Whether practicing traditional or contemporary Pilates, versatile pieces of equipment known as Pilates Reformers can help to establish torso stability and postural alignment.  They can be used in professional or home environments and range in price and style.  
Pilates Reformers work the peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.

What is a Pilates Reformer?

    The apparatus consists of a sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys which allows for more than 200 exercises to be performed. The Pilates Reformer provides finely-tuned exercise resistance that allows the user to work very precisely with alignment and core strength. 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.

    Users can get into an array of positions on the Pilates Reformer. It consists of a gliding platform where the user can sit, kneel, stand or lie on their front, back or side. The user can push or pull off the foot bar with their arms, legs, wrists and ankles. They may also slide back and forth along the rails, in a controlled manner, while the tension in the springs gently works the muscles.

Who Benefits from Pilates Reformers?

    The Pilates Reformer is a fixture in many Pilates studios and is incorporated into most personal Pilates training sessions. It is also becoming a key component to many rehabilitation clinics, as more and more professionals such as physical therapists, chiropractors and osteopaths embrace the Pilates approach as complementary to their specialties.

    If you are thinking about purchasing a Pilates Reformer, keep in mind that most companies try to balance quality craftsmanship with aesthetics. Prices typically range from $2,000-$4,000.  For occasional home use, less expensive machines ($300 to $700) are sufficient and practical.

    Banner Therapy Products (www.BannerTherapy.com) is a good source for Pilates Reformer needs and offers different packages to suit various budgets.

    For those who do not wish to spend a lot of money, but still want a quality product that is primarily for home use, the Stamina Pilates Premier Reformer is a good choice.    

    “Stamina reformers are the only true Pilates Reformers that provide low-impact, total body strength training, sculpting and toning combined with a unique, built-in, Free-Form Cardio Rebounder. Users will burn calories, shed fat and lose weight quickly and effectively,” Tom Maroney, CEO, Banner Therapy Products, said.   

    A mid-range Pilates Reformer, the Stamina Aero Pilates Pro XP, takes Pilates practice to the next level.  Some Pilates machines feature a jump board made of solid wood, but because the Aero Pilates Free-Form Rebounder is like jumping on a trampoline, the cardio workout is gentle to joints and connective tissue and will still allow users to reach and maintain their target heart rate as effectively as with a treadmill.

    Banner Therapy also offers a high-end package: “The at-home package” called the Stott Pilates At Home STX Reformer Package.
“We designed this affordable package for people who want to practice Stott Pilates in their home,” Maroney said. “Stott Pilates is a contemporary version of the traditional Pilates and incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking about spinal rehabilitation and performance enhancement. For example, unlike the original approach, which promotes a flat back, Stott Pilates exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints.”

    In addition, many users will benefit from using Pilates DVDs which are designed for the whole body and for different levels of sophistication.   

    Ultimately, Pilates, in any form, is ideal for everyone from young adults to aging baby boomers, and post-rehab patients to elite athletes.