Reformer Pilates is a form of Pilates that uses apparatus, specifically a reformer bed to add resistance to exercises. It’s a low impact style of exercise that is suitable for people looking to improve this core stability, full body strength and flexibility.
Although the foundations of Reformer Pilates were created nearly a hundred years ago, it’s only in recent years that it’s taken off as a mainstream form of exercise.
Now in 2025 and reformer Pilates is everywhere. You can’t scroll on social media without seeing the latest celeb working hard on the apparatus, or walk through a city centre without seeing at least one reformer Pilates studio.
But what is reformer Pilates? And why has it become such a global phenomenon?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about reformer Pilates, and how to qualify as a reformer Pilates teacher if you are ready for a change in your career.
Contents
What is Reformer Pilates?
Pilates was developed by a German physical trainer called Joseph Pilates in the 1920s. Heavily inspired by yoga and the movement of animals, it was his own method to strengthen the mind-body connection through precise and controlled movements. Known initially as ‘Contrology’, Pilates is rooted in six core principles:
- Breath: Coordinating breathing with movement.
- Concentration: Focusing on each movement to enhance effectiveness.
- Centring: Engaging the core, or ‘powerhouse’ as the foundation of strength.
- Control: Performing exercises with precision and intention.
- Precision: Ensuring every movement is deliberate.
- Flow: Executing movements with smooth transitions.
Pilates can be practiced on a mat or with specialised equipment like the reformer, with each offering unique benefits and challenges.
The reformer is one of the core pieces of apparatus used in Pilates. It was designed by Joseph Pilates and patented in 1927, though early versions were first developed during his internment in a World War I prisoner of war camp. Using beds and springs, he adapted exercises to help fellow internees maintain their strength and mobility, laying the foundation for what would later become the reformer and the wider Pilates system.
Today, the reformer is used in a range of settings, including clinical rehabilitation, fitness studios, and performance-based environments. It can be adapted to suit a broad range of people and provides a unique way to develop control, strength, mobility, and coordination through spring resistance and guided movement.
Reformers come in different styles and materials, but they all follow the same basic design. Every reformer bed should have these key components:
Carriage: The sliding platform that moves with the client’s body
Shoulder rests: Help maintain alignment and prevent the body from sliding off the carriage
Headrest: Can be raised or flat, depending on spinal alignment and comfort
Footbar: Used to press against with the feet or hands during many exercises
Springs: Provide resistance, colour-coded on most reformers
Gear bar: Connects springs to the frame; adjusts starting tension and travel
Carriage stopper: Limits carriage range; adjusted with gear bar for the client’s leg length
Ropes and straps: Used for upper or lower limb movement in loaded exercises
Pulleys: Guide the rope path and help ensure symmetrical movement
Accessories: May include the box, jump board, pole, extension platform, and tower bar
What is Reformer Pilates Good For?
Reformer Pilates has a multitude of benefits, hence why it’s become so popular in recent years. One of the biggest benefits is that it provides more load and resistance than mat Pilates. What does this mean? It means that there is more scope for progress. There are several others benefits to Pilates:
Improved postural awareness: The reformer setup encourages neutral alignment of the head, spine, pelvis, and limbs. Many exercises give direct feedback on symmetry and control.
Greater spinal mobility: Exercises that involve spinal articulation (such as bridging or short spine massage) may help improve segmental control and reduce stiffness.
Increased strength and endurance: The spring resistance challenges both the larger muscle groups and the deeper stabilising muscles, depending on the exercise and setup.
Improved joint stability and control: The controlled movement of the carriage, combined with spring load, supports joint integrity by encouraging slow, precise motion.
Improved balance and coordination: Many reformer exercises challenge the body to move through space while maintaining control and orientation.
Enhanced flexibility: Certain exercises may support dynamic lengthening of the muscles and soft tissue, particularly through eccentric loading and active range work.
What is the Difference Between Reformer Pilates and Regular Pilates?
Equipment Used
- Reformer Pilates: Utilises a specialised machine called a reformer, which features a sliding carriage, springs, straps, and pulleys. The machine allows for a wide variety of exercises performed in different positions (lying down, sitting, standing, or kneeling) and provides adjustable resistance through its springs
- Regular (Mat) Pilates: Performed on the floor using only a mat, sometimes supplemented with small props like resistance bands or light weights. The body’s own weight provides resistance
Resistance and Intensity
- Reformer Pilates: Offers adjustable resistance via springs and cables, making it possible to increase or decrease the challenge for each exercise. This allows for a broader range of intensity, from low to high, and can make workouts more dynamic and challenging, especially for those seeking progression or rehabilitation.
- Mat Pilates: Relies on body weight for resistance, typically resulting in low to medium intensity. The focus is on mastering foundational movements and core strength without external resistance.
Exercise Variety and Focus
- Reformer Pilates: Enables a greater variety of exercises, targeting both superficial and deep stabilising muscles. The reformer’s design allows for complex movement patterns, balance challenges, and dynamic flows, which can be tailored for strength, flexibility, or rehabilitation goals.
