The Benefits of Reformer Pilates (and How It Enhances Your Mat & Yoga Practice)
This is a little late news, but I’m so excited to share that I am officially qualified as a Dynamic Reformer Pilates Instructor!
After completing my training earlier this year, I decided not to rush the process. Instead, I spent time teaching over 100 hours of Reformer practice before submitting my coursework — refining my technique and ensuring I could bring the same precision, care, and understanding that underpin all my teaching.
Now that I’ve qualified, I wanted to share a little more about the Reformer, how it fits into my teaching philosophy, and how it complements both mat Pilates and yoga.
What is the Reformer?
The Reformer is a dynamic piece of Pilates equipment that uses springs, pulleys and resistance to support and challenge your body through movement. It helps you build strength, flexibility, and control — all while improving alignment and posture.
Unlike mat Pilates, where you use your own body weight for resistance, or small props and hand weights, the Reformer gives variable resistance and support, allowing you to move through a greater range of motion with precision and flow.
The Benefits of Reformer Pilates
✨ Builds strength and tone
The Reformer’s spring resistance helps activate muscles more intensely, creating strong muscles, whilst keeping mobility (is the aim).
✨ Improves posture and alignment
Because the Reformer offers feedback through the carriage, it is especially helpful for some clients that need that bio-feedback. You become more aware of your movement patterns — helping you with body awareness and correct imbalances and move with better form.
✨ Supports mobility and flexibility
The moving carriage and straps allow you to lengthen muscles safely while maintaining stability — perfect for improving flexibility without overstretching.
✨ Enhances mind-body connection
As with mat Pilates and yoga, every movement is intentional. The Reformer requires focus, control, and breath — helping you move with mindfulness and presence.
✨ Adapts to everybody
Whether you’re recovering from injury, building strength, or wanting to challenge your fitness, the Reformer can be tailored to your body’s needs and goals.
✨ It’s fun and adds variety
The Reformer is fun! It brings a playful sense of exploration to your practice. The springs, straps, and flowing movements add variety and novelty, helping you stay motivated and curious. Many people find Reformer sessions exciting and energising, making it easier to stay consistent and look forward to each workout.
Why Reformer Pilates Is So On-Trend Right Now
Reformer Pilates has seen a huge surge in popularity recently — and for good reason. People love the combination of:
- Dynamic movement
- Resistance-based training
- Visible results in strength and muscle tone
- A mindful, low-impact workout that still challenges the body
Many celebrities and fitness influencers showcase Reformer Pilates, and boutique studios have popped up everywhere, helping it become seen as a premium, effective, and results-driven form of exercise.
There’s also a perception that Reformer Pilates gives a “better workout” than mat. But here’s where I want to be clear…
Mat vs Reformer: Is One Better?
Some people believe the Reformer offers a tougher or more effective workout than mat Pilates — but I don’t agree.
Yes, the Reformer can provide brilliant resistance and support, and it absolutely can feel more dynamic. But I can — and do — give clients just as challenging, transformative, and intelligent workouts on both mat Pilates and yoga. In fact, in terms of calorie burn, for those that like to monitor their calorie-burn, my dynamic mat yoga and dynamic Pilates sessions outperform those on the reformer – but that’s not actually the point of Pilates or yoga.
The magic isn’t in the equipment — it’s in the method, the precision, and the intelligent sequencing.
All three practices — mat, Reformer, and yoga — can be equally strong, equally challenging, and equally transformative when taught well. The Reformer is not a replacement for mat or yoga. It’s simply another tool, another pathway, another way to explore movement.
Each discipline enriches the others.
How the Reformer Enhances Mat Pilates and Yoga
For me, everything connects:
- The Reformer deepens your understanding of alignment and muscle activation.
- Mat Pilates strengthens your foundations and body awareness for everyday living.
- Yoga brings fluidity, flexibility, breath, mobility, and mindfulness.
Together, they create a balanced, intelligent, and powerful approach to movement.
Want to Experience It for Yourself?
To celebrate my new qualification, I’m offering an introductory offer:
💫 1:1 Dynamic Reformer Session – £65
💫 1:2 Dynamic Duo Reformer Session – £29 each
Whether you’re completely new to the Reformer or already love Pilates, these sessions will help you strengthen, lengthen, and move with greater awareness and control.
To book a session or find out more, please email me at info@elizabethnadine.com.
Hope to see you soon
With love
Liz
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Dynamic Reformer | Pilates | Yoga | Wellbeing
