What Is Reformer Pilates?

If you’ve ever walked past a Pilates class and noticed sleek machines with a bunch of moving pieces, you’ve likely seen a Pilates reformer machine.

Reformer Pilates offers plenty of health benefits, whether you’re just getting started or looking for a new way to train. This type of Pilates uses a spring-loaded machine called a reformer to add adjustable resistance and support to traditional Pilates exercises. If you want to build strength or increase mobility, trying reformer-based Pilates is a unique approach to full-body fitness.

HOW TO DO REFORMER PILATES

Many traditional strength workouts rely on free weights or machines with fixed movement patterns. However, reformer Pilates emphasizes slow, controlled movements so you can challenge many muscle groups.

Throughout every exercise, you’ll stabilize your body while the carriage moves beneath you. Adjustable springs provide resistance during each movement, which can make an exercise more challenging by increasing resistance or providing assistance during difficult moves.

What is a Reformer?

To really understand what a Pilates reformer is, you should be familiar with its main components:

• Carriage: The padded platform is where you sit, kneel, stand or lie during exercises. It glides smoothly along the rails to support controlled movement.
• Springs: The adjustable springs can increase resistance or provide support as needed during movement, making it easier to perform exercises correctly.
• Footbar: At the front of the reformer, the footbar provides a stable surface for pushing with your feet or hands during many foundational exercises.
• Straps and Handles: The straps are attached to pulleys, allowing you to perform various upper- and lower-body movements while maintaining constant tension.
• Shoulder Blocks: These padded supports keep your body properly positioned on the carriage, especially during exercises performed lying on your back.

Together, these pieces create a versatile system capable of supporting hundreds of Pilates reformer exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.

BENEFITS OF REFORMER PILATES

One reason reformer Pilates continues to grow in popularity is that it’s a full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints, improving your strength, flexibility and balance.

Core Strength and Stability

One of the biggest benefits of reformer Pilates is its emphasis on deep core activation.

Rather than focusing solely on visible abdominal muscles, reformer Pilates targets the muscles that stabilize your spine and pelvis. These muscles help maintain posture and support efficient movement throughout daily life.

Throughout each Pilates reformer workout, you’ll constantly engage your core, teaching your body to maintain stability during movement rather than simply bracing for a single exercise.

Flexibility and Mobility

Many workouts separate strength training from stretching, but reformer Pilates combines them. Each exercise emphasizes smooth, deliberate movement, helping improve flexibility and mobility.

Many reformer-based Pilates exercises also target areas that often become tight from prolonged sitting or repetitive activities, such as the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, chest and upper back.

Balance and Body Control

The moving carriage constantly challenges your balance, so you must maintain alignment to improve coordination, posture and overall body awareness.

Reformer Pilates also enhances your body’s ability to perceive its position in space. The springs, straps and carriage provide immediate feedback whenever your alignment shifts or one side of your body begins compensating more than the other.

A consistent reformer Pilates workout can help develop balanced strength throughout the body that can carry over into strength training, running, recreational sports and everyday activities.

Low-Impact Strength Training

Reformer Pilates is good for strength training, especially if you’re looking for a low-impact way to build strength. The spring system eliminates heavy external loads as the smooth, adjustable resistance challenges your muscles while minimizing joint impact.

Among the many advantages of Pilates reformer machines is the ability to improve your health without the repetitive impact of running or jumping.

REFORMER PILATES VS. MAT PILATES: THE DIFFERENCES

Both reformer Pilates and mat Pilates are built on the same core principles of concentration, control, centering, flow, precision and breathing. The primary difference between reformer and mat Pilates is the equipment used and how resistance is applied.

With mat Pilates, you:

• Use body weight on a mat
• Require minimal equipment
• Have a portable and budget-friendly option
• Have limited resistance options
• Gain great foundational strength
• Have less external support for alignment

Reformer Pilates, on the other hand:

• Lets you use a machine with adjustable springs
• Requires specialized equipment
• Is typically performed in studios or gyms
• Has adjustable resistance for every fitness level
• Provides more exercise variety and progression
• Gives feedback and movement assistance with the machine

Ultimately, when comparing reformer Pilates vs. mat Pilates, it comes down to your personal preference and finding the option that best supports your fitness goals.