- Mat Pilates: Focuses on classical Pilates exercises, emphasising core stability, posture, and control. It is ideal for learning the basics and can be performed anywhere with minimal equipment.
Suitability and Accessibility
- Reformer Pilates: Suitable for individuals who need more support (such as those with injuries or difficulty getting on/off the floor), as the elevated surface and adjustable resistance can assist movement. It is also preferred by those seeking a more varied and challenging workout.
- Mat Pilates: More accessible due to minimal equipment needs and lower cost. It is ideal for beginners, those with limited budgets, or anyone who prefers a grounded, floor-based practice.
Is Reformer Pilates OK for Beginners?
One of the biggest myths is that reformer Pilates is only suitable for intermediate and advanced clients. Reformer can be an extremely accessible form of exercise for most people because it can be adjusted to tailor to different experience levels. In our level 3 Reformer Pilates course, all of the exercises taught are guided towards teaching beginners and intermediate customers.
Instruction and safety protocols
In order for a reformer Pilates class to be suitable for beginners, certain safety protocols and instructions should be implemented. It’s important that the instructor provides a clear explanation of the set-up of the reformer bed and how it works, along with any safety procedures. The teacher should also check everyone’s experience level and ask about injuries and illness before beginning the class.
Class experience levels
If you are unsure about whether a class is suitable, try and find a studio that offers classes for beginners. Often studios will provide a description of who the class is aimed at, and something that is dependent on experience level.
Tips for beginners getting started
For any beginners who are new to reformer Pilates, here are some tips to getting started:
- Wear comfortable exercise clothing
- Bring plenty of water
- Either wear grippy Pilates socks, or check if they can be purchased at the studio
- Get to the class earlier so that you can ask the instructor any questions
- Don’t try to match the levels of others in the class
- Have fun
Is Reformer Pilates Really Hard?
Starting anything from scratch is often difficult, but that shouldn’t stop you from giving it a go. Reformer Pilates can be a challenging form of exercise, but there are things that can be done to adjust the intensity. As a beginner, it’s important that you don’t set your personal expectations too high and prepare to make mistakes along the way. It’s also important to be realistic about your capabilities. If you don’t often participate in exercise and you’ve never tried any form of Pilates, it is likely that you will find the class more difficult than someone who has a history of exercise.
The important thing to remember is that with consistency, you will progress. Learning anything takes time and you need to be patient and trust the process.
When you participate in a reformer class, adjustments can be made to suit your level of ability, this includes:
- Changing the springs on the reformer bed
- Choosing simpler exercises
- Choosing exercises that place less stress on the body
- Participating in a shorter class
Common misconceptions about the difficulty level
All reformer exercises are challenging: There is a whole repertoire of reformer Pilates exercises, and not all of them are designed to be challenging. Some exercises are designed to help improve flexibility and stretch the muscles. Even if some exercises are more advanced, there are often regressions and alternatives that you can do as a beginner to make the exercise easier.
You have to do all of the exercises: Not at all! Pilates practice is for you and you alone. You should show up in a way that is suitable for your experience level and not try to match others in the class.
How to Get Started with Reformer Pilates
Ready to sign up to your first Reformer Pilates class? Here’s how to get started:
Find a studio: First things first, you’ll want to find a studio. With the boom in popularity, it shouldn’t be hard to find a reformer Pilates studio, here are some of our favourite studios if you’re based in Manchester. If not, a simple search online and you should be able to find something local. If you don’t feel confident, you can also look for a teacher that provides 1-1 reformer sessions.
Book a suitable class: Plenty of studios offer beginners classes, or if not, their general classes are suitable for all levels. If you are unsure, contact the studio to find out which class is best for you and your needs.
What to expect in your first class
It can be daunting stepping into a class for the first time, especially if you’re new to the activity. Here are some of the key components you should expect from your instructor and your first class:
- Introduction to the teacher
- Discussion about injuries and injury history
- Safety protocol of the reformer bed
- Explanation of any accessory equipment used
- Explanation of cleaning procedures
Every instructor has their own unique style of teaching, so there will definitely be differences between classes. However, these are a few of the main procedures that should always be followed to ensure client safety. If you are ever unsure of anything, speak with the instructor, they are there to provide you with any information you require and to make you feel safe and included in the class.
What is reformer Pilates?: Conclusion
Reformer Pilates has come a long way from its roots in a World War I internment camp to becoming one of the most sought-after forms of exercise in studios around the world. Its combination of strength, flexibility, control, and mindfulness offers a unique and highly adaptable workout for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Whether you’re a complete beginner curious to try your first class, someone looking to deepen your movement practice, or even considering a new career path as a reformer Pilates instructor, there’s never been a better time to get involved. With the right instruction, clear guidance, and a willingness to start where you are, Reformer Pilates can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering journey.
If you’ve tried reformer Pilates and you’re looking for a career in wellbeing, then why not take a look at our level 3 mat and reformer Pilates bundle. If you’re already qualified as a mat Pilates instructor, then you can jump straight to our Level 3 Reformer Pilates course and elevate your learning today.