Reformer Studio vs. Fully Equipped Pilates Studio: What’s the Difference?

Since the pandemic, the term ‘Pilates’ has exploded in popularity, especially ‘Reformer Pilates.’ A quick Google search or a scroll through social media will bombard you with images of people performing impressive tricks and challenges, all under the banner of Pilates.

As a Pilates instructor, I've noticed more people asking me about Reformer Pilates than ever before. But as this fitness trend gains traction, it's important to approach it with a healthy dose of scepticism.

Let's debunk some myths and clarify what Pilates—and Reformer Pilates—really is.

Pilates Is Not Just “A Thing”

Pilates isn't just a trendy workout; it's a comprehensive system of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900s. He originally called his method "Contrology," emphasising controlled movements to enhance physical and mental well-being. This system includes thousands of exercises performed on various apparatus, as well as matwork.

Reformer Pilates vs. Fully Equipped Pilates Studio

The Reformer is just one piece of this larger puzzle. Despite what some articles or Instagram posts might suggest, Reformer Pilates is not a new or superior version of Pilates. It’s certainly not a modern twist on what some might dismiss as “boring old Pilates mat classes for old people.” Moreover, terms like “HIIT Pilates” don’t actually align with the principles of Pilates as Joseph Pilates intended them.

A style magazine reporter recently highlighted a common misconception: if Pilates makes you think of crowded Reformer classes set to club-like music, you’re not alone. Many Reformer Pilates classes have a base in the classical movements created by Joseph Pilates, but often, that’s where the similarities end.

Fully Equipped Pilates Studio:

In a fully equipped Pilates studio, you won’t just find Reformers. You’ll find a variety of equipment that Joseph Pilates designed, including the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, and Spine Corrector. Each piece serves a unique purpose, providing different sensations and feedback to your body, making Pilates an incredibly powerful and holistic system. Slow, controlled and specific movements using this equipment will strengthen muscles and improve mobility.

Reformer Pilates:

On the other hand, Reformer Pilates classes, particularly those in large group settings, often stray from these classical roots. Some classes are fast-paced, set to music, and might incorporate movements that are far removed from the original Pilates repertoire. While these classes can be fun and challenging, they’re only one small slice of what Pilates has to offer.

McDonald's Pilates?

One of our clients once described a large group Reformer class as “like doing a quick fix version of Pilates, like McDonald's Pilates.” Now, there’s nothing wrong with the occasional burger, and if that’s your thing, more power to you. But I understand her point. Her experience in a fully equipped Pilates studio, with comprehensively trained teachers, felt like having access to the whole menu—where every ingredient and recipe is carefully chosen and expertly prepared.

Of course, there are some excellent Reformer classes out there, taught by instructors who understand the full Pilates system. They know how to use the Reformer effectively, but also recognise when it’s time to incorporate other apparatus to achieve the best results for their clients.

You Can’t Fix Everything with Just a Wrench

Let’s use a car analogy to make this point. Imagine your car starts acting up—maybe the engine overheats, or the fan won’t shut off. When you take it to the mechanic, you’re amazed at the array of tools he uses to diagnose and fix the problem. Wrenches, screwdrivers, jacks, and more are all needed to get your car running smoothly again. As the mechanic wisely points out, “You can’t fix everything with just a wrench.”

The same principle applies to Pilates. The Reformer is often called the Universal Reformer because it’s designed to be used by everyone, teaching you how to move without additional support—similar to the matwork. But what if the exercises on the Reformer aren’t going smoothly? That could translate to difficulties in your everyday movements, and for that, you might need more than just the Reformer. You might need the Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, or Tower to address those issues comprehensively.

Because just like with car repairs, you can’t fix everything with just one tool. The beauty of Pilates lies in its diversity of equipment and the depth of knowledge behind its practice. So while Reformer Pilates might be “having a moment,” remember that it’s just one part of a much larger, richer, and more effective system.

Ready to try out an Equipment class at Yellow Pilates?

Book a class at our fully equipped Pilates studios in Glasgow City Centre.

Our studio is based at Oxford House, 71 Oxford Street, Glasgow 

For more information, please get in touch online by emailing hello@yellowpilates.com or if you would like to speak to one of our team, call 07751 818705 and we would be happy to chat through what might be best for you, your body and goals.