Tower vs Reformer​

 

The Pilates Tower is also known as the half trapeze. The Trapeze Tower was a direct adaptation by Joseph Pilates of a bed with a frame with springs attached to support or challenge traditional Pilates mat work. The Tower is an adaptation that can be used in group classes and almost all the trapeze repertoires can be performed using the Tower.

 

In Tower Reformer, a Tower apparatus that is attached to the Reformer along with a stable platform offers a more stable surface to work from. While Reformers use springs attached to a central anchoring point, the Tower has springs in a variety of locations, allowing the legs, arms, and torso to work directly with the spring. The stable platform makes seated and standing exercises easier while providing an unparalleled stretch. Individuals will sit, stand or lie down on the platform and work with resistive springs that are attached to the Tower to build strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. This workout is designed to work those deepest abdominal muscles while sculpting your legs, butt, arms and back. You will leave this class having worked the entire body! 

 

Just like the Reformer, the Pilates Tower uses springs for resistance. The springs and their height can be adjusted to add support or challenge. The Tower also has a spring bar and a Push Through Bar which can be sprung from the top or the bottom as well as springs with hand/foot loops attached.

 

How are Tower Pilates classes different to Reformer classes?

Tower classes allow your body to move in an alternative way because both the angle of pull from the springs and the differing lengths and resistance of the springs are different from the Reformer.  The same exercises, ie, feet in straps, requires a different type of stability to keep the correct form and will emphasise different muscles. The Tower can also achieve an amazing stretch while still working hard with the resistance. The Tower lends itself well to working on spinal mobility and with the push through bar, mastering moves like the roll-up and teaser will be more precise as it assists you through the movement.

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What can you expect in a Tower class?

Tower classes combine elements of mat work combined with the Tower springs to add challenge and facilitate and assist movement. Just like our Reformer classes, you will achieve a full body workout. A Pilates Tower class will work all the major muscle groups, work on muscular endurance, spinal mobility and flexibility. The Tower also provides an amazing stretch as well as great opportunities to challenge your balance. Many of the exercises we do in Pilates Reformer classes can also be done in the Pilates Tower classes, ie, short spine, bridging, feet in straps, swam, teaser…… but they will feel different on each piece of equipment.

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Pilates Tower or Pilates Reformer?

We’re Pilates lovers – so we say both! The Tower will allow you to move your body in new ways so it's a great way to shake up your Pilates practice. You may also find that learning an exercise on the Tower gives you new insight to get even more out of the exercise on the Reformer.

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my PilatesSTRONG is a Balanced Body® studio with Balanced Body® Studio Reformers and equipment