What is reformer Pilates? Here’s everything you need to know about the popular workout
Everything you need to know about the Pilates reformer machine — plus how to take some of the popular exercises out of class and onto a mat a home.

Pilates exercises performed on a reformer machine are great for injury rehabilitation and isolating the core muscles.Getty Images
July 7, 2022, 10:17 PM IDT
By Stephanie Mansour
Chances are, you’ve heard of Pilates. The popular low-impact workout is comprised of a series of core exercises that helps flatten and tone your midsection, as well as stabilize and support your spine and back.
Pilates mat classes are offered in mainstream gyms across America. But a different kind of Pilates — Pilates exercises performed on a reformer machine — has been picking up steam, too. This workout is great for people recovering from an injury or those looking to home in on precise core movements and isolate more muscles than in Pilates done on a mat. It is also a great option for low-impact recovery and injury rehabilitation. As for the cost, a class at Club Pilates (which has studios all over the country), will run you anywhere from $25-$35 depending on your location.
As a certified Pilates instructor, I recommend that people try a Pilates mat class first to learn the fundamentals without the added requirement of getting used to the reformer machine. Yet some people like to start immediately on the reformer to learn how to activate the core properly before even stepping foot on to a mat for a Pilates class.
Before you hop on the reformer, here’s everything you need to know about what to expect in a class — plus how to take some of the popular exercises out of class and onto a mat a home.