benefits of pilates reformer
Want to get stronger, move more easily and actually feel connected to your body during a workout? That’s what Reformer Pilates is all about. Whether you’re brand new or just want to mix up your routine, it’s a low-impact workout that adapts to almost any fitness level.
Here at Wild West Pilates in Calgary, our small Reformer classes pair mindful movement with plenty of hands-on guidance in a friendly, welcoming studio. If you’ve been wondering about the benefits of Pilates reformer workouts, let’s start with how the machine works and what it can do for you.
What Is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is Pilates done on a machine called a reformer. It has a sliding platform you lie, kneel or stand on (called the carriage), springs that add resistance, straps for your hands or feet, and a footbar to push against. Together, they let you do a huge range of controlled exercises.
It’s not about speed or lifting heavy. Reformer Pilates focuses on precise movement, breathing, alignment and control. We can make any exercise easier or harder by changing the springs, your position or how far you move, so it works for lots of fitness levels.
In one class, you’ll usually work your core, legs, glutes, arms and back.
What Are the Main Benefits of Reformer Pilates?
The big ones are a stronger core, better muscle endurance, more flexibility, better balance, more body awareness and more control in how you move. Because you’re working against springs instead of heavy weights, your muscles get a real challenge while your joints stay happy.
Here’s a closer look.
1. Builds Core Strength
Almost every Pilates exercise uses your core. You’ll learn to coordinate your abs, back and pelvis to stay in control through each move.
With regular practice, your core gets stronger and more stable. That helps with everyday things like bending, reaching, lifting and keeping your balance.
2. Improves Flexibility and Mobility
Reformer exercises move your body through controlled ranges of motion, so you build flexibility and strength at the same time. The carriage and straps also support you in stretches that can feel awkward on the floor.
Many clients find they move more easily and with less stiffness over time. Your progress will depend on where you’re starting, how often you come and what your body needs.
3. Develops Full-Body Strength
One of the best benefits of reformer Pilates is that it works lots of muscles in a single class.
The springs help strengthen your legs, glutes, arms, shoulders and back while you stay in control. (Yes, your legs might shake during footwork. That’s a good sign.) Our instructors can lighten or add resistance to make each move easier or tougher.
So instead of training just one area, you get a balanced workout from head to toe.
4. Supports Better Balance and Coordination
Many exercises ask you to control the sliding carriage while keeping your body lined up. That gets your muscles working together and helps you notice how your body moves.
As you get comfortable on the reformer, you may notice better balance and control, both in class and in everyday life.
5. Encourages Posture Awareness
Reformer Pilates focuses on alignment, controlled movement and strengthening the muscles that support your trunk and shoulders.
Practising these skills can help you notice your posture more, in class and at your desk. Everyone’s different, though, and Pilates isn’t a guaranteed fix for back pain or any medical condition.
6. Offers a Low-Impact Workout
There’s no jumping or running in Reformer Pilates, so it’s generally easy on your joints. The machine supports your body during many moves, while the springs give you adjustable resistance.
That makes it a great option if you want to go easy on your joints. Low-impact doesn’t mean right for every injury or condition, though. If you have an injury, are recovering from surgery or have health concerns, check with your doctor or physiotherapist before you start.
7. Builds Body Awareness and Focus
Pilates asks you to pay attention to your breathing, alignment and how well you do each move. Instead of rushing through reps, you move with purpose.
A lot of our clients love this part. For 50 minutes, it’s just you, your breath and the reformer, with no distractions.
What Are the Benefits of a Pilates Reformer Compared With Mat Pilates?
People often ask whether the reformer is better than mat Pilates. Both use controlled movement, breathing and core work, but the machine changes things a bit.
The benefits of a Pilates reformer include adjustable spring resistance, support from the sliding carriage and lots of ways to modify each exercise. That gives instructors more options to adjust moves and add new challenges.
Mat Pilates mostly uses your own body weight, gravity and sometimes small props. It’s a great way to build strength and control without special equipment.
Neither one is better for everyone. It comes down to what you enjoy, your goals, your experience and finding a good instructor. Lots of people do both.
What Are the Benefits of Doing Reformer Pilates Regularly?
The benefits of doing reformer Pilates really show up when you come consistently. Regular classes help you get familiar with the machine, clean up your technique and slowly move on to harder exercises.
Depending on where you’re starting, you may notice more strength, flexibility, coordination, balance and body awareness over time.
Showing up steadily beats doing too much too soon. Beginners can start with the basics and build confidence before moving on. Rest, recovery and other activities all matter too.
Is Reformer Pilates Good for Beginners?
Yes. With the right class and good instruction, Reformer Pilates is great for beginners. The springs and carriage can support you, and every exercise can be modified to fit what you can do today.
For your first class, arrive about 15 minutes early, let your instructor know you’re new and ask questions anytime. Focus on learning the machine and moving with control, not keeping up with the person next to you. (Fair warning: the carriage might slide more than you expect the first time. Everyone laughs about it.)
At Wild West Pilates, beginners start with Steady West, our slower, foundations class that helps you get comfortable with Pilates moves and the reformer. Once you’ve done a Steady West class, you’re welcome to join our Wild West Signature classes, which work for a range of experience levels.
How Often Should You Do Reformer Pilates?
It depends on your goals, experience, schedule and how your body recovers. For most people, one or two classes a week is a great way to build a routine.
As you get more comfortable, you can add classes based on how your body feels and what else you have going on. Focus on good technique, gradual progress and enough rest, rather than adding classes too quickly.
Experience Reformer Pilates at Wild West Pilates in Calgary
Reading about the benefits is a good start, but the best way to know if Reformer Pilates is right for you is to try a class.
Our Bridgeland studio keeps classes small, with nine people max. You’ll get attentive coaching in a relaxed, friendly room where it’s easy to build confidence and keep improving.
Whether you want a stronger core, more flexibility, better control or just a new way to move, our instructors will help you explore Reformer Pilates at your own pace.
New to the reformer? Start with Steady West and our intro offer.
Ready to give it a try? Start with 2 weeks for $79 and book your first class in Bridgeland, Calgary.
