The Pilates Reformer
 What is a Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment originally designed by Joseph Pilates himself. It is basically a sliding platform running along rails attached to a simple frame by a system of adjustable springs.
The Benefits of the Reformer
The Pilates reformer is a very effective way of targeting the 'power house' or 'core' and improving postural alignment. The springs glide smoothly to provide adjustable resistance to the muscles whilst exercising, minimising stress on tendons and ligaments. The reformer works to lengthen whilst strengthening the muscles rather than building bulk. It therefore makes for an effective, non impact stretching and toning programme that is safe for the joints.
Using the Reformer for Rehabilitation
Working you in a non-weight bearing position, the reformer allows rehabilitation to begin at an earlier stage. Using the sliding platform in a sitting, standing, kneeling or lying position, the reformer can be used to mimic the standard matwork exercises or to create specific three dimensional movement. The reformer is extremely beneficial for Physiotherapists when creating and modifying exercises for injury. It allows sports specific rehabilitation to be precise and unlike the mat, the reformer also improves cardiovascular fitness.
Pilates Reformer & Equipment Sessions at 
KTB has recently introduced a Pilates equipment studio to its main centre in Kent with 5 reformers, a half trapeze and spine corrector barrel. This studio along with the established small equipment and matwork teaching, including the club rollers, Bosu, swiss balls, weighted balls and over-balls will enhance KTB's sports rehabilitation and Pilates teaching. All reformer and equipment sessions are taken by a Chartered Physiotherapist, either as a 1:1 session or within a small group. A 1:1 session is essential before joining a small group session. Pilates equipment exercises may also be incorporated into your Physiotherapy treatment sessions if it is appropriate. KTB is clearly becoming a leading centre in Pilates with its teaching expertise and quality and versatility of equipment it offers.
The Pilates Spine Corrector
The Pilates Spine Corrector Barrel was designed by Joseph Pilates to correct the common postural fault, the 'rounded upper back' to restore the natural curve of the spine. Exercising with the Spine corrector increases spinal flexibility and develops strength, balance and control. The barrel shape of this apparatus gives the body support during backward bending of the spine and allows multi dimensional movement through a full range of motion. The opening of the chest created allows for easier, deeper breathing.
The Pilates Reformer with Half Trapeze
Core control and extremity strength is combined with this spring assisted Pilates technique, formed from the apparatus combining the moving carriage of the reformer with the tower of the trapeze table. The springs of the reformer help to articulate, stretch and stabilise the spine and the springs of the tower enhance physical integration and refine awareness of eccentric muscle control. This piece of equipment can also be used to perform the matwork and reformer repertoire of exercises, standing Pilates and most of the trapeze table or Cadillac series.
The trapeze was originally designed by Joseph Pilates for rehabilitation of those infirmed in hospitals with war injuries who were incapacitated with limited movement. Joseph found that mobility and core strength exercises facilitated speedier recovery. With refined design and engineering, the same equipment is used today to achieve isolation of particular muscle groups, strengthening some, while stretching others simultaneously. The tower is specifically beneficial for scapular stability exercises.
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