Reformer Accessories – What Should You Add to Your Studio?
Pilates on the reformer is becoming an increasingly popular form of activity. It offers many benefits that are not available during mat Pilates training. Those who started with the mat and later tried the machines praise them for significantly greater exercise effectiveness, easier execution of various positions, conscious and symmetrical body alignment, as well as reinforcing correct movement patterns.
The reformer has many possibilities, but adding additional accessories to it provides even more training and rehabilitation options. Find out why it is worth investing in a reformer and what accessories to complement it with.
REFORMER PILATES – WHY IS IT WORTH IT?
The reformer is one of the Pilates machines that is a fundamental part of the equipment in a Pilates studio practicing on machines. It is a type of bed with attached springs that allow for adjustable resistance, as well as straps with adjustable tension.
Exercises on the reformer can be performed in all planes and positions – lying down, kneeling, sitting, and standing – depending on the needs and goals of the exercise. Appropriate knowledge of anatomy allows Pilates instructors to select exercises in such a way that the work is focused on precisely chosen muscle groups. This enables quick and precise results, as well as tailoring exercises to the capabilities and needs of the practitioner.
Exercises on the reformer also bring many other benefits:
• symmetrical and conscious body alignment thanks to the design of the reformer,
• more effective muscle work – both during contraction and relaxation phases,
• the ability to adjust the difficulty level to the practitioner’s skill level,
• support for the body, making some exercises easier to perform on the reformer than on the mat,
• adaptation to the individual range of motion capabilities of the practitioner,
• enabling work on concentration,
• overall improvement of joint and spinal mobility.
Training on the reformer can be a general developmental workout; however, much better results are achieved by focusing the exercises according to the needs of the practitioners. Additional accessories are a huge support here, helping to enhance the positive effects of exercises for individuals with special needs, such as spinal issues.
WHAT ACCESSORIES FOR THE REFORMER ARE WORTH INVESTING IN?
Small Pilates studios usually start with 1-2 reformers, which they supplement with new equipment and accessories as the studio grows and training progresses. When deciding to expand the studio, it is worth choosing only the highest quality products made from durable materials. They guarantee the necessary durability, trouble-free operation, and proven effectiveness.
Reformers can be equipped with a range of optional accessories that expand exercise possibilities. They are indispensable during individual and group exercises, as well as during rehabilitation. What should you add to your studio’s equipment?
Pilates Arc
This is one of the most popular exercise devices from Balanced Body. It was designed specifically for Pilates training to enhance its effectiveness. It consists of two parts – an arc and a seat. It is lightweight and compact, made from high-density foam. It combines the functions of three exercise devices: an arc, a spine corrector, and a wedge for the reformer.
The Pilates Arc serves as an arc (barrel) when the seat is detached. It can successfully replace a classic barrel in a beginner studio.
As a spine corrector (Spine Corrector / Step Barrel), the Pilates Arc can be used for exercises that strengthen the torso, abdominal muscles, and improve the flexibility of the back and spine muscles.
The Pilates Arc also works perfectly as a wedge for the reformer – it can be securely attached to the moving platform of the reformer using armrests. It provides back support and greater stability during training on the reformer.
Product page: Pilates Arc
Spinefitter
A device made of 28 hard, interconnected balls, designed for training and therapy. It provides intense muscle stimulation, increases mobility, reduces tension, and promotes relaxation. It replicates the anatomical shape of the spine and perfectly adapts to the shape of the body.
Just lying on the Spinefitter massages and relaxes the spine and paravertebral muscles. The Spinefitter is excellent for complementing and enhancing the effectiveness of exercises on the reformer for individuals with spine issues.
Product page: Spinefitter
Rollers
A foam roller, or massage and exercise roller, is an excellent complement to exercises on the reformer, both for beginners and advanced practitioners. With its help, you can perform many popular exercises on the reformer, such as Standing Roll Down, Footwork, Roll Down, Arm work, Side Lying series, Long back stretch, Core activation, and many more.
It is worth having several rollers of different sizes and firmness in your studio. Soft rollers are perfect for beginners, while firmer ones are suitable for advanced users.
Product page: Rollers
Balls
You can also enhance your reformer exercises by adding a ball. A stability ball is one of the most popular and easily accessible pieces of Pilates equipment. You can use both small and larger balls, depending on your needs. The ball poses a challenge to the stability of the reformer and makes classic, essential exercises more interesting and enjoyable. Adding a ball also allows for additional engagement of the adductor muscles and work on hip extensors.
Among Pilates balls, you will find smooth balls, textured balls, massage balls with soft protrusions, as well as firmer balls for releasing muscle tension.
Product page: Pilates Balls
Rings
The Ring (Ultra-Fit Circle) is a lightweight, compact, and portable Pilates ring. It is available in two sizes, larger and smaller, allowing for the best fit for each user and type of exercise. The resistance used in exercises with the ring forces the mobilization of deep muscles, which are active during training of the upper or lower body. This allows for their strengthening, improvement of balance, and body stabilization. It can be used for exercises on the mat and on the reformer.
The ring also works perfectly as a base for balls during exercises on the reformer, keeping the ball securely in place.
Product page: Pilates Circle
Supplementing your studio’s equipment with Spinefitter, Rollers, Balls, or other aforementioned accessories will make exercises more interesting, diverse, and effective. Proper arrangement of the studio will allow you to feel better and more confident in it, as well as encourage clients to take advantage of your offerings.
I am a graduate in Managerial Economics as well as Finance and Accounting, with a specialization in Marketing. Since 2018, I have been working as a Copywriter at Balanced Body, where I create marketing content for the fitness and Pilates industries. One of my particular strengths is translating complex topics into accessible language and accurately analyzing the needs of target audiences. Outside of work, I am passionate about fire shows and volleyball, which helps me better understand the needs of physically active people.