Reformer Pilates: trend or training essential? A physio’s take

Studios are fully booked and group chats are organising reformer classes instead of brunch. But is reformer Pilates genuinely game-changing – or just having a moment?

We asked Urban physiotherapist Mihaela for her clinical perspective, here’s what she thinks about the new craze.

Combining community with consistency

Mihaela doesn’t think reformer’s growth is random: “In clinic, I see three things that stop people from exercising,” she explains. “They either struggle to find an activity they enjoy, don’t know where to start or don’t have someone to keep them accountable for sticking to new habits.”

Reformer is the missing link between all three: “I think that’s why it keeps growing in popularity. You have someone by your side that guides you and helps you build confidence and strength.”

“Reformer has the community and the creativity that keeps people coming back more often and helps them build a strong body and a good discipline around training.”

You’re not left guessing what to do, and you’re surrounded by people showing up consistently, which makes it easier to build the habit yourself.

Lift weights, have a desk job or just had a baby? Reformer’s for you

Mihaela often recommends reformer to those already into strength training, especially if you lift weights and keep picking up the same injuries: “People who use the same strength routine might also be surprised by how many muscles they’ll feel working – some people say they work on muscles they didn’t even know they had.”

She also recommends it for:

• Postnatal clients rebuilding deep core strength

• People with sedentary desk jobs

• Gym-goers who need help progressing

• Those with recurring lower back pain

Injured? Don’t rush signing up

A lot of reformer exercises focus on slowly controlling a movement as your muscles stretch out. If you have an injury, this can be a bit too much too soon – so it’s best to wait.

If you’re booking a physio session for help with a recent injury, like overusing a muscle in the gym, Mihaela would suggest a physio program for 4-6 weeks, some weight/strength training and then slowly easing Pilates into your routine once your body is ready.

She’d suggest the same if you have hypermobility or a history of tendon injuries – build the foundations first, then add Pilates in. Exercise at the wrong stage can delay recovery.

Mihaela also thinks mat Pilates can be a useful stepping stone if you’re looking to learn technique and body awareness before adding the resistance part.

The desk-job antidote – your back will thank you

Lower back pain is one of the most common issues Mihaela sees – especially in people who sit for most of the day.

She sees reformer as a great remedy if it’s due to lack of core strength: “I don’t recommend it in the acute phase of the recovery. However once the pain has been addressed and they get some strength in the affected area, it’s a great way to progress recovery.”

This is also helpful for:

• Repetitive sports or job-related aches

• Old injuries where certain muscles struggle to “switch on”

• Strength routines that haven’t changed in years

“I also recommend it for recovery after surgery to increase stability and overall strength.”

Reformer helps wake up muscles that haven’t been used in a while. That means fewer areas overworking to pick up the slack – which is what often leads to many aches.

Physical balance is the main goal

For Mihaela, reformer isn’t about being part of a trend. It’s about physical balance.

“Being balanced is at the base of who we are as a species,” she says. “We’re meant to move the whole body and engage all our muscles so that we can be independent in later stages of life, enjoy every moment with children and family, be outdoors and engage in adventures that make us feel strong.”

Taking care of yourself through reformer can set you up for an active, healthy life – giving you strength for the important things.

For Mihaela, it’s worth the hype

If you’re looking for a challenging way to build strength, improve coordination and support long-term resilience – reformer’s worth signing up for.

Book a physiotherapy session with Mihaela or a trusted Urban pro, delivered to your door, to help build a recovery plan tailored to you.