You've seen the photos. A bed-like contraption with springs and straps, someone looking impossibly serene while doing something that definitely looks hard. That's a reformer. And if you've been curious but haven't pulled the trigger yet, this is your guide.
What Is a Reformer, Exactly?
The reformer is a sliding carriage mounted on a frame, connected to a set of springs that create resistance. You push or pull the carriage with your feet or hands, depending on the exercise. It's low-impact but surprisingly challenging — the springs make your muscles work in both directions of every movement.
It was designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, and the core idea hasn't changed much: controlled movement, full-body engagement, serious attention to form.
What a Class Actually Looks Like
Most reformer classes run 50 to 55 minutes. Here's a rough breakdown of what to expect.
First 5 minutes: Getting oriented
Your instructor will show you how to adjust the headrest, footbar, and springs. In a beginner-friendly class — like the Intro Class at Club Pilates Woodridge or Club Pilates Bolingbrook — this orientation is built into the class structure. Don't be shy about asking questions here.
Next 10–15 minutes: Footwork
You'll lie on your back and press the carriage out with your feet in different positions — heels, arches, toes. It sounds simple. Your legs will disagree. This is the foundation of almost every reformer class.
The middle chunk: The real work
This is where it varies by studio and class style. You might do planks with your feet in straps, lunges on the moving carriage, or a series of core exercises that make crunches feel like a distant memory. Studios like Shyft Pilates in Naperville offer dedicated reformer classes, and The School of Pilates, also in Naperville, is worth checking out if you want a more technical, education-forward approach.
Last 10 minutes: Stretch and cool down
The reformer is genuinely great for flexibility work. You'll use the straps and the carriage to stretch in ways that feel almost impossible on a mat. Most people leave class feeling longer, looser, and a little surprised.
What to Wear
Fitted clothes work best — nothing too baggy that could catch on the equipment. Most studios require grip socks (the kind with rubber dots on the bottom). Some sell them at the front desk if you forget.
Skip the sneakers. Reformer Pilates is done in socks or bare feet.
Who It's Great For
Reformer Pilates is genuinely one of the most accessible formats out there. It's low-impact, which makes it a solid choice if you're coming back from an injury or just want something that doesn't pound your joints. Resilient Spine & Performance in Naperville even leans into the rehab side of things.
It's also great if you sit at a desk all day and want to feel less like a question mark. Core strength and posture improvement are basically built into every class.
Beginners are genuinely welcome at most spots in the area. Karve Pilates in Naperville has a boutique, welcoming vibe that a lot of first-timers appreciate. And several Club Pilates locations — including Club Pilates Naperville — offer a First Class Free intro deal so you're not committing to anything upfront.
Who Might Want to Sit It Out (For Now)
If you're in the middle of an acute injury — especially lower back, hip, or shoulder — check with your doctor before jumping on a reformer. The controlled resistance is usually therapeutic, but you want a professional to sign off first.
Also, if you're pregnant, look specifically for prenatal-focused classes. Pilates House Lemont offers dedicated prenatal options, which is a much better fit than a standard group reformer class.
Where to Try It in the Western Suburbs
Pilates is the most popular boutique format in the area — there are 21 studios across Naperville and the surrounding western suburbs communities. That means you've got real options.
A few worth bookmarking: CLEARLY Reformer Pilates in Downers Grove has a perfect rating and a community-first feel. Prairie View Pilates in Oswego is a great local option if you're on the south side of the suburbs. And MBS Pilates in Downers Grove rounds out a strong set of independent studios worth exploring.
The only way to really know if reformer Pilates clicks for you is to try it. The good news: most studios in the area make the first step pretty easy.
Browse all Pilates studios in the western suburbs and find the right fit for you.