Pilates Tower vs Reformer: The Performance Difference

By Aspasia P. Simeone

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Gazing upon the modern Pilates Trapeze with its open canopy frame design, keep in mind what is known of Joseph Pilates&#; early chronicle years performing as a circus acrobat and bear witness  to transformation. Still the fascinating truth inspiring these accomplishments is reflected in the simplicity of the earlier prototypes and aesthetics, making them evolutionary. It was during his WWI internment in England, when his resourceful notions manifested and clearly laid the foundation for the modern marvels forthcoming. As the Reformer stands alone, the Trapeze and Tower are close counterparts in mechanical functionality. 

Historical references exhibit these earlier devices with his usage of bed head-boards and/or bed foot-boards, acting as spring anchor positions. Already we can see the Tower developing. The most remarkable function of these earlier concepts is how they translate into modern forms not far from the originals. Although the equipment function between Reformer, Trapeze and Tower are different, the muscle function response in all forms, remains true to the Pilates Method for lengthening and strengthening through opposing efforts. 

Conceptually, remove the canopy from the Trapeze and we have the Tower. Tower extension springs can intentionally work the muscles unilaterally as two individual springs designating equivalent strengths are fixed to eyebolts equally positioned from a central point on either the Tower Arch, Cadillac Frame or SpringBoard, working independently from one another on a non-mobile platform. Pairs of eyebolts are secured at predetermined intervals offering multi height levels for exercise options. In comparison to the Reformers&#; tension springs that secure the mobile carriage to the frame and are driven by one set of rope-cables unintended for independent action, unless deliberately set up to do so. Clearly from a Reformer perspective, the weight of the users&#; body is applied to the spring expansion tension when the carriage is in motion and in order to work the muscles unilaterally, one anatomical side must execute the movement unaccompanied by the mirrored side. This requires great attention to unilateral stabilization from this stationary unyielding side. Whereas, from the Tower arrangement, the task from both anatomical sides can be performed concurrently yet independently, requiring attention to bilateral stabilization, on a fixed platform. Both apparatus offer immense benefits in Pilates training and when available should greatly be considered.

The noted difference with respect to executing the exercises from either the Tower or the Reformer is that the Reformer carriage always moves away from the base frame during tension spring-expansion and is not directly in line with the user, but always parallel to the carriage. The carriage acts as a sled moving the user in the direction of the resistance and adding the users&#; weight to the load. On the Reformer the rope-cables of a predetermined adjustable length are independently attached on either side of one end to the Reformer which glide over a fixed pulley system driving the sled (the fixed pulley system is variable in height on some models). Reformer ropes move opposite in direction to the spring resistance and are proportional to the bilateral muscle force applied.

The Tower extension-springs on the other hand, almost always follow the angle and direction of motion of the user when the springs are separately attached to individual eyebolts and not joined via a Roll-Bar or Push-Through-Bar, where directional restrictions do apply. In both systems, Tower and Reformer, execution of motion is driven by the expansion and recoiling of the springs and controlled by the user but unilateral and bilateral muscle activation is an important variance between the two apparatus. (From this perspective both types of apparatus offer &#;open-chain-kinetic (pseudo-closed-chain)&#; exercise but also can perform &#;complete-closed-chain-kinetic&#; activities which will be clarified in a later posting.) 

Both Apparatus&#; usage of tension springs function on the expansion and compression properties of the springs. Applying the positive forces needed to expand the spring length, or resist the recoil force to slow the return (counterbalance), Tower and Reformer offer a great variety. The physical laws that apply to tension springs simulate the compression forces of gravity and therefore offer productive-strengthening ways to exercise without overloading the joints.   

We know the human body is not completely symmetrical in terms of the internal organs, skeletal structure and muscles anatomy and as result not exactly proportioned in strength and size. Anatomically it is the Sagittal (also known as the Longitudinal) plane of movement that sections the body into a right and left side respectively and the Frontal plane that designates the front-body from the back-body. The Core by definition as a whole is included in the Horizontal plane (ones cross section), while the complete spinal progression, Core stabilization and skeletal/muscle actions incorporate all three dimensional planes. Each plane has a midline that intersect at a common point, and we use this to orient an imagery of lengthening in Pilates. In an attempt to counteract and neutralize some of these unsymmetrical disparities we have in the human anatomy, correcting the muscle imbalances can help achieve optimal equilibrium throughout the body as a whole. Working 360 degrees through all the planes of movement, together and independently, the Pilates Method aims to fulfill this objective by coupling natural motion with the 6 Pilates principles: Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow. Both the Reformer and Tower offer equal significance in all aspects of Pilates performance, and therefore selection becomes goal oriented and definitely encouraged! 

About the Author

Aspasia P. Simeone is a certified Pilates instructor through the Pilates Institute of America (PIA) as well as a Personal Trainer & Weight Management Consultant through the American Council on Exercise (ACE.) She has an engineering background spanning almost twenty years in the aerospace and telecommunications industry. Her degree in applied physics lends itself to her highly technical and analytical approach to composing kinesiology, exercise, and nutrition documents. Aspasia has maintained an active Pilates and /or fitness business for over 20 years, and designed, created, and copyrighted a comprehensive weight management program called Absolute Fitness & Weight Management which is registered with the Department of State to create caloric deficits through exercise and diet.  She currently teaches Pilates at Pilates by the Sea and blogs about Pilates and Fitness on Absolute Fitness Blog.
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In a nutshell a Pilates Tower offers a focused workout with emphasis on flexibility and control meanwhile a Pilates Reformer offers a more dynamic, full body workout. Both provide unique benefits for improving core strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness, so the best option will depend on your goals.

