Joseph Pilates created and developed a diverse selection of exercise equipment, but the reformer is the most versatile machine. As the Pilates method evolved, so did the reformer. Manufacturers developed reformers for physical therapy, home use and group exercise, allowing studio owners and enthusiasts to select the best equipment for their purposes. The Pilates Guy, a Los Angeles and New York based Pilates repair company, recommends reformers manufactured by Balanced Body, Peak Pilates, Stott and Gratz.
Reformer Parts
Pilates reformers with composite, steel or aluminum frames have a modern, high-tech look. Many have wheels on the bottom, allowing you to move them around. Some fold or stack for storage. Wood-framed reformers have a less clinical appearance, but they do not fold, and they usually do not have wheels. A set of springs controls the reformer's resistance, as the gliding platform moves along the tracks. The Pilates cables are either made of leather or rope. Leather is more expensive, yet more durable.
Group Exercise Reformer
The group reformer training trend began in the late 1990s. It provided affordable Pilates equipment training for those who could not afford private lessons. Club managers and studio owners reaped financial benefits, because they often took in more for a class of 10 participants than they earned for one private lesson. Group reformer training, however, is not without its problems. The reformer is a complex machine, whose nuances are not easily taught to large groups. Balance Body's Sport Reformer offers a viable solution. Balance Body describes this lightweight user-friendly reformer as "a simpler version of the Allegro," their other group fitness reformer. The Sport Reformer has wheels on the bottom, and stacks for easy storage. Costing under $2,000 as of February 2011, and weighing about 88 lbs., the Sport Reformer is about $700 cheaper and 25 lbs. lighter than other group exercise reformers. If you don't care about the extra bells and whistles, it's an acceptable reformer for home use.
Clinical Reformer
The reformer plays a key role in many physical therapy programs. While traditional reformers adequately fulfill this purpose, the ideal clinical reformer adjusts to the patient's height and limb length, while providing an ergonomic working position for the therapist. Balanced Body takes the clinical reformer prize. Physical therapists choose between 14-inch, 18-inch or 24-inch frame heights. While most reformer foot bars are only situated at the foot of the machine Balance Body's patented Infinity Footbar adjust along the entire length of the reformer, facilitating a variety of exercises, and accommodating adults and children of all heights. The wood frame, and the choice of 63 upholstery colors give this reformer a less clinical look, which may promote a more relaxing ambiance for your patients. The Balanced Body website also offers free, educational clinical Pilates podcasts.
Reformer System
The Cadillac uses a spring and pulley system similar to the reformer, but the resistance comes from overhead. Many studio owners want to add the Cadillac to their equipment repertoire, but space and financial constraints prohibit it. Certifying organization and equipment manufacturer Stott Pilates solves the problem with V2 Max Reformer Plus. This machines attaches the Cadillac to the head of the reformer, adding to the already extensive selection of reformer and Cadillac exercises. Take advantage of the best aspects of both machines by standing on the reformer carriage and performing pulling and rotational movements with the Cadillac cables. The carriage will move with your upper body movements, challenging your balance and providing sport-specific training.
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