Just across the Tay in Newport-on-Tay, Reformed offers a different kind of escape from St Andrews — a beautifully considered wellness studio built around Reformer Pilates, movement and an hour to yourself.
There are plenty of reasons to come to St Andrews without ever picking up a golf club. And while much of the town naturally revolves around the game, some of the best additions to a St Andrews itinerary can be found a little further afield.
Reformed Pilates & Wellness in Newport-on-Tay is one of them.
A boutique wellness studio centred around Reformer Pilates, Reformed combines considered interiors, small-group movement and an atmosphere designed to make exercise feel like something you actually look forward to.
A Different Kind of Morning
For anyone travelling to St Andrews with a golf-obsessed partner or group, there is a familiar question: what do you do while everyone else disappears onto the links for four hours?
This is a very good answer.
Reformed's Newport studio sits at 24 High Street, Newport-on-Tay, making it an easy addition to a day away from St Andrews. Rather than another sightseeing stop, this is about carving out an hour for yourself — particularly welcome in the middle of a busy trip.
The studio is one of three Reformed locations, alongside Broughty Ferry and Perth, created by co-owners Shona and Lynsey around a shared belief in movement, wellbeing and community.
More Than Reformer Pilates
Reformer is at the heart of Reformed.
Using the familiar spring-loaded Pilates apparatus, classes focus on controlled movement while developing strength, posture and flexibility. Sessions cater for different abilities, including people stepping onto a reformer for the first time.
But the offering goes further.
Alongside its signature Reformer classes, Reformed offers barre, mat Pilates, strength and conditioning, HIIT Pilates and restorative sound healing, as well as occasional self-care and community events.
That makes it less like dropping into a conventional gym while you're away and more like visiting a small independent wellness destination.
First Time on a Reformer?
Don't let that put you off.
Reformed specifically welcomes beginners, with most classes structured to accommodate mixed abilities. For a first visit, the studio recommends choosing a beginner or gentle class.
Classes need to be booked and paid for in advance, either through Reformed's website, booking system or app. Visitors are asked to arrive five to ten minutes before the class begins.
You'll need water and a pair of grip socks; grip socks are also available to buy at the studio. One useful thing to know before travelling over is that the Newport studio doesn't have changing rooms or showers, so we'd plan the rest of the day accordingly.
Make a Day of It
This is where I think the Visit St Andrews article can become more useful than Reformed's own website.
Don't necessarily drive over, take a class and drive straight back.
A morning at Reformed can become the starting point for exploring Newport-on-Tay and the other side of the Tay — coffee or lunch afterwards, a little shopping, perhaps Dundee, before returning to St Andrews later in the day.
For couples visiting primarily for golf, it also creates a rather good division of labour: one heads for the first tee, the other heads for the reformer.
Everyone wins.
Know Before You Go
Where: 24 High Street, Newport-on-Tay, Fife, DD6 8AD.
Booking: All classes must be booked and paid for in advance.
First visit: Arrive five to ten minutes early and choose a beginner or gentle session if you're new to Reformer Pilates.
Bring: Water and grip socks. Socks can also be purchased at the studio.
Facilities: Toilet and baby-changing facilities are available, but there are no changing rooms or showers at Newport.
Parking: There is no dedicated studio parking, so allow a little extra time before your class.
The Visit St Andrews View
Not every great St Andrews day needs to involve golf — or even stay within St Andrews. Reformed is worth crossing the Tay for: book a morning class, give yourself an hour to reset, and make a day of exploring beyond the town.
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