The Reformer Machine

The Pilates method seeks to develop controlled movement from a strong core and it does this using a range of apparatuses to guide and train the body.

Joe Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises (his 1945 Return to Life teaches 34 of these), but, in common with many other fitness systems from the first part of the twentieth century, he used several pieces of apparatus to help people "get the method in their bodies". Each piece of apparatus has its own repertoire of exercises and most of the exercises done on the various pieces of Pilates apparatus are resistance training since they make use of springs to provide additional resistance.

Using springs results in "progressive resistance", meaning the resistance increases as the spring is stretched. The most widely used piece of apparatus, and probably the most important, is the Reformer, but other apparatus used in a traditional Pilates studio include the Cadillac (also called the Trapeze Table), the  high (or electric) chair,  and the Wunda Chair.

  Pilates aims for elegant sufficiency of movement, creating flow through the use of  appropriate transitions. Once precision has been achieved, the exercises are  intended to flow within and into each other in order to build strength and stamina.   In other words, the Pilates technique asserts that physical energy exerted from the  center should coordinate movements of the extremities: Pilates is flowing  movement outward from a strong core.