What Is a Pilates Reformer?

The Pilates Reformer is a spring-based resistance machine created by Joseph Pilates. It looks a little intimidating at first - a bed-like frame with a moving carriage, adjustable springs, a footbar, straps, and shoulder blocks - but it’s an incredibly versatile and effective tool. You can use it lying down, sitting, standing, kneeling, or even in side-lying positions. Exercises on the Reformer challenge your body in multiple planes of motion using both resistance and instability.

The Reformer supports proper alignment, enhances core strength and control, allows for strengthening all of the muscles groups, and facilitates full body, functional movement. It can be adjusted for all fitness levels - from beginners to advanced clients.

Why Is Reformer Pilates Good For me?

Reformer Pilates offers a full-body workout that strengthens, sculpts, and improves posture, balance, mobility, and flexibility. The spring resistance builds lean muscle mass while protecting joints. You’ll work your core deeply, strengthen your glutes and legs, improve spinal mobility, and feel more energised and aligned.

Reformer Pilates’s focus on coordination, stability and balance helps you be present with yourself and really enjoy the experience of the body and mind working together - great for relieving stress, and tension.

Our Dynamic Reformer classes also incorporate props like hand weights, rings and balls - for extra strength benefits, and challenge coordination and balance in every session.

Over time, clients report feeling stronger, more confident in their movement, and more confident and powerful in their daily lives.

What are The Benefits?

• Builds lean muscle mass and core strength

• Increases flexibility, mobility, and joint stability

• Improves posture and body awareness

• Strengthens glutes, legs, arms, and back

• Helps support spinal health and reduce back pain

• Enhances balance, coordination, and control

• Supports bone density through resistance work

• Calms the nervous system and reduces stress

Whether you're returning to movement, cross-training, or simply want to feel strong and capable in your body, Reformer Pilates adapts to your needs.

WHAT Makes Laura Ceppelli Pilates Different?

Our studio blends the intelligence and integrity of traditional Pilates principles with a fresh, contemporary, evolutionary approach. Each class is expertly programmed by teachers, who bring years of experience in movement, strength, and Pilates training, with your fitness and wellbeing goals being at the forefront of what we do.

Unlike large, impersonal fitness studios, we offer:

• Small group classes with personal attention

• Fully qualified, experienced teachers

• Thoughtfully layered sessions that build strength, connection, and confidence.

• A supportive international community where you feel welcomed and seen.

We don’t just do fitness on the Reformer - we teach strong, sustainable movement that transforms the way you feel in your body and in your life.

How Much DOes It Cost?

Since there are many options it is important to know what you are looking to do, what your goals are and why you have decided to reach out, in order for me to know what will best suit you. A Group class ranges from the Intro offer at 19€ to 35€ for a casual class, with around 25€ a class, being the average but it will depend. You want to achieve results and so making a commitment to yourself has value. Have a look at my Intro Offers so you can try, and if you like it we can talk about if any of my membership packages will suit you and your needs.

How Many Classes Should I Take?

Joseph Pilates famously said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” but how you arrive to these benchmarks will be personal to you, your needs and your level of commitment.

You will feel a difference after one Reformer class, but to have lasting change and see and feel a real difference then a minimum of one class a week, or preferably two or 3, over a 12 week period will set you on your way.

I usually work in 3 month or 6 month packages paying monthly automatic payments, as these options are the best way to support a pattern of consistency and reach desired goal. I also offer a 5 or 10 class pass usually for those who are staying in Barcelona short term this is a great option to keep up your Pilates while you are here.. There is an option to come to drop in classes, as some clients are just passing through and so suits popping in.

I know we have demanding lifestyles, and our self care gets put on the back burner a lot of the time, but it’s important to look after yourself and work your body and mind as a priority. You can’t give from an empty bucket so make sure yours is full and think about your goals and why they are important to you. Your older self will thank you for the effort you are putting in now. You will feel more energetic, strong, resilient and this will spill over into your life, into your home and future body. Our self care gives a great message to those around us.

Is It a Cardio workout?

Reformer Pilates isn’t a traditional cardio workout, but it can definitely get your heart rate up on occasions - especially in our dynamic classes where we increase pace, add resistance, and flow through challenging sequences. The use of heavier springs or hand weights adds intensity and metabolic benefits, giving you strength and cardio in one session. You can opt in or out of heavier or dynamic options in our classes.

Can Anyone Do It?

Yes - our classes are suitable for almost everyone. Whether you're brand new to exercise, getting back having recovered from injury, or an advanced mover, the Reformer can be adapted for you. Our classes aren’t rehab classes but usually exercises can be modified to suit your level, goals, and any limitations. If you’re unsure, ask us any questions or start with our Intro Offer - so we can support you appropriately.

How Do I book?

Choose your preferred Intro Offer (Group or Private) on our Intro Offers page or Casual Single class.

1. If choosing a Group Intro Offer or Casual class check the Schedule to find a class that suits your availability.

2. Once purchased, we’ll send you a welcome email and a short client intake form so we can personalise your experience.

From there, we’ll guide you every step of the way..

Can Pilates Help My Back Pain?

Yes, it can. Reformer Pilates strengthens the deep core and back muscles, improves posture, and supports spinal mobility. These elements are essential for reducing or managing back pain.

We teach you how to move mindfully, improve alignment, and build balanced strength in the hips, glutes, and abdominals - all of which play a key role in a healthy back.

Can Pilates Help Me Lose Weight?

While Pilates isn’t focused on weight loss, it absolutely contributes to it as part of a healthy, active lifestyle. It builds lean muscle mass (which boosts metabolism), improves posture, reduces stress (and cortisol), and supports other healthy choices like better sleep and nutrition.

Most of all, it helps you feel strong and capable in your body - which often leads to more consistent movement and confidence in other areas of life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

We believe that when you feel strong in your body, you feel strong in your life. Our English-speaking Reformer Pilates classes in central Barcelona are designed for the international community - empowering, effective, and always supportive.

Book your first class today and start feeling the difference.