Tower Pilates vs Reformer: What’s the Difference?

If you've ever looked at a reformer and a tower and thought, "Wait... aren't these kind of the same thing?" - you're not alone.

Both use springs. Both offer resistance-based movement. Both look a little like medieval stretching devices at first glance.

But once you're on them? Completely different vibes.

At Rise Pilates Studio in Keyworth, we offer both Tower and Reformer classes - and each brings its own magic to the mat. Here’s how they compare (and why you might fall in love with both).

🔧 What’s the Equipment Difference?

The Reformer

Think: sliding carriage, footbar, straps, and springs under the hood. It moves with you. You lie, kneel, plank, lunge, press, and pull on a gliding platform that’s anchored by resistance springs.

Best for: full-body coordination, strength, mobility, and dynamic flow.

The Tower

Think: a vertical frame attached to a mat, with springs, bars, and loops. There’s no moving carriage - your body is the carriage. The springs offer support or resistance while you work through grounded, controlled movements.

Best for: deep core work, posture, alignment, and precision.

💪 What’s the Workout Feel?

Reformer Classes

• Dynamic and flowing

• Great for all levels, but feels more “athletic”

• Builds strength and mobility with constant motion

• You’ll feel longer, stronger, and like you’ve worked every inch (especially your core and glutes)

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Tower Classes

• Slower, more focused

• Feels more connected to mat Pilates

• Targets smaller, stabilising muscles

• Amazing for posture correction, pelvic floor engagement, and breathing control

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🧠 So... Which One Should I Start With?

Honestly? You can’t go wrong with either, but here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Try Reformer If...	Try Tower If...
You love movement and flow	You want to slow down and focus
You’re looking for a full-body workout	You want to improve posture & alignment
You like dynamic transitions and variety	You want a mat-based feel with extra support
You’re postnatal or recovering, with instructor guidance	You’re postnatal or recovering, with instructor guidance
You want to shake AND sweat	You want to deeply connect and stabilise

(Bonus: Tower classes at Rise are heated with infrared - so you still get that sweaty, glowing finish if you want it.)

🫶 The Rise Take?

We love both. And we built our studio so you don’t have to choose.

Some clients come for reformer and stay for tower. Some start with the tower and level up to reformer. Some rotate depending on how they’re feeling that day.

That’s the beauty of Pilates - it meets you where you are.

Ready to Try Them Both?

You’ll find both Tower and Reformer classes on our timetable, along with beginner-friendly options to ease you in.