What Is The Reformer?
Don’t worry, it’s not the latest tour you missed from Taylor Swift.
The Pilates Reformer is the centerpiece of Pilates—the machine that makes the method famous. Picture a sleek frame with a sliding carriage, springs that add adjustable resistance, straps for your hands and feet, and a footbar to anchor movements. Together, these parts create a system that challenges your strength, balance, and flexibility all at once.
Think of it as a full-body training studio built into one piece of equipment: you can lie down, sit, kneel, or stand on it while performing hundreds of different exercises. That versatility is why the Reformer is central to Pilates—it takes the core principles of mat work and turns them into a dynamic, resistance-based workout that builds muscle, lengthens your body, and protects your joints. At BODYBAR, the Reformer isn’t just another piece of equipment—it’s the foundation of our fiercely effective workouts and the secret behind that famous shake our clients love (and love to hate).
What A Pilates Reformer Workout Feels Like
A Reformer pilates class feels different than almost any other workout. You’ll experience muscle fatigue—yes—but in a surprisingly gentle way. Instead of pounding your joints or leaving you gasping for air, the Reformer works your body through controlled, flowing resistance. You finish class feeling strong and shaky, but also lengthened and refreshed rather than drained.
Many clients describe it as the perfect blend: you get the intensity of strength training, the alignment focus of yoga, and the fluidity of movement you’d find in dance—all in one workout. Even for those in peak shape, the Pilates Reformer helps lengthen out muscles in a way no other training can. That’s what makes it so addictively effective.
Translation? You’ll shake, you’ll sweat, you’ll smile—and then you’ll want to come back for more.
The Reformer Era: A Workout That Meets Every Body Where They Are
Here’s the beauty of the Pilates Reformer: it meets you exactly where you are.
- Haven’t worked out in 20 years? The Pilates Reformer’s low-impact, controlled movements protect your joints while rebuilding strength and mobility.
- Getting back in shape after pregnancy? The adjustable springs let you ease back in, while targeted core and pelvic floor exercises help restore stability and confidence.
- Already fit and looking to fine-tune? The Pilates Reformer challenges even the strongest bodies, targeting small stabilizer muscles you didn’t know existed, sculpting definition, and improving athletic performance.
The Pilates Reformer is the great equalizer: whether you’re just beginning or chasing peak performance, it adapts to you.
Injury Prevention and Joint Protection
How does the Pilates Reformer prevent injury? One of the most powerful benefits of the Pilates Reformer is how it strengthens your body without putting unnecessary stress on your joints. Traditional high-impact workouts—think running, jumping, or heavy lifting—can take a toll on knees, hips, and the lower back. The Pilates Reformer, on the other hand, uses spring resistance and controlled movement to provide a challenging workout while minimizing impact.
This makes it ideal for:
- Injury recovery or prevention: The Pilates Reformer helps you rebuild strength and mobility safely, often used by physical therapists and trainers as part of rehabilitation.
- Joint support: Movements are guided by the carriage, straps, and footbar, keeping your body aligned and reducing the risk of overextension or strain.
- Long-term wellness: Because it’s low-impact, you can practice Pilates on the Reformer consistently over time—helping you stay strong and mobile well into the future.
Basically, it’s the kind of workout your future self will thank you for.
3 Reasons Our PowerTower Pilates Reformer Leaves the Others Flat On The Mat
Are all Pilates Reformers created equal? Not even close. At BODYBAR, we’ve invested in high-performance Power Tower Pilates Reformers designed for a better range of motion, custom intensity, flexibility, and safety with a gentler approach..
1. Two-for-One Magic
More springs, more attachment points, more ways to feel that famous BODYBAR shake. Whether you’re easing back into exercise post-pregnancy or channeling your inner athlete, the BODYBAR Pilates Reformer Power Tower lets you dial the challenge up—or down—with precision.
2. Resistance, Upgraded
Why settle for just a Reformer when you can have the Reformer and the Tower? It’s like ordering a glass of wine and getting the bottle—suddenly your options just doubled.
3. The BODYBAR Difference
In other words, these Reformers aren’t the outdated ex you’ve left in the dust—they’re the Travis Kelce upgrade: strong, dependable, and proof that yes, you really can do better than revenge.
The Power Tower isn’t just equipment—it’s part of our whole vibe. Pair it with expert instructors, energizing playlists, and a fiercely supportive community, and you’ve got a workout that’s equal parts sweat and smile.
A Closer Look at Pilates Reformer Springs
If the carriage is the heart of the Pilates Reformer, the springs are its muscles. What do the Pilates Reformer springs do exactly? They’re what make every movement customizable, challenging, and safe. Springs attach to the carriage, providing resistance as you push or pull, and the genius lies in their variety.
On most Reformers, including BODYBAR’s, you’ll find a set of springs in different colors or tensions. Each spring represents a different level of resistance—light, medium, or heavy—so your workout can be tailored to your needs in real time.
Here’s how they work in practice:
- Lighter springs: These don’t necessarily make the movement easier—in fact, they often require more stability and control. Light resistance challenges your core and smaller stabilizer muscles, especially in balance-based exercises.
- Medium springs: Perfect for building strength with smooth, controlled motion. They give you enough support while still letting your body do the heavy lifting.
- Heavier springs: These create the most resistance, often used for leg presses, footwork, or moves where you want more power and load.
This system makes the Pilates Reformer incredibly versatile. A simple switch of a spring can turn the same exercise into a gentle rehabilitation movement, a core-burning balance challenge, or a strength-building powerhouse move.
