Reformer or Tower Pilates class?

by Sulene Ashton May 2025

I often get asked this question by Pilates clients when discussing the options available to them. Which is better: Reformer or Tower?

To be honest, I don't have a favorite between the two. Having been a Pilates teacher for 24 years, I have come to the conclusion that both are great! The range of exercises available are very different. Especially when the tower is used with a mat converter which then also make all the mat work exercises available to you.

I think the best way to decide which class to join is to look at your own expectation of the session and take your teachers advice on which class aligns with that. The Pilates industry today is extremely vast. Training schools, teaching styles, areas of special interests and fitness messaging have all come together to create a monster of its own! It is almost impossible for me to explain the differences between the equipment due to classes being so entirely different depending on the studio and teacher you will join. But if you know what you as a client expect form a class, you could end up in the best session for you with just a few questions. (This could be a great topic for a later blog post!)

The Reformer has the moving platform and the set of springs that can be used to increase the resistance used. If you are used to training with heavy weights, then you might enjoy the feeling of hard work on the reformer more. The Cadillac springs and bars often assist you in reaching areas and ranges of motion you might not usually achieve. Which in turn makes you work harder, but in a different way than when on the reformer. And if you want to feel you are getting the most out of your joints, then this might be a better class for you. But reformer spring settings are not the only challenge the reformer has to offer. And you can say the same about the tower and the mobility work. Both are extremely versatile pieces of equipment and in the hands of a skilled teacher, can both be your favorite class. They can also be equally difficult, sweaty, or relaxing, depending on the exact class your teacher prepared.

In my opinion, good Pilates does not happen depending on the studio, the equipment, or even the teacher. It happens over time! The reason why Pilates has such a good name is because instructors have spent endless hours with the same people perfecting the repertoire, making adjustments as needed for their bodies and overcoming their personal postural and movement issues. If you want a good Pilates class, stick with one instructor long enough so that they can get to know your body and you can tap into their years of experience as applied to your specific needs. Don't always limited yourself to group classes, step out of the mold every now and then to find real progress in a more personal approach.

Historically the tower is part of a whole different peace of equipment - the Pilates Cadillac or Trapeze Table (see image below). But following the Reformer craze the Tower became a regular feature as part of the Reformer. This definitely makes your equipment more versatile. But it also leaves the benefits of the Trapeze table out of your reach. Do yourself a treat, and book a Trapeze table class if you want to experience something different and special! But you will first have to go on a hunt to find a working trapeze table as most studios around will only have Reformers or Reformer Towers.

Let me know when you spot one!