Why Don’t You… Try Reformer Pilates

A couple of months ago I was one of those people who’d heard of Pilates, I even had a vague idea about what it was.  And then I tried it. 

What I discovered was a class that was focussed on core-strengthening exercises      using quite small movements, but those movements engaged your muscles in an intense way. Small variations are then added to the exercises to vary the level of intensity - creating a workout that is accessible to everyone and can provide a challenge to all physiques.

I was now one of those people who’d heard of Reformer Pilates and had even seen the piece of equipment called the Reformer… oh you get the idea.  I thought I should try it out and continue my Pilates journey! 

WOW PILATES in St Albans

Destination: WOW PILATES with Lorraine Paul.

Lorraine was one of the first people to go onto the Hobby Republik website, so it was really lovely to visit her studio and have her as my guide to Reformer Pilates.  So what is the Reformer?

What is Reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is a practice born out of the same principles as Matwork Pilates, but it uses a specialised machine called the Reformer. Designed by Joseph Pilates (1883-1967), the Reformer features a system of springs, pulleys, a gliding carriage, and a footbar to add resistance and support to exercises. While MatworkPilates relies solely on your body weight and a mat for stability and resistance, the Reformer offers a dynamic range of movements and challenges, making it a more versatile option for many practitioners.  At WOW PILATES their fully equipped studio includes the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Barrels and looks like this…

Another obvious difference between this and my previous Pilates classes is that Lorraine specialises in Private 1:1 Pilates sessions, rather than group classes.  This makes your session bespoke - and while there is naturally a price difference, many of Lorraine’s clients commit to long term regular Pilates Practice to maintain good fitness and to complement their lifestyle and other activities.                

Key Differences Between Reformer and Matwork Pilates

It doesn’t take long to see and feel the differences of Reformer Pilates:

• Resistance and Support: Unlike Matwork Pilates, where exercises rely on gravity, body weight and small equipment - such as Flex-bands, balls and the Fitness Circle - the Reformer springs provide adjustable resistance to challenge the muscles. The straps and gliding carriage are on hand to provide extra support, improving accessibility and enabling a different set of exercises.

• Range of Motion: The gliding carriage of the Reformer allows for a greater range of motion in exercises, enabling controlled stretches to lengthen tight muscles.

• Accessibility: Reformer Pilates in a 1:1 setting is a great place for a beginner to start their Pilates journey, although a little pricey, the up-front training will pay dividends in the end – but a beginners group class can be an excellent alternative to private sessions. For those with physical limitations, the Reformer can provide additional support during exercises, but talk to your Pilates instructor to get more advice and information for your particular circumstances.

• Intensity: While both practices can be tailored to different fitness levels, theReformer adds a level of intensity that challenges stability and co-ordination in unique ways. Exercisessuch as Feet in Straps andLegCircles, for instance, felt far more dynamic on theReformer due to the added resistance from theropes andfootstraps.Or the Hundred exercise, aided by hands in straps, to increase the intensity on the abdominal muscles and help to improve the curl up. And the Mermaid, providing that lovely side lengthening stretch and hip stretch, deepened by the movement of the carriage away from the footbar

Hobby Republik tries Reformer Pilates!

The Reformer Experience

I immediately noticed how the Reformer brought a new dimension to movements I had once performed on the mat. For instance, footwork on the Reformer not only engaged my legs but also activated my core as I focused on controlling the gliding carriage against the resistance of the springs. The straps, meanwhile, allowed for smoother and more supported leg stretching and strengthening exercises, offering a unique kind of burn that felt deeply satisfying.

Benefits of Both Practices: Challenge and Triumph

Pilates has a way of connecting you to your body in a powerful and transformative way and both practices share moments of challenge and triumph. On the mat, holding a plank or executing a roll-up requires significant strength and precision. On the Reformer, these same movements are amplified, with springs adding resistance or support, depending on the exercise. During my session, there were moments when I struggled to maintain balance or control against the machine’s resistance, but each attempt brought a sense of accomplishment and growth.

Reflections and Takeaways

Trying out a private 1:1 session of Reformer Pilates deepened my understanding of Pilates as a whole. It showed me how the Reformer complements and enhances what the Matwork offers, creating a more holistic experience. Reformer Pilates builds on the principles of Matwork but adds versatility, resistance, and support that opens up new possibilities for practitioners of all levels - from those managing health conditions or the injury to the elite athlete.

Final Thoughts

I now have a newfound appreciation for both Matwork and Reformer Pilates. Each offers its own unique challenges and rewards, and together, they form a comprehensive approach to fitness and well-being. If you’ve been considering trying Reformer Pilates, let this be your sign to take the leap. It’s a journey of discovery – one that your body and mind will thank you for, and WOW PILATES is a great place to start that journey.

• WOW PILATES is run by Lorraine Paul and offers 1:1 sessions

• Lorraine has been teaching Pilates for over 8 years from her studio in St Albans

• Private 1:1 sessions cost around £65 or less, depending upon exact programme

• For more info click here

Matwork or Reformer which one to try?

I’d think about the following elements…

• 1:1 or class activity?

• Complex needs, injury or general fitness?

• Budget?

It’s great for…

• Core strength

• General fitness

• Enhancing athletic performance

• Rehab following injury or surgery           

• Accessible for older people or those with mobility issues or health conditions 

• Fitness and recovery pre and post joint replacement surgery

• Relief from stress & back pain

• Better posture

• Improved balance & co-ordination

• Heightened mind-body awareness

• Increased self-confidence

It’s not great for…

• Pilates is not usually a high-octane workout – try Bounce or Zumba

• Enlarging your muscles. Try Gymtro. However, bodybuilders with tight muscles can enhance their performance and how they feel with stretching on the Reformer.