The Pilates Reformer Tower
This combines the dynamic resistance of the Reformer with the vertical challenge of the Tower. This fusion allows for a comprehensive workout targeting strength, flexibility and balance. The adjustable springs and frame provide varying levels of resistance making it suitable for all fitness levels. Ideal for improving core stability, posture and muscle tone, the Reformer with Tower supports controlled, precise movements that promote overall body alignment and functional fitness. The exercises we do using the Reformer/Tower enable me to pinpoint any imbalances and misalignments you have, identifying areas for improvement in terms of your strength, flexibility and posture.
Read more about the Pilates Reformer Tower.
Here is a short clip of a feel good exercise called the Teaser using the Reformer -Tower, with the springs attached to the ‘push through bar’ for support and assistance.
How does The Reformer work?
It operates on a system of springs and pulleys with a moveable sliding carriage. The springs of various tensions provide resistance as you push on the foot bar or pull on the ropes. Ropes with loops connect the carriage to your hands or feet via pulleys at the head end of the Reformer. The head rest provides neck and head support and the shoulder rests provide stability.
What is the Reformer good for?
- Very beneficial for stretching, strengthening and mobilising
- Is low impact and easy on the joints
- Assists and helps you to do movements you might find challenging to do on the mat
- Versatile – exercises can be done lying, sitting, kneeling, sitting and standing
- It is adaptable to your individual needs. Exercises can be adapted for home practice
- Can be used to progressively challenge your balance, strength, co-ordination and flexibility
- Can help to retrain movement patterns following an injury
- Adjustable resistance exercise makes it ideal for osteoporosis
So what is the difference?
On the Reformer, springs of varying resistance (heavy, medium and light ) add resistance to the exercise. The carriage operates as a moveable surface which challenges your stability and balance in some of the exercises.
The matwork exercises are affected by gravity and body weight.
Spring resistance is modified to suit you so you can work harder and increase your ability to become stronger, also stretch and lengthen to become more flexible.
As a Pilates Therapist the Reformer enables me to pinpoint any compensatory patterns, correct mis alignment, make adaptations and progressions and plan the programme to your needs.
It is ideal for those who find it difficult to access the floor mat as the reformer is raised off the floor.
Both matwork and Reformer complement each other well. Both do wonders for your standing posture and movement, helping you to look and feel taller and leaner!
Pilates Therapy
Reformer Therapy is based on therapeutic exercise for various conditions. We can use the reformer to help correct dysfunction in your movement patterns and re establish correct movement. The carefully designed exercises we do in the studio can be translated into matwork for you to practice at home without the necessity of you having to own this equipment.
Your first session includes a postural and movement assessment to identify any compensatory patterns and movement restrictions. Our aim is to restore healthy movement and enable you to move with more ease and mobility for functional movement and every day activities.
After each session you leave with a home exercise plan for you to practice between sessions.
Supported with daily home practice, changes will happen!
Open Elbow on the Reformer to stabilise your shoulders and improve upper body posture.
Short Spine on the Reformer for spinal articulation rolling up and rolling down.
My first session on the reformer was a great experience. Steph asked me what areas I wished to focus on and tailored the session accordingly. The reformer provides extra resistance as you work but also helps to achieve a fantastic stretch of tight muscles. I certainly felt I had worked the following day with a few pleasant aches here and there. I loved it so much, I’d booked another session before I had left Steph’s studio! Highly recommend it!!
Pauline
