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Writer's pictureJames Dickson

Pilates Reformer Machines - How Reformers Really Work


A Comprehensive Guide to Pilates Reformers


a woman on a pilates reformer
A pilates reformer is a great way to exercise and stretch your muscles.


1. Introduction to Pilates Reformers

Pilates, a discipline rooted in the early 20th century, has surged in popularity in recent years, appealing to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Known for its focus on core strength, flexibility, and controlled movement, Pilates offers a low-impact yet highly effective way to build strength, improve posture, and boost overall well-being. Within the Pilates world, one piece of equipment stands out as a powerful tool for achieving enhanced results: the Pilates reformer.


The Pilates reformer is a uniquely designed apparatus that elevates traditional Pilates exercises, allowing practitioners to increase the intensity, precision, and range of movements.


Consisting of a sliding carriage, adjustable springs, and a variety of straps and bars, the reformer provides versatile resistance options that help engage and target muscles more effectively than mat exercises alone. In this guide, we’ll explore what the Pilates reformer is, its benefits, how it works, and why it could be a transformative addition to anyone’s fitness routine.


2. What is a Pilates Reformer?

The Pilates reformer is a piece of equipment designed to assist and challenge Pilates exercises through a system of springs, straps, and sliding components. At its core, the reformer is a versatile machine that has a frame resembling a flat bed, called the carriage, that moves back and forth along tracks. The carriage is connected to a series of springs that provide varying levels of resistance, and it can be adjusted to suit different body types and strength levels.





Key components of the Pilates reformer include:


  • Frame: The base structure, typically sturdy, which holds all other components in place.

  • Carriage: The mobile platform on which the user lies, sits, or stands during exercises.

  • Springs: Provide adjustable resistance, allowing users to intensify or ease the challenge of an exercise.

  • Foot bar: Positioned at the end of the frame, the foot bar acts as a support point for feet or hands, adding stability and anchoring for certain exercises.

  • Straps and Handles: Attached to pulleys, these enable exercises for the arms, legs, and core by providing a range of motion and a dynamic aspect to workouts.


The reformer’s adaptability makes it ideal for users of all fitness levels. Beginners often find the extra support beneficial for building confidence, while advanced users can use the resistance to challenge and enhance their performance. Through controlled movements on the reformer, practitioners can achieve a full-body workout that incorporates strength, flexibility, and coordination.


Studio reformers come with options for three different frame heights: 14 inches (36 cm), 18 inches (46 cm), and 24 inches (61 cm). Users can also choose from four footbar styles: Revo, XSR, Infinity, and Classic.



3. History and Development of the Pilates Reformer

The origins of the Pilates reformer trace back to Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates, who developed the method and equipment to help rehabilitate injured soldiers during World War I.


Using springs from hospital beds, Pilates created the initial version of the reformer to assist in muscle activation and recovery. Over time, he refined the design to serve a broader audience, eventually introducing the reformer to his studio in New York.


Since its invention, the reformer has undergone significant adaptations, evolving from a basic rehabilitation device to a sophisticated piece of fitness equipment used worldwide.


Today’s reformers are made from lightweight materials, allowing them to be accessible to both home users and professional studios. As a result, the Pilates reformer has become a go-to tool in physiotherapy, elite athletic training, and general fitness.



4. Benefits of Using a Pilates Reformer

Using a Pilates reformer machine provides a multitude of physical and mental benefits, many of which extend beyond traditional exercise. Below are some of the most notable advantages:


  • Improved Strength and Muscle Tone The reformer allows users to work against spring-based resistance, which helps to activate and strengthen muscles throughout the body. This low-impact resistance training builds lean muscle tone, especially in the core, arms, legs, and glutes, contributing to a strong and balanced physique.

  • Enhanced Flexibility Regular reformer workouts can improve range of motion and overall flexibility. Exercises on the reformer require stretching and lengthening, which can be more intense than mat Pilates due to the dynamic resistance provided by the springs. Improved flexibility reduces muscle tightness and can help prevent injuries in other physical activities.

