Reformer Pilates – What’s the difference and what’s all the fuss about?

The Pilates reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment which looks like a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys. The origins of the Pilates reformer date back to the original Pilates studio in New York in the 1920’s and was designed by Joseph Pilates himself.

Reformer Pilates is similar yet very different to mat based Pilates.

Reformer Pilates is done using the Pilates reformer machine and is generally more intense and more dynamic than mat-based Pilates due to the addition of resistance to the Pilates exercises via the use of the springs which form part of the machine.

These springs means that the intensity can be varied considerably from one person to the next, making it an incredibly versatile piece of equipment to use as a workout or rehab tool.

The reformer bed itself means that the repertoire of exercises available is greatly increased when compared to mat based Pilates providing far more variety.

The exercises usually work muscles through a larger range of motion, ideal for building and toning muscles. Equally, while mat work is great for, but somewhat limited to mostly working ‘the core’,  the reformer works the entire body and more the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs.

Many people are quite apprehensive of the reformer when they first see it as it can look quite intimidating and almost medieval. Put any fears you may have aside because after just one or two workouts on a reformer and you realise that it is the most versatile and effective piece of exercise equipment ever made…plus it’s great fun!