SAINT Studios’ Head of Reformer, Gigi Tynan, has put together a list of the benefits of reformer pilates:
1. Improves Core Strength and Stability: The Reformer’s spring resistance and moving carriage challenge the deep stabilising muscles of your core in every movement – This builds true core strength that supports better posture, spinal health, and functional movement in daily life.
2. Enhances Flexibility and Mobility: The Reformer pilates bed allows for dynamic stretching and controlled lengthening of muscles under tension. Over time, this helps increase flexibility and joint mobility in a safe, supported way, reducing stiffness and improving range of motion.
3. Promotes Better Posture: Reformer Pilates strengthens the muscles that support proper alignment – especially those around the spine, shoulders, and hips. With regular practice, it can correct imbalances that lead to poor posture, helping you stand and move more efficiently.
4. Develops Balanced Muscle Strength: Unlike some forms of exercise that may overwork certain muscle groups, Reformer Pilates emphasises uniform development – It targets both large global muscles and smaller stabilisers, helping prevent muscular imbalances that can lead to injury.
5. Low-Impact, Joint-Friendly Movement: The Reformer Pilates bed’s smooth gliding carriage and adjustable resistance create a low-impact environment that’s gentle on joints while still providing an effective, challenging workout – ideal for people with joint sensitivities, injuries, or arthritis.
6. Improves Body Awareness and Control: Pilates is often described as “mindful movement.” – The Reformer Pilates bed demands focus, precision, and control, enhancing proprioception (your sense of where your body is in space) – This can translate to better coordination and safer movement patterns off the machine.
7. Aids in Injury Prevention and Rehabilitation: Reformer Pilates is widely used in physical therapy settings because it can be tailored to support injury recovery. Its controlled, guided movements help strengthen weak areas, improve stability, and safely restore function without overloading the body.
8. Supports Efficient, Functional Movement: Many Reformer Pilates exercises mimic the way we move in daily life – squatting, lunging, pushing, pulling – but in a controlled, aligned way. This functional approach improves how you move through everyday tasks, from lifting groceries to climbing stairs.
9. Boosts Mental Focus and Stress Reduction: The mindful nature of Reformer Pilates – the need to concentrate on breath, form, and movement quality – has a calming effect on the nervous system. This can help reduce stress, promote mental clarity, and create a sense of inner balance.
10. Adaptable for All Fitness Levels and Life Stages: One of the greatest strengths of Reformer Pilates is its adaptability – The adjustable springs, foot-bars, and accessories make it suitable for beginners, athletes, prenatal and postnatal clients, and older adults alike – supporting strength, mobility, and vitality at every stage.
Ready to experience the difference?
Whether you’re brand new to Reformer Pilates or looking to deepen your practice, the SAINT Reformer classes are a great place to start. It’s time to give your body the support, strength, and mobility it deserves. At SAINT Studios, we’re here to guide you through every step (and stretch). Book into our Reformer class and start your movement journey with us today.