Skip The Expensive Class With This Pilates At-Home Reformer

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed that Pilates is having a moment. While celebrities like Jennifer Aniston take part in this strengthening form of exercise at fitness studios, you can actually enjoy Pilates at home. Considering that a single class can set you back $50 or more, I say that’s a good thing.

I was fortunate enough to try the Aeropilates Pilates Home Studio Reformer from QVC.

I’ve always fantasized about having my very own Pilates machine, but never thought it would happen. Along with being a pretty penny (studio-style machines can cost more than $4,000!), the setup intimidated me from making the fantasy a reality.

The Aeropilates Pilates Home Studio Reformer surprised me in several ways, and one was that it was not difficult to put together. I’ll give more detail about my experience below, but let’s just say I was impressed. (I’m the queen of paying people to put things together for me: my bed, the standing work desk I’m writing this at, the shelves in my kitchen — so if I can do it, so can you!)

Another pleasant surprise? That it really does offer a proper studio workout, which means that if you’re dying to take part in the Pilates trend but don’t have time to go to the gym several times a week, it’s the perfect piece of exercise equipment.

What is the hype about Pilates?

Like fashion, fitness is also cyclical, so it sort of makes sense Pilates is on people’s radar again.

It’s been around since the 1920s, and is considered a form of strength training. What sets it apart from weight lifting is that it focuses on whole body movements to realign the spine, strengthen the core, and improve range of mobility. It increases flexibility, and has a mind-body connection through breath work.

Many are turning to Pilates because it sculpts and strengthens muscles without tacking on mass. It’s challenging but restorative, especially if your fitness routine is made up of daily intense workouts like HIIT or running. As one study in Frontiers showed, long, intense workouts can create chronic inflammation, which can lead to fatigue, bloating, and injury. Obviously, nobody wants that.

While no one is advocating stopping strength training or cardio, switching between those and something more gentle can be beneficial. Some of the perks of Pilates include:

• Better posture
• Stronger balance and coordination
• Stronger core
• Breath control
• Better body awareness

I first tried Pilates back in high school. I had just joined a gym, and someone recommend that I take a class. A cardio bunny even then, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it, but I was wrong — way wrong!

I was surprisingly sore after my first class. After a few more, I noticed that my posture had improved and I moved with more fluidity. I also felt leaner. Needless to say, I became a huge fan of the workout.

I now try to do Pilates one to two times per week. Whether you’re looking for an alternative to lifting or want something that complements your workout routine — I like it after running — it’s really worth a shot.

What is a Pilates reformer?

Pilates can be performed on a mat, but it can also be done on a reformer.

A Pilates reformer machine has a flat platform with wheels, springs beneath, and straps that can be attached to the hands or feet. While mat Pilates is great, a reformer can further assist with form, because the pull of the straps and springs heighten one’s awareness of imbalances and how different muscles are moving. The machine also creates additional resistance, making it a little more challenging, similar to doing calisthenics with a resistance band.

The type of reformer in a fitness boutique is typically really — and I mean, really — large. It’s one of the reasons I never wanted to invest in one. What’s so cool about the Aeropilates Pilates Home Studio Reformer is that it’s no longer than a treadmill and more narrow, so it fits neatly in a corner when not in use.

Just like the Pilates reformers at the gym, it has straps, springs that adjust resistance, as well as a cardio rebounder. It also comes with a Magic Circle (QVC, $25.25) for targeted toning.

Although it can be fun to take classes, I like the idea of doing Pilates at home. For one thing, I like working out in a low pressure environment. More importantly, a workout can be squeezed in whenever. I don’t know about you, but I’m busy, so I need to exercise to work on my schedule — not someone else’s.

Can you teach yourself Pilates at home?

You absolutely can teach yourself Pilates at home.

I took a class in college that taught all about Pilates founder Joseph Pilates, and the principals of the workout. I found it informative and beneficial. However, you don’t need a class to learn about Pilates — I mean, we have the internet!

Also, the Aeropilates Pilates Home Studio Reformer from QVC comes with six workout DVDs. The Basic Workout one is a great place to start your Pilates journey. Once you’re comfortable with the machine, you can move on to the Strength and Stamina DVD or the Total Body Tone and Lengthen one. Since you’re doing Pilates at home, you can go at your own pace, rewind — whatever. It’s an effective way to incorporate the workout in your regular routine, and if you ever take a class, you’ll be a pro!