. It’s the physical sign of stepping outside your comfort zone and that’s exactly where the magic happens.

Next time you’re holding a teaser on the reformer or pulsing at the barre and your body starts to tremble - know that it means your workout is working. You're building strength, refining control and moving closer to your goals with every shake.

So shake with pride. You’re getting stronger, one tremble at a time.