Reformer Pilates has undoubtedly become one of the hottest workouts out there, with new studios popping up everywhere. But if weight loss is your goal, you might be wondering: can a low-impact exercise like Pilates really make a difference?
Well, the answer may surprise you. To help us explain the role that reformer could play in your weight loss journey, we spoke with Jackson Anderson, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach at Juniper – and here’s what he shared with us.
How reformer Pilates works
A typical reformer Pilates session burns between 200 to 450 calories per hour. This, in conjunction with a balanced movement approach and diet, is a great style of movement to support your weight loss goals. Furthermore, reformer pilates is a sustainable movement pattern that is easy to stick with in the long run.
The benefits of reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates is a masterclass in full-body conditioning. By engaging both large and small muscle groups, you’re not just exercising — you’re building lean muscle mass. Lean muscle burns more calories at rest, which is why it’s a focus of many trainers including myself to work on with clients.
It’s the most efficient way to support your long-term weight loss goals. From my experience, clients often underestimate the intensity of reformer Pilates until they try it. The resistance provided by the machine challenges your muscles in a unique way, making it an excellent complement to traditional weight training.
The low-impact nature of reformer Pilates also makes it a welcoming movement style for individuals of all fitness levels. It’s gentle on your joints while still providing a challenging workout. One of the reasons I recommend reformer Pilates to clients, particularly those new to fitness or recovering from injuries, is that it’s great for developing core strength.
Added weight loss benefits of reformer
A huge benefit and often overlooked component of utilising this style of movement for weight loss is the stress relief that it can provide. Reformer Pilates isn’t just a physical workout; it’s a mindfulness practice. The precise movements and focused breathing help reduce stress, which is crucial for weight loss.
Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that loves to store fat, especially around the midsection. Reformer Pilates strikes an excellent balance by providing a moderate calorie burn while supporting these additional goals.
The importance of consistency
One of the main benefits of utilising reformer Pilates classes as part of your fitness regime is that it’s a great way to stay accountable for including structured movement in your week. These classes are often openly accessible to those who don’t have gym memberships either, making this a great option for getting into exercise and strength training.
As a trainer, I also encourage clients to track their progress beyond the scale. Improvements in strength, flexibility and overall energy levels are all signs that your fitness routine is working — even if the number on the scale isn’t changing as quickly as you’d like.
Reformer Pilates might not be the highest-calorie-burning workout, but it offers something far more valuable — a sustainable, enjoyable type of movement. It builds strength, improves posture, supports metabolism, and most importantly, keeps you consistent in the long run. After all, the best exercise for weight loss is the one you’ll actually stick with.
