Is Reformer Pilates Really a thing?

You’ve probably heard people say, “I do Reformer Pilates,” but let’s set the record straight: Pilates isn’t just about the reformer—or any one piece of equipment. Pilates is a holistic movement method designed to improve strength, flexibility, alignment, and overall body awareness.

Sure, reformer-only studios are gaining popularity in the UK, but let’s not forget the foundation of the Pilates method. It was created to work seamlessly across a range of apparatus: the reformer, mat, cadillac, chair, barrels, and more. Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose, offering unique benefits and feedback to your body.

Here’s how some of the key apparatus support your practice:

1. The Reformer
   Famous for good reason, the reformer uses springs and a moving carriage to provide resistance and support. It refines alignment and helps you build controlled strength while encouraging a full range of motion.

2. The Cadillac
   With its bars, straps, and springs, the cadillac isolates movement patterns or assists stretches. It’s fantastic for opening up the body and discovering new ranges of motion.

3. The Chair
   Don’t be fooled by its small size! The chair challenges your balance, stability, and coordination, making even small movements feel incredibly powerful and precise.

4. The Barrels
   These are all about creating length and opening the body. They’re perfect for spinal mobility, stretching, and exercises that help you find flow in your movements.

Why Use All the Apparatus?
By working on different equipment, you develop a more well-rounded practice. Each tool highlights something new—perhaps a strength you didn’t realize, a habit that’s limiting you, or an area needing more awareness. This variety is what makes Pilates so transformative and why it’s important to explore more than just the reformer.

So, while the reformer is amazing (and maybe where many start their journey), there’s a whole world of Pilates apparatus waiting to expand your movement experience. Why limit yourself to one tool when you can have a complete toolkit?

Dive deeper, and see what your body is truly capable of!

tailoring your workout

At the Pilates Studio, we believe no two bodies are the same. That’s why we’ve developed our 8-week introductory package—a personalised approach to ensure your workout is tailored specifically to you.

We take the time to explore areas where you may benefit from improved strength, greater flexibility, or enhanced stability. Whether you’re new to Pilates or returning after an injury, this process allows us to gain a deeper understanding of your body and its unique needs.

Over the course of the 8 weeks, we work through a program of Pilates exercises, based on the classical order, and utilising the full complement of studio apparatus, to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re focused on rehabilitation, improving flexibility, building strength, or working toward a specific fitness milestone, our aim is to help you move more effectively, reduce discomfort, and feel more in tune with your body.

We also place great emphasis on teaching you how to safely navigate the studio equipment. From mastering setting up your Reformer for different exercises to using the chairs & barrels, you’ll learn how to execute each exercise with good form and control. This ensures you not only get the most out of each exercise but also build a solid foundation that prepares you for the more dynamic nature of group sessions.

By focusing on your individual needs first, this programme empowers you to move forward with confidence. You’ll gain strength, improve flexibility, and develop a deeper connection to your body—all at a pace that feels right for you.

Our ultimate goal is to help you build a sustainable practice that supports your overall well-being. With this tailored approach, you’ll step into group sessions feeling fully prepared and supported, ready to achieve your goals and enjoy the transformative benefits of Pilates.

My Views on muscle “tone”

My views on muscle “tone”…. Because it comes up often from women asking if Pilates will deliver it…. And because Pilates is still largely marketed using this language.

Muscle tone isn’t actually a physiological concept—muscles either grow larger and stronger (hypertrophy), shrink and weaken (atrophy), or stay the same. The idea of ‘toning’ is an aesthetic myth marketed primarily toward women by the fitness industry that mainly wants us to be thin but with defined muscle. It’s really boring.

It’s time we shift the narrative: for the most part strength training isn’t about creating a certain look (with maybe the exception of professional body-builders); it’s about building a body that’s powerful, resilient, and capable.

If you want to be able to swing your grandkids around & wipe your own arse at 80, you should probably just worry about staying strong (mobile, agile and balanced - all the things that Pilates delivers 😉), and worry less about what that muscle looks like.

balance starts from the ground up

The small muscles in the feet, along with the tendons and ligaments, work together to stabilise us as we move. Weak or unstable feet can compromise our balance, increasing the risk of falls or instability during exercises and daily activities. Strengthening these muscles can help improve agility and reaction time.

Feet are essential for efficient movement. Healthy feet with proper mobility allow for natural movement patterns, which can make walking, running, and even simple daily activities feel easier and more efficient. Limited foot mobility, often from tightness or weakness, can lead to compensations elsewhere in the body, affecting overall mobility. Feet absorb a huge amount of force with every step, jump, or landing.

Strong, flexible feet can better distribute impact and reduce the stress on the ankles, knees, and hips. This shock absorption not only protects the feet themselves but also helps in preventing injuries to the joints and muscles above. Foot health can help prevent common issues like plantar fasciitis, bunions, Achilles tendinitis, and shin splints. Many of these issues arise from overuse or imbalances in foot muscles.

Regularly strengthening and stretching the feet can keep these muscles functioning well, reducing the likelihood of painful conditions. In our seated /standing class, we spend time mobilising & strengthening our feet and then testing our balance 💪