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Why the Pilates Reformer Won Me Over | My Honest Take
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My husband and I went on a short vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, to celebrate our friend’s birthday. One evening, after dinner, we took the scenic route back to our hotel, walking down side streets and admiring the historic homes and beauty of the city. Can I say how much I love Charleston?! I swear I live in the wrong state. Anyhow, as we walked through a side street, I stumbled across a quaint building only steps away from the hotel. It turns out to be a Reformer Pilates studio.
As soon as I was back in my hotel room, I googled the name and sent a quick email to the owner. I knew I wanted to book a class before we went back home. Luckily, I was able to book a private class, and my girlfriend joined me. Yay!
Aesthetics are a big part of who I am. I notice the details, and I work hard to make spaces feel beautiful and cared for. This studio was that and more. It wasn’t just the aesthetics, the workout itself was one of the best I’ve ever done—and I’ve tried a lot of different workouts. Krstin was our instructor, and she was amazing! I wish I could go there every week.
Pilates on the Reformer is different. It’s hard to explain exactly why. It works in places you didn’t think you had. The movements may feel small, but they fire up muscles you didn’t even know existed. The strength you build through Pilates is no joke. When I finish a workout, I always feel stronger, more toned, and with more energy than I started with. I also love Pilates on the mat, but again, the reformer is just different.
My At-Home Pilates Reformer Room
I decided to create a space for my own at-home Pilates. I started planning how I wanted to look and researching the best at-home reformers to buy. Now, if there were a studio near me like the one I visited in Charleston, I would have signed up immediately. Unfortunately, there isn’t, and I don’t have the time to drive a long distance several times a week. So I decided to create my own at home, which is how it began.
The Reformer was the big purchase—a big investment. I have seen great reviews on Amazon for reformers, and they are at much lower price points. After spending hours, days, and weeks researching, I knew I wanted one that felt more like the one I would use at a Pilates studio. The one I finally decided to go with was custom-made and took almost three months to arrive. I didn’t have to go that route and could have picked one to get sooner, but, as I said, aesthetics are everything to me, and I had a vision. I am still working on the space and plan to share it once I have it fully finished. So stay tuned for that.
Note: I ordered my Pilates Reformer directly from the company.
Next comes more of the other things you will need for your at-home Pilates room: grip socks, resistance bands, a magic circle, a Pilates ball, a Pilates mat, light hand weights, and even a portable screen so you can stream classes.
Pilates At-Home Must Haves:
- Grip socks
- Resistance bands
- Light hand weights
- Pilates ball that doubles as core torture (in the best way)
- Pilates Starter Kit
- Pilates mat
- Pilates reformer
- Portable screen
Is Reformer Pilates different from Mat Pilates?
Yes, it is a little different vibe. On the Reformer, you’re on a sliding carriage with springs, so you can change the resistance up or down and do a lot more variations. Mat Pilates is on the floor and uses your body weight, which is great for control and core strength. Both build strength and alignment; the Reformer just gives you more ways to fine-tune and progress.
Choosing which one to do:
Lately, I’ve been mixing both. I go to a mat Pilates class for the basics and control, then use my reformer at home for extra resistance and variety. The mat work keeps my core honest, and the reformer helps me fine-tune muscles. Doing both has made everything me feel stronger and more balanced.
Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is a great choice if you want something you can do anywhere. You don’t need anything beyond a mat, and it’s solid for core strength, flexibility, and better posture. Start with a few good beginner videos at home, or drop into a class if you want extra guidance, like I did.
Reformer
If you are looking for a variety of moves, the Reformer is great! You can change the resistance with the springs, try lots of variations with accessories like the padded jump board and sitting box. Also, the Pilates ball and Pilates magic ring can challenge the already challenging reformer workout. You’ll just need access to a studio or invest in a Pilates Reformer at home.
Pilates may not be for everyone, but for me, it’s the thing I didn’t know I was missing. If you enjoy doing Pilates on a mat, I highly recommend trying a reformer, even if only once.
Pilates Reformer & Mat: Frequently Asked Questions
Pilates may not be for everyone, but for me it’s the thing I didn’t know I was missing.
Amy Tinnin
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