FAQs
We've been working in the Pilates and Sports Industry for many years, and here are some of the questions we've been asked most:
1. What is Reformer Pilates?
In a nutshell; Reformer Pilates is the ultimate mindful full-body workout!
You use a Reformer machine, of which there are many different types, that supports your body weight, so it's low impact. A key part of the Reformer machine is the moving carriage, which is attached to a spring system that allows you to alter the resistance of the machine to suit both the movement and your strength levels.
There's even more information on our Pilates page.
2. Why are Grippy / Grip socks important for Pilates?
Grip socks are compulsory at many Pilates studios for several reasons.
They provide traction on the Reformer, giving you the needed stability and support to get the most out of your workout.
The specifics of why a good pair of Grip socks will help your Reformer Pilates workout:
- Movement: A key component of the Reformer Pilates machine is that the carriage moves back and forth. Improve the power of your movements with your feet well anchored to the Reformer. Move with confidence in transitions without worrying about slipping or falling. Your feet are your foundation and they’ve got to be strongly connected to the floor or the Reformer.
- Building Strength and Muscle Tone: When using heavy springs, for example with power lunges, you are using the Reformer machine’s resistance to push and pull, which is an amazing way to tone your legs. You need to have a strong grip and support to enable you to perform the movement with the right alignment.
- Alignment and Posture: Your feet are a key part of your body in a Reformer Pilates workout. It is important to be able to articulate your feet whilst they provide you with a strong foundation to ensure the correct alignment and good position. In turn, this will help give you a healthy spine and strong core.
- Connection: Good compression, along with a sticky grip will keep your Pilates Grip socks in place. Whilst working on the Reformer, you need to be able to connect to your feet and feel the entirety of the sole and toes to ensure they are awake and being used correctly in each of the movements.
3. What should I look for in a Reformer Pilates Grip Sock?
A good Reformer Pilates grip sock should have:
- A sticky, powerful grip to give you traction on the Reformer.
- Arch and ankle compression to ensure the sock stays in place
- Cushioning for comfort when applying pressure on the Reformer foot bar
Of course, it’s even better when you have all of those AND the socks are super cool so you can wear them straight from Studio-to-Street!
4. Is Reformer Pilates hard?
Reformer Pilates requires body awareness, strength, control and balance.
One huge benefit of Reformer Pilates is that you can control the intensity of your workout depending on which springs you attach to the carriage. These options and variations mean it’s an exercise that can be practiced by everyone.
How hard it is depends on your fitness, strength and body, but the Reformer can be adapted to suit any fitness level through spring adjustments and exercise progressions and regressions that a good Pilates teacher will be able to provide.
Reformer Pilates is a great exercise for weight loss, building strength and tone and increasing body mobility.
5. Can you do Reformer Pilates whilst pregnant?
Yes, you can absolutely do Reformer Pilates whilst pregnant.
It is important to let your instructor or teacher know that you are pregnant before the class begins, as you may need to modify certain exercises.
The Reformer machine gives plenty of options and variations for women in all stages of pregnancy. Listen to your body, and if you have any concerns, check with your doctor first.
Reformer Pilates is a low impact form of exercise, so can help women to stay strong, both physically and mentally during pregnancy. The emphasis on breathwork can also be beneficial to reflect on during delivery.
6. What should I wear to a Reformer Pilates class?
Good clothes to wear to a Reformer Pilates class are ideally breathable, stretch leggings and a fitted comfortable top or singlet, that will allow you to perform movements without any loose clothing getting in the way.
And of course, a must-have is a pair of well fitted Grip socks to give you traction and stability when working with the sliding carriage on the Reformer.
7. How long are Crew Length Pilates socks?
Crew length socks typically come up to your mid-calf; in-between ankle and knee-high socks.
They cover the bottom half of your calf muscle and can either be pulled up high to their full length, or ruched down depending on which style your prefer.