REFORMER PILATES
Strengthen. Stabilise. Shake (a little).
Welcome to the spring-based magic. Reformer Pilates is where mindful movement meets momentum and powerful results - challenging your body in all the right ways, with low impact and high reward. It looks fancy (hello, moving carriage and springs), but it’s actually one of the most accessible, supportive, and transformative ways to move your body.
At Rise, we make reformer Pilates feel accessible, empowering, and (dare we say) kinda fun.
Whether you’re new to Pilates or already obsessed, our small-group reformer classes will help you build strength, improve posture, and feel genuinely incredible in your body.
WHAT IS REFORMER PILATES?
The reformer is a bed-like frame with a sliding platform (called the carriage), resistance springs, a foot bar, straps, and pulleys. You’ll lie down, kneel, stand, plank, and press through smooth, controlled movements that challenge your body in all the right ways - without the joint impact of other workouts.
Each spring can be adjusted to change the level of resistance, making it customisable for every body and ability level. It supports where you need it and challenges where it counts.
It might look intimidating, but once you’re on it? You’ll never look back.
THE BENEFITS OF REFORMER PILATES
Reformer isn’t just good for your abs - it’s good for your whole self. At Rise, our clients keep coming back because reformer Pilates helps them:
- Build deep, lasting strength (especially core and glutes)
- Improve posture, balance, and coordination
- Develop full-body tone and flexibility
- Reduce pain, stiffness, and injury risk
- Support recovery post-injury, and postnatally
- Feel calm, confident, and a little taller when they leave
You’ll feel the difference - not just during class, but when you’re carrying kids, walking tall, or dancing in the kitchen on a Tuesday night.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A REFORMER PILATES CLASS
Classes are small (max 8 people), so you’ll never feel lost in the crowd. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, you’ll be guided by expert instructors who focus on form, flow, and making sure you get the most out of every single movement.
Expect a mix of strength-building sets, stretching sequences, controlled breathwork, and maybe a few moments where your thighs tremble and you whisper, “oh my god.” Don’t worry - that’s the good bit.
Each class includes clear cues, personal support, great playlists, and a welcoming energy that makes the hard stuff feel a little more joyful.
REFORMER PLATES LINGO: EXPLAINED
The Reformer: the whole machine - carriage, springs, straps, and all.
The Carriage: the sliding platform you lie or kneel on. It moves when you do.
Springs: adjustable tension you’ll add or remove for resistance (don’t worry, we’ll handle this part for you at first).
Footbar: the bar you push against with your feet or hands. It adjusts depending on what we’re doing.
Straps: you’ll use these for arm and leg work. They’re weirdly satisfying.
If it still sounds like a foreign language? That’s okay. We teach you everything as you go. No pop quiz, promise.
IS REFORMER PILATES FOR ME?
Yes! Absolutely. Whether you’re:
- Getting back into movement
- Looking to cross-train safely
- Postnatal and rebuilding your core
- Recovering from injury
- A total beginner
- Or someone who wants their legs to tremble for a good reason...
Reformer Pilates is adaptable, empowering, and suitable for all levels. You don’t need to be flexible or “fit” - just open to learning something new (and probably loving it).
Alison
“I was nervous to try something new at first, but now I'm hooked. I plan my week around it."
Alice
"Glutes on fire, confidence on point. It burns in all the right places… and weirdly, I love it."
Marc
"The reformer looked scary, but the support and guidance made it so approachable. I feel stronger every week.”
