Pilates Reformers

Pilates Reformer

What is a Pilates reformer machine?

The Pilates Reformer is a popular piece of equipment that is used during Pilates exercises or for rehabilitation therapy exercises. It is designed to facilitate exercises that focus on core strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and overall body conditioning.

The Pilates Reformer is made up of a number of different components

• Carriage: A padded platform designed to move back and forth on wheels along the frame of the reformer.
• Springs: ABCO Health Care’s Pilates Reformers come with five springs and a three-position spring mount allowing up to 45 varying levels of resistance. These springs attach to the carriage.
• Straps/Handles: Adaptable straps with handles/loops that aid in arm and leg exercises. These adjustable straps offer resistance, helping individuals execute movements with stability and precision.
• Footbar: Located at the end of the reformer and used for foot placement during exercises, the footbar is adjustable. The ABCO Health Care Pilates Reformers come with a spring-loaded angle adjustment control which can be operated by foot during a session.
• Headrest and Shoulder Blocks: Designed for maximum support and to ensure proper alignment during exercises that involve lying or sitting positions. Shoulder pads are removable.
• Pulleys and Ropes: Pulleys/ropes are attached to the frame, allowing for additional exercise variations and increased range of motion.

How is the Pilates Reformer used for Physiotherapy?

Pilates Reformers are most commonly used in a Physiotherapist office under the guidance of trained Physiotherapist or Pilates Instructor. Used as a rehabilitation tool, exercises on the reformer can be customised to target specific areas of injury, weakness or imbalance. The adjustable resistance levels as well as the support accessories that come with the reformer allow for progression of therapy at the level needed for each individual.

The Pilates Reformer's focus on core stability and postural alignment helps improve posture, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. Additionally, it enhances flexibility, balance, and coordination, making it beneficial for patients with neurological conditions or balance issues. The Reformer's dynamic movements and functional training aspects assist patients in restoring their movement patterns, joint stability, and overall functional capacity.

What is the weight capacity of the reformer?

Pilates Reformers are designed to accommodate a high weight limit, thus making them suitable for individuals of a larger size. The ABCO Pilates Clinical Reformer comes with a maximum weight limit of 200kg, and the ABCO Pilates Fitness Reformer comes with a maximum weight limit of 200kg.
It is important not to exceed the maximum weight limit as this can compromise the equipment resulting in higher risk of damage, as well as compromising the safety of the individual using the equipment.

Can I use the Pilates reformer at home?

Absolutely! The ABCO Pilates Fitness Reformer is specially designed for use in the home as well as studio or gym. A more compact design, this Pilates reformer sits with a carriage height of 190mm, comes with integral wheels which allow for easy movement, and can be stacked up to 5 high or stored upright.

The ABCO Pilates Fitness Reformer allows for more convenience for exercising in the comfort of the home as opposed to a studio or gym, providing more time flexibility and regular workouts as well as privacy.

What are the range of resistance levels offered by the ABCO reformer?

The ABCO range of Pilates reformers come with five springs and a three-position spring mount, allowing for up to 45 varying resistances.
When we speak about resistance in a Pilates reformer, we refer to the force/tension created by the springs which are attached to the carriage of the machine. The springs provide resistance against the movement of the carriage, creating a challenge for the individual performing the exercises.
The resistance on a Pilates reformer can be adjusted to different difficulty levels in order to accommodate specific exercise goals. The higher the resistance, the more effort and control needed to move the carriage for a more high intensity workout. Having a lower resistance can help with targeting specific muscle groups as well as focusing more on technique.

Is the reformer equipped with additional accessories or attachments?

There are a few optional accessories available for the ABCO Pilates Reformers. Accessories include

Pilates reformer box - This additional accessory comes with 40mm top foam and soft vinyl covering for ultimate comfort. The Pilates reformer box provides a more comfortable option for seated exercises.

Jump board - The jump board is an additional accessory that can be fitted to the Pilaes reformer and increases the number of exercise options. As the name describes, the jump board allows the user to perform exercises which involve "jumping" off the board while laying on the carriage.

Mat Assembly - The mat assembly adds the ability to use the Pilates reformer for a Mat session.