Pilates Equipment: The Reformer

Pilates is an exercise system devised by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900's. He used his system to help detainees during World War I to improve their fitness; he then went on to open a studio and work with dancers in New York City. The exercises have now been adapted by various Pilates teaching organisations in order to be more suited to the general public.

Pilates is a strong, yet gentle, form of exercise which assists the core muscles of the body to work more effectively to support the spine. It encourages good posture, strength and flexibility. Pilates is non-impact and often recommended by medical professionals for those with low back ache.

The reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment which works to improve your core stability, to strengthen and lengthen muscles. It is rather long and shaped like a narrow bed. There is a sliding platform on which you can sit, lie or stand to exercise. The intensity of your workout can be altered to suit your requirements by adjusting the resistance springs connected to the carriage. Straps are incorporated with foot and hand grips. The reformer origninated from Joseph Pilates' use of beds and springs to exercise and rehabilitate internees held in camps during the First World War. Reformers are now used in general fitness, rehabilitation and by ballet dancers.

Studio Reformers cost around £2,500 but home versions are available for a few hundred pounds. Used reformers may be found on e-bay but collection/delivery needs to be considered before purchase as many are large and heavy. Space needs to be allowed around the reformer for leg and arm circling plus stretches. The wooden reformer in the photographs was from Balanced Body. Metal versions are available as are special reformers for use in rehabilitation, reformers which incorporate a workout mat and reformers which incorporate a tower (rather like a ladder for extra exercises).

The photographs  illustrate using the resistance to tone up working against the resistance of the springs. The lower photograph shows the use of the hand straps. These are interchangable with the foot straps using clips to swop between the two. Cleets adjust the length of the ropes to individualise according to the height of the person and length of legs and arms.

The photographs below show the leg staps. These exercises are great for lengthening leg muscles such as hamstrings.

This was a collaborative Hub between the two Patricias.

Tricia works a Pilates instructor, teaching classes and coaching on a one-to-one basis. She owns the reformer, and uses it in one-to-one lessons.

Tricia wrote the text for this Hub.

Pat took the photos. As the room with the reformer is snug, this involved balancing on chairs, or standing pressed into a corner of the room. Several of Pat's photos were rejected by Tricia!