Does Reformer Pilates build muscle?

Reformer Pilates has become more known and tried over the last few years than ever before. Loved by all ages and fitness abilities thanks to its versatility and unique offering; but what is it actually good for?

Here at Reformer Pilates by The Women’s Gym, Wilmslow’s women’s only reformer studio, our Instructors get asked regularly ‘does reformer Pilates build muscle?’, so let’s explore that.

Does Reformer Pilates build muscle?

When we think about building muscle, we quickly look to the weight section of the gym. Whether that be free weights, Smith machines or pin-loaded machines, our common conception of strength training is that it takes place in a traditional gym setting… but it doesn’t have to.

Reformer Pilates, if done regularly and to an appropriate intensity, can absolutely build muscle and work as strength training.

Is Reformer Pilates strength training?

Reformer Pilates has a unique ability to work all muscle groups at once that no other form of strength training offers.

The nature of the Reformer bed means you are able to move several parts of the body at once, working small and large muscle groups at the same time – something that isn’t easily achieved with more traditional forms of strength training.

The Reformer Bed also uses resistance and weight to work muscles, so it’s not just about lifting weights, it’s about pushing against different levels of spring resistance to test the body in a way you may not have done before.

Think 2kg isn’t heavy? Try lifting it in a Reformer class…

How to build muscle with Reformer Pilates

The key here is to pick the right class. At Reformer Pilates by The Women’s Gym we offer four different classes that vary in intensity and outcome, but all of them are suitable for everyone, whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned pro.

Our Signature class is a curated session of classic Reformer Pilates, so although this offers an approachable workout for all with layers of intensity depending on your goal, it absolutely strengthens and tones muscles, without lifting a single weight.

Power, however, is our dedicated strength training session. Not only does this class use heavier spring resistance and isolated movements to build muscle, we also incorporate additional weighted accessories such as pill weights and ankle weights to really get your muscles working.

Regular attendance at our Power class is guaranteed to strengthen and tone muscles across the whole body.

Ready to experience how Reformer Pilates can help build and tone muscle? Female Total Fitness and The Women’s Gym Wilmslow members can book via the Total Fitness app now and non-members can book on ClassPass.