A Pilates reformer machine is a specially designed piece of equipment created by Joseph Pilates, the inventor of the Pilates workout. It’s a bed-like structure with moving parts, including a sliding flat surface that you sit or lie on. It also features resistance bands that are used throughout your workout. It delivers a comprehensive, full-body workout that particularly focuses on engaging your core and back muscles and utilises a blend of balance and breathing techniques. 

The resistance bands can be adjusted to suit different fitness and strength levels, enabling you to gradually increase the difficulty of your Pilates reformer workout as you get stronger. Owing to the fact that Pilates reformer machines are so versatile, they can be used by people of all ages and abilities. The reformer Pilates machine is designed to be low impact, making it the perfect option for people who want to increase their fitness, as well as people who are recovering from injury or are engaging in injury prevention.

There are a few key things to remember when you’re stepping onto a Pilates machine, whether that’s in a studio or a Pilates machine for home. To start off with, you’ll need to prepare your reformer machine by adjusting both the foot bar and the resistance springs. Begin with a lower resistance to ease yourself into it, you can gradually increase difficulty as you gain more strength. Lower resistance is also better to start off with so you can focus on your technique and form. Keep the foot bar fairly low when you begin, and gradually increase the height as your balance and core strength improve. 

When you’re ready to begin, focus on your posture. Joseph Pilates placed a strong emphasis on spine alignment, so making sure you’re posed with your weight evenly distributed is key. When you’re moving, maintain that pose to reduce the chances of muscles needing to overcompensate if you’re off-balance. You’ll also want to maintain a smooth, flowing motion when you’re using the resistance bands. If you find you’re straining or can’t move without altering your stance, try lowering the resistance until you can move fluidly. 

You may want to follow a guided Pilates workout online or focus on certain exercises depending on your ability to accommodate for any injuries. Once you’re finished with your workout, make sure to clean your reformer machine and store it away carefully. For space-saving, you also buy foldable Pilates reformer machines. 

Using a Pilates reformer makes a huge difference in your ability to improve your health - both mentally and physically. 

One of the key benefits of Pilates is how versatile it is. Whether you’re young or old, fit and healthy or recovering from an injury, there’s a way for you to engage with Pilates. It combines mental focus, body awareness and precise movement to deliver a full-body workout that promotes mind-body alignment. 

With consistency, you’ll notice an improvement in flexibility and posture, which can help alleviate issues like back pain. The resistance bands also help your body gain strength, cultivating toned muscles. Many people experience mental benefits, finding they’re more focused, can sleep better and fall asleep more easily, too. 

Although Pilates is primarily used as a strengthening exercise, it can be a beneficial part of a weight loss strategy when paired with a calorie deficit.  

While Pilates is not generally considered a high-intensity workout compared to other forms of exercise, it still burns calories. The exact number will depend on the individual's weight, muscle mass, and the intensity of the workout, but regular sessions can contribute to overall calorie expenditure.

We recommend speaking with your trainer or nutritionist before figuring out the best path for your weight loss. 

The cost of a reformer Pilates machine differs depending on the model and quality you want. Ideally, aiming for the best quality reformer you can afford is the best choice. While the overall frame can last for years, with extended use, the springs can become more stretched and less resilient. Generally speaking, a Pilates reformer machine will cost anywhere from $2500 to $3000. Both our Revive Foldable Pilates reformer and Revolve Pilates Reformer come with a 3-year warranty on all parts for at-home use. 

When using a Reformer Pilates machine, it's best to wear fitted, breathable activewear. Loose or baggy attire can get caught in the equipment, so close-fitting yet flexible clothing is preferable. We also recommend clothes without zippers or buttons to prevent damage to the machine or discomfort during exercises. 

Since Pilates is usually performed barefoot, you don’t have to worry about footwear. Simply wear your most comfortable sneakers and socks. 

If you have longer hair, we recommend chucking it in a quick bun or ponytail as it might get in the way otherwise!

As always, please follow the guidance of your primary care provider, and if you reach a stage in your pregnancy where Pilates is not advised, take a break. If you’re going to a class, it’s advisable to find an instructor who is experienced in prenatal Pilates. 

If you are able to continue, reformer Pilates is incredibly versatile. You can adjust the resistance of the bands to increase or decrease the difficulty, meaning it can be modified for pregnancy. As your body transitions through the second and third trimesters, more adjustments will need to be made to accommodate a growing baby bump. You’ll need to remove and eventually reduce anything that requires you to lie on your front. And, while most exercises you’d be doing in a standard class are safe for pregnancy, we recommend avoiding anything that engages your core too much. 

Your personal goals will play a significant role in determining how often you should use the Reformer machine. 

If you are new to Pilates or reformer exercises, starting with two to three sessions a week is the best way to ease into it. This frequency allows for gradual adaptation and provides time for rest and recovery between sessions.

Those with more experience may find three to five sessions per week suitable, especially if Pilates is a primary form of exercise.  

Pilates is a form of anaerobic exercise, meaning it utilises body fat as an energy store rather than oxygen in your blood like cardio workouts do. While some people engage in reformer Pilates as a part of their main exercise regime, the overall number of calories you can burn will vary depending on a number of factors. 

Your age, current weight, and overall cardiovascular health will impact how your body burns calories. Adding to this, your existing diet, the duration of your Pilates class and the resistance you’re using will also impact your calorie burn. If you’re aiming to lose weight, we recommend speaking to a doctor or dietitian first, who can help you create a food and exercise plan to aid in achieving your goals. 

Joseph Pilates once said, “You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty sessions, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions.” The key part of Pilates is consistency, which, over time, can yield incredible results. 

Most people start a difference within themselves after just a few weeks. We recommend aiming to do two to three classes per week. Most people notice that with this level of commitment, they’ll feel different after just a few sessions. After one to two months, your body will start to look different physically as well, and beyond that, you’ll be able to gain consistent improvement in strength and better posture.