What is a Pilates Reformer?

Invented by Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The reformer also has long straps with handles on them, they can be pulled with legs or arms to move the carriage. The use of body weight and resistance of the springs is used to change the difficulty of the exercise.

How Is a Reformer Used?
One of the best things about the reformer is its versatility. Exercises can be done lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing on the footbar, using additional equipment, upside down & sideways!!

Most Pilates reformer exercises have to do with pushing or pulling the carriage, or holding the carriage steady during an exercise as you are working the springs.

Workouts consist of controlled, flowing movements working your muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement. By working to overcome this resistance, training results in increased strength and postural awareness.

What Are the Benefits of Pilates Reformer Exercises compared to mat classes?

The reformer is large enough to accommodate full-range motion in many planes of movement which challenges flexibility while building strength.

Resistance training
The exercises provide enough resistance and movement variety to help with muscular conditioning. The springs make your muscles work eccentrically. This is when a muscle lengthens as it resists a force. Resistance work is essential for building muscle strength.

Balance & co-ordination
The instability of a rolling carriage with the springs set at different levels of resistance provides all kinds of stability challenges that develop core strength and promote better balance.

Postural muscular endurance
With increased muscular endurance, your muscles are able to exert force for extended periods. Increased endurance enables you to perform everyday tasks without fatigue.