Discover
What is Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates at Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab is a one-to-one service, taught exclusively as individual sessions rather than group classes, using spring-loaded resistance equipment to build strength, control and movement quality under close supervision. Sessions are led personally by Emma Reid, working from a full assessment of your body and goals rather than a fixed routine, at our clinic on Wilmslow Road in Handforth.
The reformer is a sliding carriage with adjustable spring resistance, straps and a bar, used to guide and support movement through a controlled range. Compared with mat-based Pilates, the equipment takes some of the load off your joints while still challenging your muscles, which makes it a useful option whether you are building strength from a low starting point or working at a more advanced level.
Every exercise on the reformer can be adjusted for resistance, range and support, which is part of why it suits such a wide range of people: the same machine can be set up gently for someone easing back into movement after injury, or loaded more heavily for someone training for performance.
How Reformer Pilates Differs From Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates relies on your own bodyweight and control throughout. Reformer Pilates adds adjustable spring resistance and support from the carriage and straps, which can make certain movements more accessible, particularly where balance, joint loading or core control are limiting factors. Many clients use the two formats alongside each other. If you would prefer a small-group setting or mat-based work, our Physio-Led Pilates service may be a better starting point.
Who Reformer Pilates Is For
Reformer Pilates suits people who want a more supported, closely guided alternative to mat-based work, including:
- Anyone rebuilding strength after an injury, operation or a period of reduced activity
- People managing long-term back or joint pain who find some mat exercises uncomfortable
- Older adults wanting supported strength and balance work
- Athletes and active people using the reformer for targeted conditioning or return-to-sport work
- Anyone who prefers focused, one-to-one attention over a group class setting
1-2-1 Only
We are running Reformer Pilates exclusively as one-to-one sessions rather than group classes. This means every session is planned entirely around your own body, history and goals, with Emma adjusting resistance, support and exercise choice in real time rather than running a fixed class format. There is no group timetable to fit around, and no need to keep pace with anyone else in the room.
Getting Started: Your Assessment
Your first reformer Pilates session begins with a conversation about your goals, any injuries, surgeries or ongoing conditions, and your current activity levels. Emma will then guide you through foundational movements on the reformer to see how your body moves and responds to load, using this to shape your starting programme rather than putting everyone through the same introductory routine.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in. Bring grip socks if you have them, or these can usually be provided. Your first session will run at a gentler pace than later sessions while Emma builds a clear picture of your movement and comfort with the equipment, and will explain each exercise and its purpose as you go, rather than assuming familiarity with the reformer.
Why Choose Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab
Reformer Pilates here sits inside a physiotherapy clinic, not a standalone studio. That means if something in your assessment points to a wider issue, an old injury that has not fully settled, or pain that needs a proper diagnosis, Emma can flag this and refer you into a full Physiotherapy assessment rather than working around it indefinitely on the reformer alone. Sessions are delivered under the clinical oversight of Richard Higgs, Clinical Director, Chartered Physiotherapist (HCPC registration number to confirm with Richard), and by Emma Reid (HCPC registration number and specific reformer Pilates qualifications to confirm with Richard).
What This Doesn't Replace
Reformer Pilates supports strength, control and movement confidence, but it is not a diagnostic service and is not a substitute for physiotherapy treatment where a specific injury or condition needs assessing first. Where appropriate, Emma will recommend a physiotherapy assessment alongside or before your reformer sessions, rather than treating symptoms she has not properly assessed.
Pricing and Availability
Reformer Pilates is priced the same as our existing one-to-one mat Pilates sessions. Please see our Pricing page for current rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us to book your Reformer Pilates session by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or emailing us. Additionally, we also offer Physio-Led Pilates classes and one-to-one sessions; you can also find out more about us, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore our full range of services.
What is reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is a form of Pilates performed on a sliding carriage with adjustable spring resistance, straps and a bar, used to guide and support movement through a controlled range rather than relying on bodyweight alone.
How is reformer Pilates different from mat Pilates?
Reformer Pilates adds adjustable resistance and support from the machine, which can make certain exercises more accessible or more challenging depending on how it is set up, while mat Pilates relies on your own bodyweight and control throughout.
Do I need previous Pilates experience to start?
No, sessions are one-to-one and built around your current ability, so complete beginners and experienced Pilates clients are both welcome.
Is reformer Pilates suitable after surgery or injury?
It can be, once you are medically cleared for exercise. Emma will assess your history at your first session and may recommend a physiotherapy assessment first if your injury or surgery needs a fuller clinical review.
Why do you only offer reformer Pilates one-to-one, not in classes?
One-to-one sessions let Emma adjust resistance, support and exercise choice specifically for you at every session, rather than running a fixed class routine that has to suit a group.
When will reformer Pilates be available at Handforth Physiotherapy and Rehab?
We are waiting for our reformer machine to come back into stock with the supplier. Emma is already trained and ready to begin sessions as soon as it arrives.
How much does reformer Pilates cost?
Reformer Pilates is priced the same as our existing one-to-one mat Pilates sessions. See our Pricing page for current rates.
Who will teach my reformer Pilates sessions?
All reformer Pilates sessions are taught by Emma Reid (qualifications and HCPC registration number to confirm with Richard), working under the clinical oversight of Richard Higgs, Clinical Director.
Can I combine reformer Pilates with physiotherapy treatment?
Yes, many clients use reformer Pilates alongside ongoing physiotherapy treatment, and Emma will coordinate with your physiotherapist where relevant.
Can I do reformer Pilates during pregnancy?
We would recommend our dedicated Pre and Post Natal Pilates service instead, as this is specifically designed and adapted for pregnancy and postnatal recovery.
Contact us to book your Reformer Pilates session by calling 01625 783992, messaging us on WhatsApp at
+44 7792 068822
, or emailing us. Additionally, we also offer Physio-Led Pilates classes and one-to-one sessions; you can also find out more about us, meet the team, or return to our homepage to explore our full range of services.