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What is reformer Pilates?

Reformer Pilates is Pilates on a machine called the reformer. It sounds technical, but it feels completely natural from your very first class.

5 min read18 October 2026Aware Pilates

Allegro 2 reformer by Balanced Body as a 3D model

When people talk about Pilates on a machine, they usually mean the reformer. You lie, sit or kneel on a moving carriage. Springs give you resistance, straps and a footbar give you support. Because everything can be adjusted, the reformer suits very different bodies, whether it is your first time or you have trained for years.

Where does reformer Pilates come from?

The method goes back to Joseph Pilates, who developed his training in the early 20th century. He designed the reformer himself to guide exercises more precisely. Today reformer Pilates is one of the most popular ways to train in Vienna.

How does the reformer work?

Keep scrolling: below you see our reformer as a 3D model, the Allegro 2 by Balanced Body, and we go through it part by part.

The reformer

One machine, five parts.

This is what a reformer looks like, just like the ones in our studios. Five parts make it what it is, let's go through them.

1 · Carriage

The carriage rolls.

It moves back and forth on rails. You move it with your legs, arms or core, lying, sitting, kneeling or standing depending on the exercise.

2 · Springs

The springs make it light or heavy.

Five springs of different strengths connect carriage and frame. The more you hook in, the more resistance. The exercise fits you, not the other way round.

3 · Footbar

The footbar gives you support.

This is where you place your feet or hands, for example in the footwork at the start of every class. Its height is adjustable.

4 · Shoulder rests and headrest

Stay stable, stay relaxed.

The shoulder rests keep you on the carriage, the headrest adjusts for your neck. So you can focus fully on the movement.

5 · Ropes and straps

Pull instead of push.

Ropes run over pulleys to the straps. With them you move the carriage using your arms or legs. Your instructor shows you how to set everything up in your first class.

What do you train?

Reformer Pilates works the whole body, with a strong focus on core, posture and controlled movement. Many people notice after a few weeks that they stand taller, feel more mobile and find strength in places they barely notice in everyday life. At the same time it is calm enough for your mind to switch off.

Who is reformer Pilates for?

Almost everyone. You need no experience and do not have to be especially fit or flexible. If you have pain or an injury, tell your instructor before class and they will adapt the exercises. With pre-existing conditions, it is best to check with a doctor first.

What a class at Aware looks like

  1. 15 minutes earlyArrive, change, put on non-slip socks.
  2. Set up your reformerYour instructor shows you springs, footbar and headrest.
  3. 50-minute classMax. 6 people in 1060, 8 in 1190. Time for corrections.
  4. BreatheSpa water at the bar, book your next class on Eversports.

Many of our classes are taught in English; in the schedule you will see "(English)" next to the instructor's name. There are three levels: Beginner, Classic and Advanced. You start with Beginner. Read more on Pilates for beginners.

Q&A

Common questions.

Your question isn’t here? Our Aware Support at the bottom right answers right away, around the clock.

Available 24/7
Is reformer Pilates hard?

It can be very challenging, but it does not have to be. The springs and the level decide how intense it gets. Beginner classes move at a calm pace with plenty of guidance.

How often should I train?

One or two classes a week is a good rhythm to feel real progress.

Do I need special clothing?

Comfortable sportswear and non-slip socks. You can also buy Aware Grip Socks at the studio.

Is reformer Pilates the same as mat Pilates?

The principles are the same, but it feels different. On the reformer the springs give you resistance and support; on the mat you work with your own body weight.

Prefer to ask by email?

Any other questions?

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