Sorry to be basic - Reformer Pilates changed my life
How 9+ months of Reformer has helped my health/chronic illness, the pros and cons of Reformer, and why I recommend it to everyone (especially those with health issues!)
“You can’t do weightlifting anymore. It’s damaging your body; you need to stop,” my doctor said to me almost a year ago. “You need to switch to either swimming or Reformer Pilates”.
I always enjoyed sports as a child: ballet, gymnastics, trampolining, netball - the list goes on. Even throughout my multitude of physical injuries (lost count at X-Rays after my 10th one), I would try to go back to these activities when I was fit. At around 17/18 yrs old, the height of the Kardasian curviness and gym ‘bubble butts’, I bought a gym membership, and slowly started weight lifting.
Initially, I enjoyed the gym and weight lifting. I got the beginner gains, felt stronger than ever, and started noticing definition in my physique. Admittedly, I was mostly focusing on legs and lower body (as many girls do), and because my shoulder has never fully recovered from two dislocations. Years and years, I loved it.
However, I started to hit a wall with it. Doing Barbell Squats, which I loved before, began feeling painful with tension on my back and knees. Even with a weight lifting belt, something didn’t feel right. The recovery after a gym sesh felt like days to weeks, and I wondered if perhaps I just pushed too hard. I started making mistakes, such as dropping a large barbell on my hand and dislocating my ring finger (which took months of physio to fix). I lost that excitement to go to the gym, and would put off going. I still persevered, though, forcing myself to go weekly, until my kneecaps started to feel like they were popping out during squats, and the pain would ensue for weeks to months.
I eventually went to the GP after my joint pain became chronic, and I knew something was wrong. I hate hospitals and doctors (having spent wayyy too much time there with illness/injuries when younger) and avoid them like the plague whenever possible. I was referred to Rhumatology; after lots and lots of tests, physical exams, and passing out during my blood draw (in my defense, the nurse stabbed me 7 times trying to find a vein and I’m terrified of needles) - we had an answer. This whole time, my whole life, I had Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).
For those who don’t know, EDS is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder group. My subgroup, the Hypermobility one, is characterised more by joint hypermobility and instability. Essentially, everything in my body moves more than it should, and therefore, more risk of injury. Almost like pulling on an elastic band more and more until it snaps. It also can and does cause a multitude of other health issues, which I won’t bore you with here.
“So you mean my party trick of popping my shoulder/elbows/knees in and out and bending my thumbs/fingers to touch my wrist was abnormal this whole time and due to this?” I asked. “DUH” is what my doctor should’ve said - instead, he just nodded in amusement.
That’s when he told me I needed to change my lifestyle. No more gym, weightlifting, risky physical activities (bye-bye to all my favourite childhood sports I mentioned before). I need to change my diet, try medications, take supplements, and probably undergo physiotherapy for life. I can’t deny that this didn’t depress me - my modelling career peaking, and I didn’t want anything to affect what I fought too hard to build. I tried specialised physiotherapy privately, but found it extremely expensive, time-consuming, and overall wouldn’t fit well into my lifestyle. I was at a dead end, not knowing how to help stablise my body.
I resisted the urge to try Reformer Pilates, the new white girl sport fad of the month, not wanting to be the cliché ‘Model who bangs on about Reformer’. Eventually, though, I gave in. I initially booked PT sessions to learn the machine, to see if it was right for my body and its newly discovered limitations. It took some learning, but I was surprised when the movements came so naturally, and my instructors complimented how quickly I picked up progressions.
I began classes, just weekly at first, and loved how I improved with each session. Each week that passed, my joint pain and stability slowly improved, as well as my overall health. Yes, I felt achy the following day, but not for days or weeks of pain like I did with the gym. I was shocked by how naturally it all came to me, how I was excelling past those who had attended classes for far longer. I felt complemented and motivated when the instructors would point to me as an example in the class. It ignited that passion and excitement for an exercise-based hobby I thought I had lost.
I’ve now been attending Reformer classes for almost 9 months straight, bi-weekly for 6 months, and only missing a couple of weeks in total. The weeks I missed a class, I noticed that my joint pain became far worse, too - more motivation to continue. I go to a few different studios near me to guarantee availability when I want it. Some of the regular instructors know me and my health issues, so they specifically tailor to my needs, too.