IS REFORMER PILATES GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?

Reformer Pilates is well-suited for beginners thanks to its adjustable resistance and supportive design. One of the biggest advantages of the Pilates reformer is its versatility, which makes reformer Pilates feel more approachable for beginners.

The carriage supports part of your body weight, and the springs reduce resistance, making it easier to learn proper alignment and movement than in mat Pilates. Taking a beginner Pilates class, where trainers can help you get started, can also build your confidence while you learn proper technique.

Beginner Reformer Pilates Tips

If you’re trying beginner reformer Pilates for the first time, these tips can help you feel more confident:

• Arrive a few minutes early, so your instructor can explain how the reformer works.
• Focus on slow, controlled movements.
• Ask any questions about spring settings or equipment adjustments.
• Prioritize proper technique over increasing resistance.
• Stay consistent with your classes.
• If you experience discomfort or sharp pain, stop and let your instructor know.

Like any new workout, Pilates gets easier with practice. Focus on quality movement and let your strength and confidence build over time.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A REFORMER PILATES CLASS

Walking into your first reformer class can feel intimidating, but knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident.

Common Class Format

Most Pilates reformer classes last between 45 and 60 minutes and are taught in small groups for a more personalized coaching experience and form corrections.

It usually starts with a warm-up focused on breathing and core activation, then progresses to a series of exercises targeting the entire body. Throughout the session, instructors demonstrate each movement before performing the exercise together.

Common Pilates Reformer Exercises

A typical Pilates reformer workout includes movements that strengthen multiple muscle groups while emphasizing proper alignment and control.

Some common exercises for Pilates reformer sessions include:

• Footwork: Build strength in the legs and glutes while reinforcing proper alignment.
• Bridges: Activate the glutes, hamstrings and deep core muscles.
• Planks: Challenge shoulder stability and total-body strength.
• Lunges: Improve lower-body strength, balance and coordination.
• Arm Presses and Rows: Strengthen the upper back, shoulders and arms.
• Pilates Reformer Ab Exercises: Controlled core movements that target the deep abdominal muscles while supporting spinal stability.
• Leg Circles and Frog: Develop hip mobility, coordination and core control.

As your confidence grows, instructors may introduce standing balance work, rotational exercises and more advanced full-body movements.

What to Wear to a Pilates Reformer Class

Choosing the right clothing can help you move comfortably and safely during class while avoiding distractions.

For your first session, wear:

• Fitted athletic clothing.
• Stretchy leggings, shorts or athletic joggers.
• A supportive workout top that stays in place during movement.
• Grip socks, which many studios require for safety and hygiene.

Comfortable, breathable clothing allows you to focus on learning the movements as instructors can better see your form and help make adjustments when needed.

START YOUR REFORMER PILATES JOURNEY AT EŌS TODAY

At EōS Fitness, our supportive instructors create a welcoming environment where members of every fitness level can feel confident.

While only available at select EōS Fitness locations, you can explore our gyms with reformer Pilates and mat Pilates classes by taking advantage of our free 7-Day Trial and Welcome Workout. Your journey toward stronger movement, better balance and improved overall fitness starts with a single class.

Find a participating EōS Fitness with our gym locator today!

FAQs ABOUT REFORMER PILATES

What is a Pilates reformer?

A Pilates reformer is a specialized exercise machine that provides adjustable resistance and support for full-body exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance and core stability.

Is reformer Pilates hard?

Reformer Pilates is as easy or as challenging as you make it. Its adjustable spring resistance allows exercises to be modified for beginners or for more advanced exercisers.

Is reformer Pilates good for you?

Reformer Pilates can help improve your core strength, posture, flexibility and more. It’s also low-impact, which is great for those who want to place less stress on their joints.

How often should you do reformer Pilates?

Most beginners see progress by attending one to two classes per week. For the most part, how often you go depends on your experience level and fitness goals.

Does reformer Pilates build muscle?

Reformer Pilates can help develop lean muscle, muscular endurance and functional strength.