“Just Because You're Exercising on a Reformer Doesn’t Mean It’s Pilates”
This was a quote I overheard at a recent Pilates training and I haven’t been able to shake it. I sometimes struggle to clearly state what makes us different here at Connect and this little snippet of a conversation got my wheels turning. So much so that our last staff meeting was devoted to this very topic of discussing how we can better incorporate all aspects of the Pilates “system” into our studio and help your body build the skills it needs to be stronger and more resilient. It wasn’t too long ago that anyone out there teaching Pilates had to go through the full, comprehensive training along with hundreds of practice teaching hours if they wanted to teach the method. That is no longer the case, and here at CONNECT we are on a mission to help expose our community to more of what the Pilates method has to offer.
Let’s get one thing clear: using a reformer at the gym doesn’t mean you’re doing Pilates. Sure, it might look like Pilates (the equipment, some of the exercises,and let’s not forget the great workout), but there’s a big difference between a random reformer workout and the powerful, integrated system that a full Pilates studio offers.
Pilates isn’t just a fitness trend, but a holistic, results-driven approach to moving better, feeling better, and living stronger. The successes in reduction of chronic aches and pains, the injury prevention, and the improved sense of well-being that comes with a regular Pilates practice were found using the skill building techniques and interconnectedness of work on all the apparatus - not just the reformer. For active, busy Coloradans who value their time and their health, this distinction matters more than ever.
Pilates Isn’t Just Equipment—It’s a System
Pilates was never meant to be just about the reformer. It’s a full-body conditioning system that includes multiple pieces of equipment—the Cadillac, Chair, Barrel, and more—each designed with a purpose, working together to improve strength, mobility, and control. We’ve recognized we’ve fallen into a habit of utilizing the reformer more than the other options and you will start to see changes in how we approach our mixed equipment classes. Don’t be worried reformer lovers, we will still honor reformer only classes but encourage you to be open-minded for what you may discover in a mixed class. The tower and the chair can be great skill-building tools to help you find success with more challenging reformer classes.
When you only use the reformer, you’re getting a small piece of the puzzle. It’s like using one tool for every job—it might sort of work, but you’re limiting your results. A well-rounded Pilates session draws on the strengths of all the equipment, chosen intentionally by a skilled instructor who understands how your body moves and what it needs.
We are working each class and each session to use the right mix of equipment to help you reach your goals, whether you’re training for your next ski trip, recovering from an injury, or just want to move without nagging aches.
Personalized, Not Plug-and-Play
Reformer classes at a big gym often follow a cookie-cutter routine. That might feel like a decent workout, but it’s rarely what your body actually needs. You deserve more than a one-size-fits-all approach. In addition, those instagrammable moves are often taught to bodies who don’t have the foundational skills to safely execute. In fact, my own start in Pilates education came from working with clients who were getting injured in their local classes!
Our instructors are highly trained to assess and adjust—on the fly and over time. Every session is built around you, your goals, your history, and your movement patterns. This is especially valuable for people dealing with occasional pain, recovering from an injury, or cross-training to stay active and injury-free. It’s also why keeping a consistent practice and consistent class schedule is so powerful. Your instructors can really get to know your individual needs and help your body discover areas of strength it didn’t know it even had!
Time Is Precious—Make It Count
If you’re juggling work, family, and a packed schedule, your workout time has to deliver. Don’t waste it on something that just looks like Pilates. Let your instructor know of any goals you have and work to make your practice consistent. Setting aside time to dedicate to classes each week will help your teacher guide you through the full experiences of Pilates and open your eyes to work outside of the reformer.