I even bought the Viral Aldi Reformer Pilates machine recently, and posted TikTok videos about it online, some going viral with over 1.5 million+ views. At a bargain price of £150 (excluding accessories), which is the same for a month of classes, it’s obvious why it has caught global attention. With Reformer taking over the workout space on social media, it’s clear to see the cult-like phenomenon spread as more become aware. I’m genuinely obsessed with going now, which, if I had heard myself say that a year ago, I would’ve been shocked.
Also, (not that this was my main reason for going at all), but my body shape and physique have improved signifcantly. I have abb definition for the first time (woop), and overall, so much more toned than ever before. I’ve received more compliments on my body, which I was not expecting. I can’t lie that this isn’t a bonus to continue, though. It’s nice to feel a difference in your body, and to see it too.
Mostly, I just really enjoy having a hobby that revolves around something healthy and exercise-based. I get excited to go and sad when I don’t, which I didn’t have that motivation with the gym before. I love putting on my cute pastel pilates outfit set, getting out of my mind for an hour focusing on breathing, and rewarding myself with a matcha after-yes, I know very basic, but if I enjoy it, so what?
So, my message to those of you reading this, who haven’t found an exercise-based hobby you enjoy yet, or have been struggling with health issues, try Reformer Pilates. Or, just try some form of activity to see what you do feel passionate about, because that enjoyment will do wonders for you both mentally and physically.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates, designed by Joseph Pilates, is a low-impact full body workout, utilising the principles of Pilates with a machine called The Reformer, which incorporates a sliding carriage, springs and ropes to add resistance or support during exercises.
Pros of Reformer:
Low-impact and joint-friendly! Often used in physio and rehab!
Unlike Mat Pilates (which I don’t like as my shoulder almost popped out in a class one time!).
My main reason for starting - it’s safe for those with injuries or joint issues like hypermobility or arthritis.
It’s low impact - even pregnant women can do it (with caution)
Improves flexibility, balance, and posture.
In a society where most are hunched over a computer, this is a must!
Builds core strength and stability
Due to the unsteady platform, it forced your core to constantly be engaged. This has done wonders for my overall strength and joint stability (especially in my back and core).
The machine works your full body with low-impact movements. No more just leg days for me!
With a focus on breath and connecting to your body, it promotes mindfulness similar to yoga, which has proven to have significant benefits for mental health.
Customisable for all levels
Resistance can be adjusted for all levels of users, and as it has a low impact, moving up doesn’t cause as much tension on your body.
I can exercise areas of my body I’m weaker in at a lower weight. I can do shoulder exercises on my previously dislocated one, which I couldn’t exercise at the gym before.
Cons of Reformer:
EXPENSIVE!
At anywhere between £15-30 a session in the UK (and I ideally go twice a week), it’s often more expensive than a Gym membership
Unfortunately, not accessible to everyone due to the prices.
If you want to do it at home, most Reformers are around £600-1k (minus the limited edition Aldi £150 one that I have!). However, without knowledge of how it works and the exercises, you won’t have a routine to follow and might have to pay for online classes.
This is why I would love to recommend it to everyone, but realistically can’t. I would love to see some NHS/charity-based classes run for those from lower-income families/ with health issues
Limited accessibility
Has to be done in a studio as the machines are required, so it cannot be done online
Still a ‘new fad’, so many smaller towns don’t have a studio yet or very limited availability/ expensive classes
Difficult initial learning curve
The straps, springs, and all can be very intimidating at first. It can take a while to learn the machine, the new terminology, the correct posture, and breathing routine. I did two PT sessions at first to learn the very scary board before trying classes (which again, was very expensive!).
Why is it good for someone with hEDS?
Low-impact strengthening, controlled range of motion, core stabiliasion = joint strengthening, adaptability, and aids proprioception.
Why are we naturally good at it?
Natural flexibility with body awareness and determination with mindfulness.
Many already support its benefits for those with joint pain and instability
My advice for starting with reformer (especially if you have health issues) is to start small, go slow, watch videos on it first to familiarise yourself with how it looks, speak to your instructor (they’re there to help you after all), go to small intimitate classes first for more 1-to-1 help, and have an open mind.
I didn’t expect Reformer to help me as much as it did, but now I can’t imagine my life without it.
If you would like to see more of my Reformer content (and my life in general), please consider following my TikTok and Instagram accounts.