  • Low Impact on Joints For individuals with joint issues, the reformer offers an ideal low-impact workout solution. The controlled, fluid movements reduce strain on the joints while still providing the resistance necessary for strengthening muscles. This is particularly beneficial for people recovering from injuries, those with arthritis, or anyone looking for an alternative to high-impact exercises like running or jumping.

  • Balance and Coordination Working on the reformer requires coordination, focus, and balance, as exercises involve controlling movement against resistance. This can enhance proprioception (awareness of body position) and improve balance, which benefits individuals in daily activities and can be especially helpful for older adults.

  • Mental Benefits Like other forms of Pilates, reformer workouts promote a mind-body connection that fosters mental clarity and relaxation. Many exercises require deep concentration, intentional breathing, and precise movements, creating a meditative effect that can help reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.


Overall, the reformer offers a comprehensive fitness experience that combines strength, flexibility, balance, and mental focus, making it a highly effective and holistic exercise method.



5. How Does a Pilates Reformer Work?

The Pilates reformer relies on resistance created by its adjustable springs, which allow users to control the intensity of each exercise. This resistance challenges the muscles while also offering support, creating a unique blend of assistance and difficulty that sets reformer Pilates apart from other forms of exercise.


When performing an exercise on the reformer, users typically lie, sit, or stand on the carriage, positioning themselves to use the footbar or straps as support points. The springs can be adjusted to make the movement easier (lighter resistance) or harder (heavier resistance). This adjustability allows individuals to perform a range of exercises at various intensity levels.


Popular Exercises on the Pilates Reformer:

  • Footwork: A fundamental exercise where users lie on their back and press against the footbar, activating the legs and core.

  • Leg Circles: With feet in straps, users create circles with their legs, targeting core strength and hip flexibility.

  • Planks: Using the reformer’s movable carriage, practitioners can add an extra challenge to traditional planks, engaging core stability and upper body strength.





Each exercise requires focus and control, encouraging practitioners to perform movements mindfully to maintain proper alignment and form. Over time, reformer users develop a heightened awareness of their bodies, which is beneficial both during workouts and in daily life.



6. Who Can Benefit from Pilates Reformers?

The Pilates reformer is versatile enough to benefit almost everyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or physical limitations:


  • Athletes: For athletes, reformer Pilates can be a powerful cross-training tool, offering strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.

  • Seniors: Older adults can benefit from the low-impact nature of reformer exercises, which can improve flexibility, balance, and muscle tone without risking joint damage.

  • Injury Recovery: The adjustable resistance of the reformer makes it suitable for rehabilitation, helping people recover safely from injuries by gradually building strength.

  • Beginners: Newcomers to Pilates will appreciate the support and guidance provided by the reformer, making it easier to learn correct form and build foundational strength.


In essence, the Pilates reformer caters to a wide range of users by offering adaptable resistance levels and a variety of movements to suit individual needs.



7. Types of Pilates Reformers


The market offers different types of Pilates reformers, each designed to meet specific user needs:


  • Studio Reformers: These reformers are robust and built for frequent use in professional settings. They often have advanced features and are generally larger.

  • Home Reformers: For individuals who want to practise at home, these reformers are usually more compact and easy to store.

  • Portable Reformers: Lightweight and foldable, portable reformers are ideal for travel or small spaces.

  • Tower Reformers: These combine the reformer with a vertical tower, offering additional exercise options and versatility.



8. Pilates Reformer vs. Mat Pilates: Key Differences


Pilates can be practised either on a mat or using a reformer, and while both approaches stem from the same principles of strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, they offer distinct experiences and benefits. Understanding the differences between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates (often call mat work) can help individuals decide which form might best suit their fitness goals and lifestyle.


1. Equipment vs. Bodyweight

  • Reformer Pilates: The reformer introduces an external element of resistance through its spring-based mechanism, which allows users to modify the intensity of exercises. This added resistance challenges the muscles in ways that bodyweight exercises cannot, enabling users to target specific areas with greater precision.

  • Mat Pilates: Practiced solely on a mat, this form relies entirely on body weight for resistance. Exercises like planks, roll-ups, and leg lifts are performed without additional support, making it accessible and convenient for anyone to practice anywhere with minimal equipment.

