What’s a fuzzy strap? What are the risers?What’s a long box?
The Pilates reformer is probably the most iconic and versatile piece of equipment in the Pilates world, but even if you’ve done 100 other kinds of workout, it can seem really foreign the first time you step into a Pilates studio. In this post, we'll break down the key parts of the Pilates reformer so you’ll be familiar with the lingo for your first session!
1. The Carriage
The carriage is the gray, padded platform that moves back and forth along the frame of the reformer. When you lie down, sit, or stand on the carriage, your body weight and the resistance of the springs add resistance or support to the task at hand. The carriage glides out and in smoothly on the frame because of its wheels, but it’s up to us to decide how far, how fast, and many times to move the carriage.
2. The Springs
The springs attach to the frame and to the carriage to add resistance or support to any exercise. They are color coded for easy use and can be used in different combinations to find the perfect weight.
On our reformers at Momentum:
Green is Extra Heavy
Red in Heavy
Blue is Medium
Yellow is Light
3. The Footbar, the Footplate, & the Fuzzy Strap
The footbar is located at the front of the reformer (think: footbar & front!) and can be adjusted to accommodate different heights. Depending on the exercise, you may place your hands or feet on the bar for support or for leverage.
The footplate is the small piece of wood positioned above the springs. Ours often have a black cushioned pad on the top of the footplate that can be removed if you wish. You may put your hands or feet on the footplate and push away from it or try to stay positioned over top of it.
The fuzzy strap is a black strap anchored to the Footplate, covered in a little extra cushion! You’ll use this to secure your feet when doing abdominal work in various positions.
4. The Straps and Handles
There are two straps by the headrest that we use for many exercises. They come out of the risers found at the back of the machine and rest on the silver pegs when not in use. These straps can be looped around your hands or feet in many different positions all around the machine. The straps often offer an additional layer of challenge, requiring you to engage your muscles to maintain control and balance, but sometimes can create or enhance a stretch (Feet in straps… IYKYK!)
5. The Headrest
Located at the top of the carriage, the headrest is an adjustable pad that supports your head and neck during exercises. The headrest can be raised or lowered depending on the exercise and your comfort level.
6. The Shoulder Blocks
Shoulder blocks are positioned toward the back of the carriage and are designed to keep your body stable. They prevent you from sliding off the carriage, especially during movements that involve pushing or pulling against the footbar, and also offer feedback to help you maintain proper alignment, which is one of our main focuses in Pilates.
7. The Frame (or rails)
The frame is the solid, white part of the structure that houses all the other components of the reformer. It provides stability and support, ensuring that the machine remains sturdy during your workout. The frame also includes rails along which the carriage glides.
8. The Box
The box is the most standard prop for the Pilates reformer. It can be placed on the carriage in the Long Box or Short Box position (we’ll show you!), on the floor, on the frame, or even on the lowered footbar. You may sit, stand, lay, kneel, or plank on the box.
Bonus: YOU!
You are the most important part of the reformer. It doesn’t move, slide, or work unless you make it! You’ll learn how to control and leverage your bodyweight to challenge your body and get the most out of your workout.