What is Reformer Pilates?

When people talk about Pilates, they often mention "Reformer Pilates" as if it's a completely separate type of Pilates. They’ll even call studios asking specifically for it, eager to sign up for classes.

But here’s the thing: Reformer Pilates isn’t a distinct form of Pilates. It’s simply Pilates performed on one particular piece of equipment — the Reformer.

And while the Reformer is an amazing tool, focusing on it exclusively is like asking a carpenter to build a house using only a hammer. What about the saw, level, or measuring tape?

The same logic applies to Pilates. Yes, the Reformer is well-known, but it’s just one tool out of many in the Pilates toolbox.

Why Is Reformer Pilates So Popular?

If I had to guess, most people ask for Reformer Pilates because they’ve seen it on Instagram or heard it referred to as the “cooler,” more dynamic alternative to Mat Pilates.

Not to mention the apparatus itself is visually striking. The moving carriage, springs, and straps make for a workout that looks both sleek and challenging. For many, it feels modern, trendy, and elevated compared to traditional mat exercises.

But here’s the thing: Reformer Pilates is just one part of the much bigger picture. Pilates isn’t defined by a single piece of equipment or even a single type of movement. It’s a method — a system of exercises designed to create balance, strength, and control in the body.

Related: What is Pilates?

While the Reformer is a fantastic tool for achieving these goals, it’s not the only one. Comprehensive Pilates studios often have an entire range of apparatuses — like the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair, and the Ladder Barrel — all designed to support different bodies, challenges, and movement goals.

And that’s where the disconnect often lies. Many people don’t realize that the Reformer is just one piece of the puzzle. The full beauty of Pilates comes from using the right tool at the right time for the right person. Whether it’s improving posture, rehabbing an injury, or building strength, the magic isn’t in the Reformer itself — it’s in the method and the way it’s applied.

What Do You Want to Get Out of Pilates?

The real question isn’t, “Do I want Reformer Pilates?” It’s, “What do I want to get out of Pilates?” Are you looking for relief from back pain? Hoping to build strength? Maybe you’re recovering from an injury, trying to improve your posture, or even preparing for a specific activity like running, tennis, or skiing. These are the questions that matter most when starting Pilates — not which apparatus you’ll be using.

Pilates isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It’s a highly adaptable method designed to meet your individual needs, and each piece of equipment has its own unique purpose. For example:

• The Reformer offers resistance and support, making it great for alignment, balance, and controlled strength-building.
• The Wunda Chair is compact and versatile, often used to improve upper and lower body strength, and balance.
• The Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector help with flexibility and spinal articulation, ideal for clients working on their posture or to address tightness in the back and hips.
• And of course, Mat Pilates builds full body strength and body awareness without any equipment at all.

A qualified Pilates instructor understands how to match the right tool to your goals and needs. Sometimes that might mean using the Reformer, but other times it could mean working on the Trapeze Table (aka Cadillac), the Chair, or simply sticking to mat exercises. It’s not about the apparatus itself — it’s about the method and what it can do for your body.

So instead of focusing on whether or not you want “Reformer Pilates,” think about why you’re drawn to Pilates in the first place. What are your goals? What challenges or discomforts are you hoping to address? Once you’ve answered those questions, your instructor can guide you toward the best approach — one that truly supports your unique body and goals.

A Brief History of Pilates Apparatuses

To better understand why limiting yourself to Reformer Pilates does you (or your students) a disservice, let’s take a look back at the origins of these tools and the man behind them.

Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates method, didn’t originally teach group classes. His approach was much more individualized. Nor did he start with a Reformer. In fact, his first piece of equipment was a precursor to the Trapeze Table, which he used to rehabilitate bedridden patients during World War I.

By attaching springs to hospital beds, he created resistance-based exercises to help patients regain strength and mobility. This innovative use of springs became a cornerstone of the Pilates method, influencing the design of many apparatuses that followed.

Pilates didn’t create equipment for the sake of variety or aesthetics; each piece was invented with intention — to solve a problem or meet a need.

For example, the Wunda Chair was designed so that his clients in New York City — many of whom lived in small apartments — could practice Pilates at home without needing a full studio setup. The compact Wunda Chair was perfect for them because it was small and portable. In fact, it could even be used as an actual chair when not being used for Pilates!

Meanwhile, the Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector were crafted to address spinal alignment and flexibility, particularly clients with postural issues.

That’s why Pilates isn’t about mastering every exercise on every piece of equipment. Most people don’t care about perfecting the Teaser on five different apparatuses. They care about feeling stronger, reducing pain, and moving better in their daily lives. Pilates is about helping them achieve those goals using the right exercise on the right apparatus at the right time.

Options equal Freedom and Solutions

If you’re a Pilates teacher — or even a dedicated student diving deeper into your practice — one of the most important questions you can ask is, “Why?” Why are we using this piece of equipment? Why are we doing this exercise in this way? Why is this approach better for this client or this moment?

When you’re just starting out, it’s natural to follow the sequences you’ve been taught. You might stick to the same routines because they feel comfortable or because they’ve worked well in the past. That’s a great place to begin! But as you grow in your practice, peeling back the layers of the “why” behind your choices will help you refine your approach. This curiosity and intentionality unlock something powerful: options.

Options provide freedom. They allow you to adapt, innovate, and truly meet the needs of each unique client. For teachers, this means the ability to draw from a deep well of exercises and apparatuses to create sessions that aren’t just effective but also tailored to the individual in front of you. For students, it means understanding your own body better and feeling empowered to explore what works best for you—whether that’s on the Reformer, the Chair, or the mat.

In my studio, I prioritized having at least one of every apparatus rather than investing in multiple Reformers. Why? Because no two clients are the same. Each piece of equipment offers a different experience and addresses different needs. Over time, I added another Reformer, Chair, and Spine Corrector to my collection, but I didn’t choose identical models. Instead, I deliberately selected different versions, taking into account variations in carriage length, height, and footbar width. These differences allowed me to better accommodate my clients’ unique body types, heights, and abilities.

Related: What to Look for in a Pilates Chair?

Related: What to Look For When Buying a Magic Circle?

My goal has always been, and still is, to help anyone who wants to give Pilates a try. I didn’t want to be limited to just one tool or a single approach.

That’s why I’m not loyal to just one brand, nor do I adhere strictly to a specific sequence or order. Doing so would take away creativity and limit both my own and my clients’ ability to express themselves uniquely through movement. Each client thrives in their own way — whether it’s the supportive resistance of the Cadillac or the challenging dynamics of the Chair — and I want to honor and support that individuality.

The Takeaway: Don’t Limit Yourself to One Tool

Pilates is far more than just the Reformer. While it’s a fantastic piece of equipment, it’s not the only one worth using. Limiting yourself to the Reformer is like focusing on just one color in a painter’s palette — you’ll miss the full vibrancy of what’s available.

The best Pilates experience happens when instructors have the freedom to choose the right tool for the job. So, next time you find yourself thinking about signing up for “Reformer Pilates,” take a step back and ask: What do I really want from this experience?

Are you looking to feel stronger? Move with less pain? Improve flexibility or recover from an injury? By being open to all the tools Pilates offers, you allow yourself the opportunity to reach those goals more effectively and efficiently.

And the benefits don’t stop at the studio door. The strength, mobility, and body awareness you gain in Pilates will empower you in your everyday life — whether you’re carrying groceries, chasing your kids, or perfecting your golf swing. Pilates gives you the tools, but it’s the method (applied by a well-trained instructor) that brings everything together. So why settle for just one piece of the puzzle when the whole picture is waiting for you?