2. Range and Variety of Exercises

  • Reformer Pilates: The reformer opens up a broader range of exercises. With the addition of springs, footbars, and straps, users can perform movements in various positions – lying down, sitting, kneeling, and even standing. This adaptability means that the reformer can support a more diverse workout, with exercises that engage muscles from different angles and planes of motion.

  • Mat Pilates: While Mat Pilates is versatile in its own right, it typically focuses on a standard set of exercises. The movements are often slower, controlled, and body-focused, prioritising core engagement and flexibility. While mat exercises can be modified with props like resistance bands or Pilates rings, the range of motion and variety is generally narrower than what the reformer allows.

3. Resistance and Muscle Engagement

  • Reformer Pilates: One of the biggest advantages of reformer Pilates is the spring-based resistance, which can be adjusted to increase or decrease the challenge of each movement. This resistance works the muscles more deeply and adds an element of strength training to the workout, helping to build lean muscle and enhance overall tone. This also means that users can adapt exercises to suit both rehabilitation needs and athletic conditioning.

  • Mat Pilates: Without the support or resistance of springs, Mat Pilates relies on gravity and body weight to engage the muscles. This can help improve muscular endurance, especially in the core, but may not target muscles as deeply as reformer exercises. Mat Pilates is highly effective for building foundational strength, and since it lacks adjustable resistance, it often requires more focus and precision to achieve similar results.

4. Accessibility and Convenience

  • Reformer Pilates: Reformer Pilates is generally practiced in a studio or a dedicated home space due to the equipment required. For some, this may mean finding a local Pilates studio or investing in a reformer for home use, both of which may carry additional costs.

  • Mat Pilates: The simplicity of Mat Pilates makes it accessible to anyone, anywhere. A mat is the only equipment needed, making it an ideal option for those who prefer to work out at home, travel frequently, or seek a more budget-friendly option. Mat classes are also widely available in gyms, studios, and online platforms.

5. Effectiveness for Different Goals

  • Reformer Pilates: Because of its resistance features, Reformer Pilates can be highly effective for those looking to build muscle tone, improve flexibility, and gain strength in a controlled, low-impact way. It is also an excellent option for rehabilitation and cross-training, as the adjustable resistance allows users to progress gradually and safely.

  • Mat Pilates: Ideal for beginners and anyone seeking foundational core strength, Mat Pilates is effective for improving posture, flexibility, and alignment. Since it requires minimal equipment, it’s often the recommended starting point for those new to Pilates or those looking to integrate Pilates into an existing workout routine.

6. Learning Curve and Skill Development

  • Reformer Pilates: Many find the reformer easier to learn initially because the apparatus provides support and guidance through movements, which can help beginners understand correct alignment and form. However, the equipment does require instruction for safe and effective use, so attending a class or seeking guidance from an instructor is often recommended for beginners.

  • Mat Pilates: Mat Pilates is sometimes perceived as more challenging to master because it relies entirely on body control and awareness, without external support. As a result, Mat Pilates requires a high level of concentration and core engagement, which can take time to develop but ultimately strengthens the connection between mind and body.


In summary, both Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates offer unique benefits, and neither is inherently “better” than the other.


Reformer Pilates may appeal more to those who enjoy equipment-based workouts, are looking for a challenging strength and conditioning option, or need support for specific rehabilitation needs.


Mat Pilates provides a more accessible, equipment-free option that builds core strength and body control and can be done practically anywhere.


Many practitioners find that combining both Reformer and Mat Pilates offers the best of both worlds, creating a well-rounded routine that enhances strength, flexibility, and mental focus.



More information:


You can use a pilates reformer for home use, however, the best results come when you train with experienced pilates instructors. A studio reformer (commercial grade) can be exactly the same as one you would order for home use, however, a pilates workout is better when you have a professional trainer. 


There are many pilates studios around and many of these offer a free trial before you need to access membership options with them. Also, don't be in a hurry to pick a pilates studio - pilates is becoming very popular so don't rush and make an informed choice based on your body weight and end goals. If in doubt, speak with the team of professionals at each club to find the one that is best suited to you.



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