What Is a Reformer Pilates?

The reformer can look a bit intimidating when you first see one but they can make dramatic changes to your body when you use it. The reformer was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates. It 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 allow you to choose different levels of resistance as the carriage is moved along the frame.

Body weight and resistance of the springs is what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. Reformers are adjustable for differing body sizes and different levels of skill from beginner to experienced.

How a Reformer Is Used

A wide variety of exercises are done on the reformer to promote length, strength, flexibility, and balance. Most Pilates reformer exercises have to do with pushing or pulling the carriage or holding the carriage steady during an exercise as it is pulled on by the springs.

One of the best things about the reformer is its versatility, exercises can be done in all positions, the reformer can train many parts body in many different dynamic ways

Benefits of Reformer Pilates

The reformer offers all the benefits of Pilates including overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance.  The reformer is great for increasing flexibility while building strength. Reformer exercises help build strong bones while creating long, strong, lean muscles without bulk.

The rolling carriage with the variety of spring settings provides all kinds of stability challenges that develop deep core strength and promoting better balance. The stronger the core, the better the balance, posture, and overall well-being.

Exercising with the reformer is possible for everyone, at any level of fitness.

How to Learn Reformer Pilates

The best way to learn Pilates reformer is through a group or private class. Once you learn some exercises and begin to understand the foundations of Pilates exercise you will fall in love with the Reformer.