What is a

Pilates Tower

? 

The pilates tower, also referred to as the half cadillac or the wall unit, is a fixed vertical frame attached to the end of a mat. The tower uses a variety of attachments like springs, a push-through bar and a roll-down bar. These attachments provide resistance and support for a wide variety of exercises. 

The pilates tower is a progression of the original cadillac trapeze table designed by Joseph Pilates. Almost all of the cadillac trapeze table exercises can also be performed on the half cadillac. 

It is important to note that there are variations of the pilates tower that are connected to the end of a reformer. These are referred to as the &#;pilates reformer with tower&#;. They combine functionalities of both machines.

Benefits of

Tower Pilates 

One of the main benefits of the Pilates Tower is its ability to use gravity to help with deep stretching, allowing for a greater range of motion that you may not get in comparison from a reformer or mat workouts. 

The tower is also very effective at improving spinal mobility and targeting specific muscle groups. For example an exercise such as the kneeling cat uses the push through bar to help mobilise the spine through flexion and extension.

Stability is also another great feature of the half cadillac. Its fixed nature means its great for beginners who may be intimidated by a moving carriage on a reformer.

What is a

Pilates Reformer

? 

A pilates reformer consists of a flat padded platform (called the carriage) that moves back and forth along tracks. The carriage is connected to a series of springs, which provide adjustable resistance levels. At the end of the bed like frame there is a footbar which is used for a number of movements.

Benefits of

Reformer Pilates

 

The pilates reformer boasts a wide range of benefits. The tower and the reformer share many benefits, so here are a few that are more exclusive to the reformer:

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• The pilates reformer engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously making it a brilliant full body workout. 

• The smooth carriage glide allows for a variety of dynamic stretching movements making the pilates reformer very effective at improving flexibility.

• Greater variety of exercises - with the reformer&#;s ability to combine springs, pulleys, and the moving carriage, it can offer a broader range of exercises. The carriage also facilitates smoother transitions between movements creating a continuous, flowing workout.

Comparison of Exercise Variety 

Although many of the same exercises can be performed on both the reformer and the tower, there is still a slight difference between the repertoire of exercises that can be done on each machine.

The pilates tower, with its vertical frame, has a heavy focus on stability and precision. The stable platform makes seated and standing exercises more accessible. Many of the movements are progressions of matwork exercises that incorporate the springs to increase the difficulty and stretch.

In contrast the exercises on the pilates reformer are often more dynamic. The moving carriage helps to challenge balance and coordination. Movements such as lunges engage multiple muscles simultaneously and incorporate additional angles of movement that the tower cannot offer. 

Challenging Flexibility and Strength

The wall unit challenges flexibility and strength by incorporating exercises that leverage springs and gravity for resistance. The tower offers a broader range of motion compared to the reformer. Exercises often incorporate gravity more intensively, especially when using the push through bar attachment. This allows for deep stretches which improve flexibility.

The springs on the tower are also easily adjusted which means you can gradually increase the resistance which creates a constant challenge helping to improve strength

Difference in Exercise Intensity or Difficulty

Both the tower and the reformer are suitable for practitioners looking for an intense and difficult workout. One is not more difficult than the other.

Compared to the reformer, the tower has springs in the bars and handles that are used to challenge the upper and lower body with varying levels of resistance. The intensity on the tower often comes from maintaining stability and performing slow, deliberate movements. On the other hand the intensity on the reformer often comes from more dynamic movements which test cardiovascular endurance and core stability.

Suitability for Beginners

Both the pilates tower and reformer are suitable for beginners, however the tower has a more targeted exercise approach, while the reformer has a more full body exercise approach.

Which is Most Effective for Weight Loss?

Both the pilates reformer and tower are effective in muscle toning and strengthening, which can contribute to long term weight loss through improved metabolism and lean muscle mass. However when it comes to more immediate calorie burning and weight loss, the reformer is superior due to its potential for higher aerobic intensity. Reformer exercises such as those that use the jumpboard are examples of how you can improve your cardiovascular fitness using the reformer.

What are the Space Requirements?

Pilates Tower

The pilates tower requires less floor space since it is a stationary, vertical piece of equipment. It is often mounted to a wall or comes as a freestanding unit.

If space-saving is a concern there are foldable towers allowing you to clear space when it's not needed.

Pilates Reformer

The pilates reformer takes up more space horizontally due to its long gliding carriage. Having said that, there are many compact reformers on the market if you are looking to save space. Compact reformers often come with wheels for transportation and can be stored vertically if required. This can be done by removing the free standing legs. There are also foldable reformers on the market.

If space is not a problem you could even opt for the pilates reformer with a tower. This machine is a wonderful way to get the best of both worlds.

Which is Better:

Pilates Tower vs Reformer

?

When deciding between the pilates tower vs reformer, it&#;s important to recognize that both offer equal significance in all aspects of Pilates performance. Each piece of equipment provides unique benefits for improving core strength, flexibility, balance and overall fitness. 

Ultimately, the best option between choosing a tower or reformer depends on your fitness goals and your pilates journey. If you&#;re looking for a more dynamic, full body workout than the reformer is the better option. Whereas if you are looking for a more focused, precise workout with emphasis on flexibility and control then the tower is for you.

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