What is tower Pilates, and is it better than reformer?
Full disclosure: as much as I enjoy it, my enthusiasm to exercise waxes and wanes. There will be days when I’ll sack off the gym in favour of a lie-in, but if there’s one workout I always look forward to, it’s Pilates. I’ve been a reformer Pilates stan since 2020 and mat Pilates is a regular in my routine, so when I saw the likes of Maya Jama and Rochelle Humes trying tower Pilates, I was keen to find out more. But how does it compare? With reformer Pilates reaching peak popularity, could tower Pilates take over? Here’s all you need to know, from Third Space's Master Pilates Trainer James Shaw.
What is tower Pilates?
‘Tower Pilates is a method of training using the tower as a piece of equipment. The tower itself is a fixed vertical frame, with various attachments, such as the push-through bar, roll down bar, arm and leg springs, which we use to create a full-body Pilates workout which builds strength, stability and flexibility which in turn will help balance and align the body.’
Is tower Pilates better than reformer Pilates?
‘The Tower is often compared to the reformer, but they are unique pieces of equipment with different functions. The Pilates tower is a fixed vertical frame, while the reformer is a horizontal carriage that slides back and forth. A Pilates tower also has a larger bed surface area and open chain springs (the springs can be moved). In tower Pilates, the springs attach directly from the tower to your body, whereas the springs are fixed under a reformer carriage.
‘All of these differences mean the angle of the pull of the springs on a tower is very different to the reformer, so you work with a different range of motion and build stability, mobility and flexibility in a different way.
‘You sit, stand, or lie down during a tower Pilates class, with your hands or feet hooked into the various pulleys, or on the bar, which is attached to springs for added resistance. Like reformer, the aim in tower Pilates is to keep the movement of all springs as smooth as possible. Neither is better than the other as they work so differently.’
Is tower Pilates the same as Cadillac Pilates?
‘The Cadillac and the tower are the same piece of apparatus, just used differently.
A tower is part of a Cadillac; the Cadillac is a large frame which looks a bit like a metal four-poster bed. The Tower is both sides or one side of the Cadillac wall mounted or attached at either end of the bed. The pulleys, bars and springs and exercises remain the same – the only difference is you can do more hanging exercise variations on the Cadillac. Neither is superior; you get the same benefits.’
Is tower Pilates better than mat Pilates?
‘Tower Pilates uses many of the same movements and shapes in the mat Pilates repertoire, but with added spring tension from the springs attached to the tower to provide resistance. This can mean that tower Pilates is better than mat Pilates for anyone who is looking to work on their strength, but know that mat Pilates can also help build strength, both by using your bodyweight, and by using equipment such as resistance bands, Pilates rings, and free weights.
‘I often get asked whether tower, reformer or mat Pilates is better, but all practices are equally beneficial, and should be used in combination for a well-rounded exercise routine.’
Can tower Pilates change my body?
‘As part of a well-balanced workout schedule, tower Pilates can help unlock all the benefits of a regular Pilates practice.’
It builds strength: the springs and straps used within tower Pilates provide you with resistance within the exercises to challenge and help build strength and control of your body.
It’s a full-body workout: tower Pilates classes typically integrate the whole body and engage multiple muscle groups, focusing on moving from the centre and building core strength, with overall body conditioning.
It’s low impact: All Pilates practices – including tower – are gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people of all fitness levels. This also helps to prevent injury and promote recovery.
It improves posture: tower Pilates emphasises proper alignment and control of your body, which can give you better body awareness, balance and alignment, thereby helping to reduce the risk of injury.
It suits all levels: tower Pilates teacher can adjust the resistance and exercises to suit every individual's needs, making it inclusive for all bodies.
How many times a week should I practise tower Pilates?
‘Like all forms of Pilates, you can practise as much as you can. The more you practise, the better you will understand the Pilates principles, as well as how to execute the exercises and how to use your breath to reap the rewards.
‘As a beginner, I would recommend practicing two to three times a week, to understand the Pilates method. Consider a combination of tower, reformer and mat Pilates – these will use the same exercises but will feel very different with each form of equipment. This will help you build strength and stamina in very different ways, and help you experience the greatest benefits.’
Is 20 minutes of tower Pilates enough?
‘Most tower Pilates classes will last between 45-60 minutes long. If, however, you find a shorter tower Pilates class or have access to your own Pilates tower, 20 minutes two-three times per week is enough to bring about benefits for your strength, flexibility and core control.’
How can tower Pilates benefit the rest of my workout routine?
‘Pilates is a fantastic low-impact, cross-training method of exercise which is integral in preventing injury when performing other workouts and sports. The practice emphasises proper alignment and control of the body, which helps to give you better body awareness, balance, alignment and proprioception, all which contributes to a stronger and more stable body, with less risk of injury.’
How do I use a Pilates tower?
Here are five things to know about using a Pilates tower:
'It is suitable for beginners to advanced students, as exercises can be performed lying down, seated, kneeling or standing with the aid of springs and bars.'
'The springs and bars attached to the frame offer resistance and assistance for exercises. You can sit, lie, stand, and face forwards or away.'
'You can use the push through bar – a swinging bar attached to springs – to assist and provide resistance and support when performing exercisers like the Pilates teaser. This is the only fixed chain.'
'Arm springs, leg springs, and straps attach directly to you. This helps improve your balance, alignment and proprioception.'
'The tower uses a wide range of Pilates exercises with varying levels of support and resistance, making it a full-body strength workout, while for strength training, while also improving your flexibility.'
Best tower Pilates classes
Third Space
Where: Wimbledon, Wood Wharf. Coming soon: Canary Wharf, City, Clapham
How much: Monthly memberships at Wimbledon and Wood Wharf from £217
Power Pilates
Where: Beckenham
How much: £80 for a private session
Exhale London
Where: Primrose Hill, Marylebone, North Finchley
How much: Intro offer: £50 for one private session and one group class, £150 for five classes, £250 for ten classes
PI Studio Pilates
Where: Battersea
How much: £40 for one group drop-in class, £117 for one group class per week for five weeks
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