Elina Pilates Classic Aluminium Reformer 86" with Tower

The Pilates reformer is a piece of exercise equipment created by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s.

It was designed to support Pilates progression beyond mat work, heightening the strengthening, realignment stretching of the body.

An incredibly popular piece of exercise equipment, the Pilates reformer consists of a bed-like structure with a flat platform, fitted with pulleys, ropes, and a sliding carriage.

To use a Pilates reformer, you can both adapt Pilates mat exercises and engage in unique exercises specifically created for the reformer.

Pilates Reformer exercises take advantage of the unique features of the reformer. Often involving pushing, pulling, or holding the carriage steady through the use of limbs, pulleys, or ropes while holding a specific pose.

The Pilates reformer is extremely versatile and its exercises are typically low-impact, with most done lying, sitting, or standing. The best professional pilates reformer will offer additional features to further improve your exercise.

There is an incredible range of Pilates reformer exercises, both for beginners and advanced practitioners.

Yes. The physical benefits of Pilates include an increase in muscle strength and tone, but without creating the bulk associated with conventional strength training.

After a sustained period of consistent exercise on a Pilates reformer, you can expect to see an increase in deep core muscle strength, which helps keep your abdominal muscles tight and toned.

Pilates is considered one of the major ‘head-to-toe’ exercises, meaning it promotes muscle growth throughout the entire body from your internal obliques to your gluteus maximus.

Yes. Combined with a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle, exercises on the Pilates reformer can significantly contribute to a weight loss strategy through increasing your muscle tone and strengthening your body.

This not only helps you prepare for dynamic calorie-burning cardio workouts but also heightens your overall lean muscle tone so you will have a higher base metabolic rate.

Meaning, that even when stationary you will be burning significantly more calories thus creating the conditions to maximize weight loss.

Each piece of Pilates equipment presents its unique exercise opportunities and is best utilized through a Pilates workout that exploits its features.

Whilst other Pilates exercise machines exist, the three most popular and commercially sought are the reformer, Cadillac, and Wunda chair.

For the reformer, please refer to our answer on how to effectively use a Pilates reformer. The best professional Pilates reformers will be easy to use and accessible.

For the Cadillac, there are a lot of opportunities to develop upper body strength and core control through the use of the hanging trapeze and resistant pulleys.

For the Wunda chair, you want to embrace Pilates exercises focused on balance that take advantage of its chair-like structure and pedals.

There are a diversity of certified resources online which can help you get a sense of what piece of equipment will work best for you. We also recommend you visit YouTube, as it is full of fantastic demonstrations of Pilates exercises on a range of equipment.