Reformer pilates

Updated

Reformer pilates is pilates done on a reformer: a padded carriage that slides along a frame, held back by springs, with a footbar at one end and straps at the other. You push or pull against the springs. Change the springs and the same exercise gets easier or harder. Most studios teach it as small group classes.

How the reformer works

The carriage rolls on wheels inside the frame. Springs connect it to the fixed end, and the instructor (or you, once you know the machine) hooks on more or fewer of them before each exercise. More springs means more resistance. Fewer can make a move harder, too, because you have to control the carriage instead of letting the springs do it.

You’ll use the machine lying on your back, sitting, kneeling and standing. Feet go on the footbar for the opening series in most classes. Hands or feet go into the straps for arm and leg work. Our guide to what reformer pilates is walks through each part of the machine.

What a reformer class is like

Expect one machine per person and an instructor calling out spring settings, positions and breathing. Classes move from one short series to the next without long breaks. Length depends on the studio. Club Pilates, which calls itself the largest pilates studio network in the US[6], runs 50-minute classes[1] and a free 30-minute intro class for first-timers[4].

Most studios label classes by level. Start with anything called intro, fundamentals or level 1. The reformer pilates for beginners guide covers what happens in that first session and how to book it.

You need grip socks for almost every reformer studio. Club Pilates requires them for every participant[3].

Reformer or mat?

Mat pilates uses your body weight on the floor and costs less. Reformer pilates adds spring resistance and support, which changes how exercises feel and lets an instructor adjust them. Neither one is the “real” pilates. Joseph Pilates taught both, and he patented 26 pieces of equipment in his lifetime[10]. The full comparison, including price, is in reformer vs mat pilates.

What reformer pilates costs

Reformer classes cost more than mat classes because each student needs a machine. Across the studios in our directory that publish a drop-in price, the median is $39, with a range of $10 to $99 (61 studios). That figure covers every format those studios sell, not reformer alone, so treat it as a floor for reformer.

Club Pilates publishes its own range: a single drop-in costs $25 to $52 depending on the studio[1]. Memberships bring the per-class price down. See how much pilates classes cost for packs, memberships and intro offers.

Where to go next

Find reformer pilates by city

We list 12,992 pilates studios across the US, and 15 cities have their own page so far, with hours and ratings checked on Oct 6, 2026. Search reformer pilates near me to start from your location, or pick a city below.

FAQ

Is reformer pilates hard for beginners?

It’s built to be adjusted. The instructor can add springs for support or take them away for challenge, so a first-timer and a regular can share a room. The hard part is learning the machine: spring settings, foot positions and how the carriage moves. An intro or level 1 class teaches those before anything else.

How often should you do reformer pilates?

There’s no fixed rule. Many studios price their memberships around attendance, which gives a rough guide. Club Pilates describes its 4-class plan as once a week, its 8-class plan as at least twice a week, and Unlimited for three or more visits a week. Pick the rhythm your schedule and budget can hold.

What should I wear to reformer pilates?

Fitted clothes that won’t catch in the springs or ride up when you lie down, and grip socks. Most reformer studios require grip socks and sell them at the front desk if you forget. Leave jewelry and anything with zips or buckles at home, since they can scratch the upholstery or snag on the straps.

Can I do reformer pilates at home?

You can buy a home reformer, but this site covers studio classes, not equipment. A studio gives you a machine set up and maintained for you, plus an instructor who sets your springs and watches your form. If you want to try the format before buying anything, book an intro class at a local studio first.

Is reformer pilates worth the price?

That depends on what you compare it with. A drop-in reformer class costs more than most gym or mat classes, because each student uses a machine. Memberships and class packs cut the per-class cost. Compare the median drop-in price in your city with the studio’s pack prices before you commit.