The Anatomy of a Pilates Reformer

An Overview of the Pilates Reformer

At first sight, the Pilates Reformer can be an intimidating looking piece of equipment. Despite the somewhat medieval name, the Reformer is actually an amazingly elegant machine. The Reformer provides finely tuned exercise resistance that allows one to work very precisely with alignment, core strength, and all of the Pilates exercise principles.

You will feel much more comfortable at your first class if you take a moment to look over the Reformer and get a sense how it works. These are the basic parts of a Reformer:

Please note that there are many styles of Reformers. The Reformer pictured here is a classic Pilates Reformer made by Peak Pilates. Some Reformers are wood and some are metal. There might be leather straps or ropes, and the reformer may be on legs or not. Nevertheless, the basic parts and their functions will be the same.

The Springs, Footbar and Gear System

The height of footbar is adjusted with the gear system. There will be two to four notches on the inside of the frame will allow you to adjust the height of the footbar. Your instructor will help you figure out what height is best for you.

The springs provide resistance from the machine. The rest of the resistance is provided by your own body weight. The springs hook on the spring bar, and different springs can be unhooked to increase or decrease the resistance.

Usually the springs are color coded by the amount of resistance they provide. Yellow is the lightest spring, then blue, red, and finally the most resistance from green. Many levels of resistance are achieved through varying combinations of the springs. There are sometimes variations in color-coding, but you will get to know the machines at your studio. Your instructor will tell you which springs to use for each exercise. Beginning students are never expected to know which springs to use.

The Carriage

The carriage is the part you put your body on. Reformer exercises can be done laying down, sitting, kneeling or standing. The carriage is moved by pushing against the footbar or by pulling the straps or ropes at the other end of the reformer. The carriage glides back and forth along the inside of the frame, responding to the effort you exert and the amount of resistance set up by the springs.

Head Rest and Shoulder Blocks

Many Pilates Reformer exercises are done lying down with the head on the headrest. The important thing to be aware of is that the headrest can be down flat or tilted up a bit. In many cases it will be your preference whether the headrest is up or down. You will want to find out what is most comfortable for your neck. However, it is important to have the headrest down anytime you are going to bring your legs over your head. There are also exercises where you turn around and put your feet through the headrest area.

The shoulder blocks keep you stable on the reformer as you push or pull the carriage. Often your shoulders are against the blocks, but there are also exercises that use the shoulder blocks as props for the feet, knees and even hands.

The Straps or Ropes

The straps are connected to pulleys at the far end of the reformer. The straps have handles on the end that you can grasp to pull or push the carriage. You may also be asked to thread the straps through the handles in order to work with your feet in the straps. Again, the basic principle is that you will be pushing or pulling yourself on the carriage against the resistance provided by your own body weight and the springs.