A spring-controlled gliding carriage, a pulley system and a foot bar comprise the Pilates Reformer. This versatile apparatus enhances strength, core stability, coordination and flexibility. While once exclusively in the private Pilates studio domain, equipment manufacturers now make Pilates Reformers for home use, group exercise classes, and physical therapy practices.
Studio Reformer
Stott Pilates, Balanced Body, Gratz and Peak Pilates manufacture studio reformers. These reformers have wood or steel frames, and rope or leather cable straps. Studio reformers usually have 14, 18 or 24 inch frame heights.
The Clinical Reformer
Balanced Body, Peak Pilates and Stott make a clinical reformer. They are similar to the studio reformer, except for their height. Clinical reformers are usually higher, which facilitates easy mount and dismount for injured clients. Some clinical reformers are longer and wider than the studio version. The foot bar may have additional positions, which accommodate clients with reduced flexibility and limited range of motion.
Group Exercise Reformers
Balanced Body's Pilates Allegro inspired the Pilates group exercise equipment class trend. Their lower price, as well as the ability to fold and stack these reformers enabled fitness centers and studios to purchase multiple models, and offer classes that were less expensive than private Pilates sessions but more expensive than regular mat classes. Other manufacturers, such as Stott Pilates soon created a group exercise reformer. These machines do not have legs, so they are unsuitable for anyone whose injuries prevent them from getting up and down from the floor.
Home Exercise Reformers
Although Joseph Pilates developed his method in the early part of the twentieth century, Pilates exercise did not become a household name until the 1990s. Once the method caught on, it spread rapidly. Soon, QVC and the home shopping networks began featuring watered-down versions of the Pilates reformers. Stamina manufactures the cheapest of these machines, but they are not designed for constant use. The Stott Pilates Home Reformer Package and the Balanced Body Allegro are more expensive, but far more durable.
Combo Machines
Just about every Pilates manufacturer makes a Reformer/Cadillac combo machine. This apparatus has a space-saving Cadillac cage above the Reformer frame. Straps bars and levers attach to the frame, enabling a diverse selection of athletic leg, core and upper body exercises.
Member Comments