Brand new Tower Pilates is now at Virgin Active, giving you a timetable packed full of Pilates classes that challenge the way you like to move. With Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates already on your weekly rotation, you might be wondering what Tower Pilates has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about this new class, how it’s different from Reformer Pilates and what Tower Pilates can add to your practice. 

What is Reformer Pilates? 

Reformer Pilates, like Tower Pilates, is a strength-building resistance exercise performed on a reformer bed. With a moving carriage and selection of resistance springs, it focuses on building strength and flexibility while also improving your mind-body connection.  

At Virgin Active, you’ve got the choice of three classes. Reformer Foundations helps you get to grips with moving on the reformer bed. Once you know the ropes, Reformer Align gives you the chance to take things deeper. Reformer Athletic is there to give you a more intense workout.  

What is Tower Pilates? 

While Tower Pilates uses resistance springs like Reformer Pilates, it’s a completely different way of moving. You’ll use a stable mat attached to a vertical frame with your system of springs. It’s a challenging class where you work against resistance to develop alignment, control and deep core strength. Because of the unique line of pull on the tower machine, you’ll feel these moves in a different way to Reformer Pilates. 

We offer two Tower Pilates classes: Tower Pilates Foundations and Tower Pilates Align.  

What are the main differences? 

If we’re honest, Tower Pilates and Reformer Pilates are different. While they both are part of the Pilates system and both use frames and springs to help you work against resistance, the way you move on the equipment is different.  

Let’s start with the frame. In Reformer Pilates, you’ll use a reformer bed. This is a moveable padded carriage that slides as you pull on your straps and push on your footbar, with the springs located under the carriage. As you open the carriage, the tension in the springs increases, creating more resistance. The frame in Tower Pilates does not move at all and rather than being horizontal, the springs and pulleys are attached vertically. This means that when you move, you’re working against resistance from a different angle in each class. Simply put, in Reformer Pilates most of your resistance and moves are done on a horizontal plane of movement but in Tower Pilates most of your resistance comes from a vertical plane of movement.  

The way you move is also different. You’ll probably find Reformer Pilates to be a more free-flowing and dynamic movement than Tower. Because the Tower Pilates machine and bed is static, it’s better for deep, targeted strength and more deliberate movement which focuses on precise control, muscle activation, improved posture and a strong mind-body connection.  

Is Tower Pilates harder than Reformer Pilates? 

While getting to grips with a new machine might seem challenging, Tower Pilates is not necessarily any harder than Reformer Pilates.  

For beginners, the static tower machine provides extra stability which can speed up how long it takes you to feel confident with the moves. If you’re already a fan of Reformer Pilates, switching to Tower Pilates should feel fairly natural.  

In terms of movement, Tower Pilates combines Mat Pilates moves with Cadillac exercises. (The tower machine is basically a Cadillac, just arranged in a different way.) This might mean that some of the exercises sound familiar to you but the way that they feel in your body might be different. Because the springs are attached directly to the frame, your moves in Tower Pilates may feel heavier, making it brilliant for targeted muscle activation. There’s also the benefit of the springs being independent from the carriage which means it’s easier to identify and support imbalances in your body. 

So, in short: no. Tower Pilates is not harder than Reformer Pilates, it’s just different.  

What happens in a Virgin Active Tower Pilates class? 

At Virgin Active, we offer two types of Tower Pilates classes: Tower Pilates Foundations and Tower Pilates Align.  

Tower Pilates Foundations is perfect for anyone who hasn’t done Tower Pilates before. Your instructor will help you get set up for your first class, showing you how the springs and equipment work. You’ll then begin a sequence focused on strong holds, grounded movement and keeping your control. It’s about building strength, softly. 

Once you’ve given Tower Pilates Foundations a go and you’re ready for your next challenge, Tower Pilates Align adds more flow and a few extra challenges.  

To try your first Tower Pilates class, head to the Virgin Active app and book your spot.  

Ready for your next workout? Check out all the group exercise classes available at Virgin Active.

Not yet a member? Find your nearest club and start your membership today.

FAQs 

Is Tower Pilates good for beginners? 

Yes! Whether you’ve never tried Pilates before or you’ve dabbled in Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates, Tower Pilates adds a new edge to your strength. Some beginners even find that it’s easier to pick up Tower Pilates because of the non-moving frame.    

What’s the difference between Tower Pilates and Reformer Pilates? 

Tower Pilates and Reformer Pilates feel completely different. Reformer Pilates uses a moving carriage and mainly focuses on resistance coming from a horizontal source. Tower Pilates is a static frame with vertical resistance. In a Reformer Pilates class, you’re more likely to notice improvements in your flexibility, stability and overall strength while a Tower Pilates class focuses more on deep, targeted strength, alignment and precise control.  

Can you do Tower Pilates if you’ve never done Pilates before? 

Absolutely. The best place to start is with a few Tower Pilates Foundations classes to get to grips with the moves and kit. 

What are Tower Pilates classes like at Virgin Active? 

Tower Pilates classes at Virgin Active are designed to help you get the most out of your movement. Alongside all our other Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates classes, Tower Pilates creates a comprehensive Pilates offering which means you can build full body strength and mobility on a single timetable.