List Of Pilates Reformer Equipment

The Pilates Reformer is a versatile piece of exercise equipment. On the Reformer, you sit or lie on a carriage platform that slides back and forth. You pull the carriage using straps attached to pulleys. Springs provide resistance and support for the movement of the carriage. You can expand the number of exercises in your workout when you add more equipment to your Reformer. Before you buy accessories, if your carriage is not already lifted off the floor, consider adding a frame.

The Box

Five of the beginner Reformer exercises require the Box. The Intermediate and Advanced series add more. The Box is a sturdy, padded block that covers most of the area of the carriage. When you sit on it for the Round Back, your hip flexors can remain extended as in you increase the workload on your lower abdominals by rolling your torso back. In the Intermediate workout, you lie on your stomach on the Box facing away from the foot bar, legs and arms extended, then pull the straps back toward your toes to work your upper back in addition to your core. To do the Advanced exercise the Teaser, you need to lie raised up on the box to swing your arms and legs lower than your torso.

The Jumpboard

The Jumpboard attaches to the foot bar of your Reformer. When you lie on your back on the carriage, you can stand your feet on the Jumpboard and jump away, sliding the carriage against the resistance of the springs that then pull the carriage back into place. Although the Jumpboard is not part of the classical Pilates series, it provides an aerobic element to the workout. Jumps with heavy springs raise your heart rate. Jumps with light springs engage your core muscles as you stabilize your torso. Jumpboard exercises are low-impact because you lie on your back and let the carriage support your body rather than taking the full impact of your bodyweight through your feet and legs. Jumpboard exercises can turn Pilates into an interval workout.

The Tower

The Tower is a metal frame with leg springs, a trapeze swing and a push-through bar attached. The Tower connects to the Reformer at the end closest to the head. The Tower is usually studio-level equipment because of its size, and it allows students to perform most of the Cadillac workout on the Reformer. You will also need a mat conversion board that drops into the Reformer, lengthening the carriage and holding it still. The trapeze swing is a bar that hangs horizontally from the frame by two springs. Holding the bar, you can do the Rolling Back, similar to a sit-up, with the support of the springs. For the leg-spring exercises, lie supine with your head facing the Tower. Place the leg spring straps around your feet. The springs increase resistance as you extend your legs. The push-through bar enables you to do the Mermaid, one of the few Pilates exercises in which you bend your spine sideways. Be certain your Tower package comes with a safety strap and carabiner for the push-through bar.