What is Reformer Pilates?

LONG BOX/SHORT

Long Box / Short Box is typically used for seated, prone, supine or side-lying exercises that are not possible on the carriage, allowing for effective alignment from the top of your head to your toes.
Raising your center of gravity also increases the workload for the core as you try to remain stable in balance work.
The box can also be used to provide stability in standing exercises.

MAGIC CIRCLE | PILATES RING

A Magic Circle/Pilates Ring is a versatile prop that can be used to assist or increase the workload in an exercise.
Pushing against the Magic Circle requires deep core engagement
Depending on the area of use, adding resistance also encourages muscle activation in the arms, chest, back, legs and glutes.
Using the Magic Circle requires slow and controlled movements, promoting precision in motion whilst enhancing proprioceptive feedback.

PILATES BALL

Similar to the Pilates Ring, a small to medium sized Pilates ball can be used to assist or increase the workload in an exercise.
A ball can support alignment
Encourage muscle activation
Assist with spinal articulation
Promotes stability
The ball is also used to destabilise, encouraging deep core engagement.
The ball is often used to add an element of coordination to your practice .

WEIGHTED BALLS | HAND WEIGHTS

Weighted Balls or Hand Weights are incorporated into exercises to develop upper body strength and coordination.

FOAM ROLLER

A Foam Roller can be incorporated to destabilise the position you are in, increasing the workload as you try maintaining balance spinal mobility.
The Foam Roller is often placed under the feet or spine to increase proprioception and core activation.

JUMPBOARD

A Jumpboard is a padded board attached to the end of the Reformer for plyometric (jumping) exercises while lying in supine or side-lying position on the carriage, making it great for cardiovascular training with low joint impact.

PILATES MAPLE POLE

Similar to many props, the Pilates Maple Pole is used to assist or increase the workload in exercises.
Embedding the Maypole into exercises requires concentration to maintain smooth and precise movements and transitions.
The Maypole can assist with improving the awareness of your form and posture during exercises
It is used to help with maintaining stability in standing exercises
Offers support with increasing range of movement.
Extending the lever also promotes deep core engagement to maintain control and stability.
Develops upper body strength

RESISTANCE BANDS | THERABANDS

Resistance Bands/Therabands add extra resistance or assistance to exercises on the Reformer, helping target specific muscle groups or support rehabilitation work.
The use of Resistance Bands/Therabands also develops your coordination when incorporated into exercises.

YOGA BLOCK | WEDGE

A Yoga block or Wedge supports alignment
Supports modifications for hand or foot placement, encouraging better form
Sitting on a Yoga block or Wedge can support clients with tight hips and hamstring hips to sit more comfortably whilst trying to lengthening through the spine.

WHAT IS REFORMER PILATES?