Pilates Is More Than a Reformer Class: Why the Full System Matters
Walk into most mainstream Pilates studios today and you’ll likely see one thing: a room full of Reformers. Sleek, impressive, and highly Instagrammable—the Reformer has become the star of the modern Pilates world. And while it’s an incredible piece of equipment, it’s only one part of a much larger, brilliantly designed system.
Classical Pilates—as created by Joseph Pilates himself—uses an entire ecosystem of apparatus that work together to create a strong, balanced, and resilient body. When we limit Pilates to the Reformer alone, we miss out on the depth, challenge, and brilliance of the full method.
So, what else is out there? And why do these other pieces matter so much?
Let’s break it down.
Meet the Unsung Heroes of Pilates
Most people have never heard of some of these tools—but once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever practiced without them.
The Wunda Chair
Small but mighty, this unassuming box is one of the most challenging apparatus in the studio.
It tests your stability, balance, and strength like nothing else. Standing work on the Chair often feels like a full-body reality check—and that’s exactly why Joseph Pilates designed it.
Why it matters: It builds functional strength and balance you can feel immediately in everyday movement.
The Ladder Barrel
This curvy, spine-loving apparatus offers a unique combination of stretch and control. From backbends to hamstring openers, it targets areas that crave mobility.
Why it matters: It opens the body in ways the Reformer simply can’t, helping you restore alignment and healthy spinal movement.
The Ped-O-Pull
A tall pole with springs that looks deceptively simple—but don’t underestimate it. The Ped-O-Pull reveals alignment issues instantly and teaches deep postural control.
Why it matters: It improves posture, breath, and full-body integration—especially helpful for anyone who sits at a desk all day.
The Mat (the original!)
While you may think of mat classes as “easier,” classical Pilates mat work is some of the hardest work in the system. Joe Pilates called it “Contrology,” and the mat shows you exactly why.
Why it matters: No springs. No support. Just your body learning to work efficiently and powerfully.
Why the Full System Matters
Joseph Pilates didn’t invent one apparatus—he created an entire progression of apparatus, each designed to support, challenge, and balance the body differently.
When you train using all the apparatus:
You build more balanced strength
You progress faster
You understand your body better
You avoid plateaus
You develop true control, not just choreography
The Reformer is extraordinary, but it’s only the beginning.
Why Most Studios Only Offer Reformer Classes
It’s simple:
Reformer classes are easier to market, easier to staff, and easier to scale.
But at Real Pilates, we’re committed to preserving the full richness of the classical method. That means teaching clients on all the apparatus.
Because when you experience the whole system, you experience Pilates as it was meant to be.
Ready to Experience Real Pilates?
If you’ve never tried the Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Ped-O-Pull, or classical mat work—it’s time. The full system will transform your practice and your body in a way a Reformer-only class simply can’t.
Come discover the Real difference.