Pilates Reformer vs. Pilates Tower: Which Is Harder?

Pilates focuses on core strength, flexibility, and mindful movement, which makes it a great option for physical fitness and mental well-being. Pilates can challenge the body in various ways, depending on the equipment you use. Two popular pieces of equipment for aiding Pilates exercises are the Pilates Reformer and the Pilates Tower. If you’re considering getting into Pilates, keep reading to discover which equipment might provide a positive challenge to your workouts.

Understanding the Pilates Reformer

The Pilates Reformer is the most well-known Pilates equipment. It resembles a bed frame with a sliding carriage, equipped with adjustable springs, bars, and straps. It provides resistance to build strength, improve bodily alignment, and enhance flexibility. The Reformer accommodates a spectrum of exercises in different positions, including lying down, sitting, and standing.

Practitioners praise the Reformer for its adaptability and varied difficulty levels. It’s not just about the intensity of the workout but also the precision and control required for each movement, making the Reformer effective for challenging Pilates workouts.

Understanding the Pilates Tower

The Pilates Tower presents a different set of challenges. This vertical unit uses elements of the Reformer, but it’s typically part of a larger apparatus. With springs, push-though bars, and roll-down/trapeze bars, the Tower facilitates a range of exercises focusing on stabilizing and mobilizing the spine, as well as enhancing flexibility and strength.

Users often describe Tower workouts as deeply engaging, targeting different muscle groups that might not be as active in regular mat work or even on the Reformer.

Difficulty Comparison

When comparing the difficulty levels between the Pilates Reformer and Tower, consider your personal fitness level, Pilates experience, and the exercise you’re performing. The Reformer’s moving carriage adds instability that can make exercises more challenging because it requires good balance and core stability. In contrast, the Tower can be more demanding with exercises that utilize your body weight against gravity.

It’s not fair to label one piece of equipment as definitively harder to use than another. Instead, acknowledge that the Reformer and Tower offer challenges to a Pilates workout. You can increase or decrease difficulty with both equipment, helping you engage in meaningful and effective exercises.

Embarking on a Pilates journey with either the Reformer or the Tower promises substantial benefits for your strength, flexibility, and mental focus. However, they can be expensive and bulky (requiring a fair amount of floor space). If you’re ready to challenge yourself with exercises that promote a stable spine and flexibility, consider looking into a Pilates Mobility Station for your home or gym.

At Beyond Balance, we offer Pilates wall towers that are easy to set up in any space and transform your workouts instantly. Working with several Pilates instructors, we developed a push-though bar attachment and roll-down bar that easily attach to our stall bars to provide an affordable and space-conscious option for the home or gym. Learn more about the versatility of Pilates equipment at Beyond Balance today.