While Pilates has been around since the early 1900s, one specific type of Pilates is taking the fitness world by storm – Reformer Pilates. But what exactly makes Reformer Pilates the hottest new wellness trend taking over our social media? Read on and find out what Reformer Pilates is and why it has seen a huge spike in popularity.
What is Reformer Pilates?
For those not in the know, Reformer Pilates utilizes a bed-like apparatus with a series of springs, straps, and pulleys called a reformer.
Reformers look similar to a traditional physiotherapy bed but integrate springs that provide resistance for exercises. You can work out on the reformer carriage, which slides back and forth on tracks using your own bodyweight and controlled movements against the spring tension.
Benefits of Reformer Pilates
There are a few key reasons why Reformer Pilates is trending and why TikTok users seem to be obsessed with it:
- Full body workout – Reformers engage the entire body with multi-planar movements, targeting muscles from head to toe in a balanced, coordinated way.
- Sculpted physique – Low-impact yet effective, reformers lead to long, lean muscle development rather than bulk. It improves posture, flexibility and functional strength.
- Low impact on joints – Gentle on joints while challenging, making it suitable for any fitness level or age as it is easy on the body.
- Customization – Workouts can be adapted based on fitness goals, muscle imbalances or injury areas by adjusting springs and footbars.
- Meditative benefits – Flowing movements in sync with breath help reduce stress and promote mindfulness.
Differences Between Mat Pilates & Reformer Pilates
- Mat Pilates uses just a mat on the floor with bodyweight as resistance, while reformers add adjustable spring resistance.
- Reformers allow for a wider range of motion in exercises by sliding the carriage back and forth against varying levels of spring tension.
- Intensity and engagement of deeper muscles is increased on reformers through lever movements against spring resistance.
- Reformers provide more support for the spine and allow assisted movements like stretches to be taken further with less risk of injury compared to floor work.
Whether your goals are toned arms, a lifted booty or simply better posture, reformers ensure balanced development and support from head to toe. So, forget boring cardio – get on the reformer train for a whole-body workout that delivers lasting results, inside and out.
