What is 'reformer Pilates'?

 Lately there has been a huge rise in the ‘reformer studio’. I have been asked what 'reformer Pilates' is and how it differs to 'Pilates'.

I have tried to answer these questions and more here – hopefully you can find it helpful too!

What is reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is simply Pilates

It uses ONE of the larger apparatus which is called a reformer.

The reformer has a moving carriage attached to some springs and some ropes on on a pulley system.

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system, originally called 'Contrology', designed by Joseph Pilates in the early part of last century. 

It is often characterised by a conscious focus on:

• Breathing 

• Coordination 

• Control 

• Using the 'powerhouse' (a bit like what we understand when we say core)

Whilst often thought of as a physical conditioning program Joseph Pilates was passionate about health. The breath was instrumental and the idea was to cleanse the body from the inside out by using his exercises to wring out all the stuff in your body - giving you a healthful glow!

Because this was a system there were many different ways of approaching the exercises.

In MATWORK we learn his ‘portable’ exercises that he could teach anywhere (famously taught at Jacobs pillow – a type of dance convention in the day). 

With the LARGE EQUIPMENT that Joseph designed we are supported by springs and pulleys to produce fluid and efficient movement,. The equipment helps us to 'feel’ and understand HOW to move.

In Pilates the HOW is important.

As a serial inventor, Joseph made many many inventions most of which were patented both in the US and Europe. 

The four most well-known pieces of large equipment are:

• The reformer,

• The Cadillac or trapeze table

• The ladder barrel

• The wunda chair

Some other ones include:

• The pedo-pull

• The baby chair

• The foot corrector.

And of course, most of us know the Pilates hoop (AKA magic hoop!)

So as you see the reformer is ONE of many other useful tools to learn about HOW to use and CONTROL our body in a fluid, energy efficient way.

So which one should I do mat or reformer?

Well this depends on your budget and your goals.

Reformer only classes are more expensive than mat class - (at £2-6k a piece of equipment it has to be), they are great if you are looking to improve strength and mobility fast and like a faster stronger paced session.

Mat classes however are generally cheaper, have been going for a while and are generally safer for those with injuries in a group class setting. If you want be able to also practice at home a mat class will give you exercises you can do at home without having to purchase expensive equipment. 

If you have a particular issue or injury the best option is a 1-2-1 in a fully equipped studio where you can use the equipment such as the chair and Cadillac as well as the reformer and matwork or a highly experienced matwork teacher.

Ok so I want to try reformer how do I choose where to go?

Well different studios have different vibes and goals within in their classes.

• Some instructors are qualified in a weekend and some have done extensive training.

• Some will come from a movement background and some will be changing career.

It is important to find a teacher that is right for you and what you enjoy.

Questions to ask yourself are:

• Do you like the same exercises over a period of time or do you like every class to be different each time?

• Do you like loud music, lots of equipment or a slower approach focused on breath?

If you’re looking for an upbeat, different everyweek, workout vibe then a ‘dynamic reformer’ place would be a good match – they might have some upbeat music in the background and a focus on strengthening the body.

If you would like a methodical approach and to refine your movement then looking for a studio that has a slower approach would perhaps be a better fit. – Don’t worry these classes can also make you work hard if you want to!

For example my group classes are generally slow and methodical to begin with learning all the basics and ensuring we understand the how and why.

My advanced classes, however, where I have had people in the class for approx 8 years have obviously moved on and we are currently working on the original order of the 34 mat exercises - this is faster paced and much more challenging!

For those who don’t know – a little more about me..

I have 20 years experience teaching movement and have been to many, many trainings as well as doing a daily practice which allows me to teach from a huge breadth of experience. My teaching of Pilates also adds a few sprinkles of other techniques where needed such as clinical somatics, Franklin method, self-massage techniques and more. 

Get in touch or view timetable if you would like to join my classes