PBX offers unique, modern take on pilates

The north Raleigh studio combines traditional with modern pilates and takes it to another level by using a reformer machine.

It can be intimidating at first, but owner Libby Bradley Burton has crafted a program that includes classes for even the most un-flexible beginners.

It all starts with the Allegro reformer machine, which allows you to do a ton of exercises.

To be able to use a reformer at other studios, users will need to go through a series of private lessons. At PBX, every class participant gets their own to use from the start.

Burton, a former competitive gymnast, wanted to make "reformer pilates more accessible to more people."

The reformers can be stood on for lunges, laid on for resistance training with elastic bands and even used for planks. During Core Jump classes, a board is used to create a cardio workout on the reformer. Barre classes combine the traditional ballet style training with the reformer's resistance training.

Burton, a UNC grad from Raleigh, started doing pilates in Los Angeles and fell in love with the high intensity of the modern style. When she moved back to the Tar Heel State, she became certified in pilates and developed the PBX pilates barre extreme program. The mission was to develop a workout that is easy on the joints, but still has the results of high impact exercise.

The PBX Basic class offers a lower intensity program at a slower pace. I took the PBX One class, which is also designed for those new to the reformer machines. The One class teaches you the fundamentals of the reformer, but at a faster pace than the Basic class. The reformer really works to elongate your muscles and provide a full range of motion with each move.

I'd definitely go back and try the Core Jump, Barre and Circuit classes (where each reformer is turned into a different workout station).

The studio also offers children's classes and special men's only classes (taught by Burton's husband) throughout the year. And don't be surprised if you see PBX popping up in other places in the Triangle. Burton is looking to expand into North Hills.