Our BODYBAR instructors coach you on how to choose the right springs for your body and goals, so you get a personalized workout.
The Shake Doesn’t Lie:
Reformer Myths, BUSTED
With its straps, springs, and sliding carriage, the Pilates Reformer can look a little intimidating at first glance. But don’t let appearances fool you. Here are some of the most common myths—and the truth behind them:
Myth 1:
The Reformer is only for advanced athletes.
The Truth: The Reformer was initially designed to help people recover from injuries. Its adjustable springs and guided movements make it safe for beginners and pros alike.
Myth 2:
Heavier springs mean a harder workout.
The Truth: Not always. Heavier springs provide more resistance, but lighter springs often demand more stability and control, making the move feel harder in a completely different way.
Myth 3:
It’s just like doing yoga or stretching.
The Truth: While Pilates does improve flexibility, the Reformer is all about resistance training. You’ll build strength, endurance, and definition while also lengthening and aligning your body.
Myth 4:
The Pilates Reformer is confusing to use.
The Truth: With an instructor guiding you, the Pilates Reformer is intuitive. Straps and footbars support your movements, keeping you aligned and safe. Most clients say it’s easier to follow than gym machines.
Myth 5:
You won’t break a sweat.
The Truth: Think again. The Pilates Reformer may feel gentler on your joints, but don’t be surprised when your muscles shake, your heart rate rises, and you leave class sweaty, strong, and energized.
Myth 6:
The Pilates Reformer Is Only for Women
Truth: Not just for those wanting a ballerina body: Pilates gets guys game-ready too. Some of the world’s most elite male athletes use the Reformer to stay at the top of their game.
- NFL powerhouse Dexter Lawrence, a 6-foot-4, 350-pound force known for his flexibility (he can do full splits … yes, full splits), credits Pilates with keeping him agile and injury-resistant on the field.
- Professional football player tight end Antonio Brown, incorporates Pilates into histheir training to boost core strength, hip and glute power, and overall biomechanical balance. Brown reportedly doesn’t lift weights in the offseason, choosing the Reformer instead to keep his body in peak condition.
- Across the globe, there’s been a surge in men strapped into the Reformer. In Australia, AFL pros like Zak Butters and Sam Walsh regularly integrate Pilates into their training for improved power, balance, and injury resistance.
In short, the Reformer doesn’t care about your gender—it cares about your core.
Health Benefits Beyond the Studio
Regular Pilates Reformer workouts don’t just tone muscles—they improve posture, reduce back pain, increase flexibility, and enhance balance. The focus on core strength creates a ripple effect through your entire body, improving movement patterns in everyday life and supporting long-term health.
A Quick Pilates Reformer History Lesson
The Pilates Reformer was created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method. His idea was groundbreaking yet straightforward: a piece of equipment that used resistance, not heavy weights, to strengthen, lengthen, and align the body. The springs and carriage allowed movement that was low-impact but highly effective, making it accessible for everyone from dancers to soldiers recovering from injury.
Over time, the Reformer evolved from a wooden contraption into the modern, streamlined machines you’ll see today—but the principle remains the same: dynamic resistance training that builds strength, stability, and flexibility all at once.
Common Questions About the Reformer
Is the Pilates Reformer Hard to Use?
Not at all—one of the biggest surprises for first-timers is how intuitive the Reformer feels once you’re on it. At BODYBAR, our instructors guide you through every movement, from how to safely set up your springs to finding the correct position on the carriage. The machine itself is designed to support your body, with straps and footbars that naturally guide your personal range of motion.
Think of it this way: unlike traditional weight machines at the gym—which can be confusing and even dangerous when used incorrectly—the Reformer is built to keep you aligned, supported, and safe. You’ll never be left guessing what to do, and every exercise can be modified for your strength, flexibility, and comfort level. The result? A workout that feels empowering, not overwhelming—no matter your fitness background.
How Is The Reformer Workout Different From Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates share the same foundation—core strength, alignment, and controlled movement—but the experience is very different. On the mat, you rely mostly on your body weight and gravity for resistance. Although both are effective, Mat Pilates can feel repetitive and doesn’t provide the natural progression of The Reformer.
The Pilates Reformer includes spring resistance, pulleys, and a moving carriage that transforms the workout entirely. The springs add customizable levels of challenge, making even simple moves more dynamic and effective. This not only accelerates strength and stability gains, but also recruits muscles you might never engage on the mat.
Another key difference is versatility. The Pilates Reformer allows you to work your body in multiple planes of motion—lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing—something the mat simply can’t replicate. The result is a workout that’s constantly changing, endlessly adaptable, and (dare we say) way more fun.
Many clients describe Mat Pilates as the foundation and Reformer Pilates as the upgrade—the next step when you want to lengthen, strengthen, and seriously level up your practice.
Will I See Results From a Pilates Reformer Workout?
Absolutely. Most clients notice improved strength, posture, and energy within just a few weeks of consistent classes.
The BODYBAR Difference
At BODYBAR, we’ve reinvented how the Pilates Reformer is experienced. With our community-driven studios, expertly trained instructors, and a workout that blends intensity with accessibility, we’ve turned the Reformer into the ultimate tool for transforming your body and your life.
So whether you’re rebuilding, recharging, or refining, the Reformer is here for you. Step onto the carriage, embrace the shake, and discover why this piece of Pilates history is the future of your fitness.
