What Are the Cons of Reformer Pilates?

Why Reformer Pilates Isn’t Always the Perfect Fit (Even If Everyone’s Doing It)

You’ve seen it all over your feed — those sleek carriages, spring-loaded resistance, and legs impossibly twisted in the name of “core control”. Reformer Pilates is everywhere. And honestly, there’s good reason. It’s efficient, low-impact, and great for strength. But here’s the thing: it’s not for everyone, and pretending otherwise does more harm than good.

So let’s cut through the reformer-glow and talk about the flipside — the real drawbacks that rarely make it into Instagram captions.

What are the downsides of Reformer Pilates most people don’t talk about?

Quick answer: While Reformer Pilates offers controlled strength training and mobility benefits, it can be expensive, technique-dependent, equipment-limited, and not ideal for everyone — particularly those with injuries or limited body awareness.

Is Reformer Pilates expensive compared to other workouts?

Yes — and for many Aussies, that’s a genuine barrier.

Unlike mat Pilates or your standard group fitness class, Reformer Pilates involves specialised machinery, certified instructors, and small class sizes. That all adds up. A single group session can set you back $25–$40, with private classes often over $100.

Now compare that to a gym membership where you can join classes, lift weights, and sweat it out on the treadmill for less than half the cost. The value’s there — but only if you’re fully committed and using it regularly.

Behavioural cue: People are more likely to commit to things they pay more for (sunk cost fallacy), but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for everyone’s budget or motivation levels.

Can beginners struggle with technique and coordination?

Absolutely. Despite its reputation for being low-impact and gentle, Reformer Pilates can be surprisingly technical.

Here’s why:

The moving platform requires core control at all times — not just abs, but the whole trunk.
Resistance springs change the intensity quickly. Misjudge them, and you risk poor form or muscle strain.
The lingo is niche. If your instructor says “imprint your spine” or “neutral pelvis” and you just nod politely… you’re not alone.

For people with low body awareness or coordination challenges, this can create frustration. Worse, poor technique over time can reinforce bad habits or even lead to injury.

Is it risky for people with injuries?

Ironically, Reformer Pilates is often recommended for rehab — but it’s not universally safe.

While many physios use reformer-based programs for clients post-injury, the key difference is: they individualise. In group studio classes, that one-size-fits-all approach can become a problem.

If you have:

Chronic back pain
Knee instability
Shoulder impingement

…then blindly following a group routine could aggravate things. Without hands-on correction, some movements can actually overload joints or misalign your posture.

Expert nudge: The illusion of safety can be dangerous. Just because it’s slow and looks gentle doesn’t mean it’s risk-free.

What if I hate being on machines?

That’s more common than you think.

Some people find the Reformer machine empowering — others find it claustrophobic. There’s a lot happening at once:

Your feet are in straps.
The carriage moves beneath you.
Springs snap back if not handled right.

If that sounds mildly stressful, you’re not alone. Anecdotally, people with sensory sensitivities or vestibular issues (balance problems) often find it disorienting. And if you’re the kind of person who just wants to move freely — no props, no fuss — then Reformer Pilates can feel more like a chore than a joy.

Is it hard to find consistent access?

Here’s the kicker — even if you love Reformer Pilates, keeping it up regularly isn’t always simple.

Unlike traditional gym sessions, you can't just drop in anytime. Studio-based Reformer classes usually require:

Booking ahead (sometimes weeks in advance during peak times)
Limited spots per session (small class sizes = less availability)
Fixed class times (no flexibility if your schedule changes)

This becomes even trickier in regional or suburban areas where class options are fewer. So, even with motivation, access might let you down.

And let’s be honest — if you’re only making it to one class every couple of weeks, you’re unlikely to see real results.

Do some people just get bored?

Yep — and it’s rarely discussed.

While instructors try to keep classes dynamic, the structure can feel repetitive over time:

Legs in straps, footbar presses, arms on pulleys… rinse and repeat.
Music is often soft and slow (to match the vibe).
Progress can plateau if you’re not challenged with tailored programming.

This isn’t a dig — just an observation. If you’re someone who thrives on variety, loud energy, or competition, you might feel like you're missing that dopamine hit.

Behavioural insight: Hedonic adaptation — we get used to things quickly. And when novelty wears off, so can motivation.

Real talk: Who might want to skip Reformer Pilates?

Here’s a snapshot:

Budget-conscious exercisers — better value can be found in other classes or self-guided gym sessions.
People recovering from injury without a trained physio present — individualised rehab is safer.
Movement minimalists — if you love simplicity, the Reformer can feel like overkill.
Variety-seekers — you may burn out quickly if classes feel too same-same.
Anyone with low body awareness — technique matters a lot here, and it’s not always intuitive.

None of this is to throw shade. Reformer Pilates can be brilliant — just not universally brilliant.

FAQ: Reformer Pilates – Common Concerns

Is Reformer Pilates OK for people with bad knees?It depends. While some moves can support joint function, others (like footbar lunges) may aggravate symptoms. Always check with a physio first.

How many times per week do I need to do it to see results?Two to three sessions a week is ideal for strength gains — but consistency matters more than frequency.

Is it suitable during pregnancy?Many prenatal programs use modified Reformer routines, but only under instructor supervision. Avoid group classes unless they’re pregnancy-specific.

The bottom line?

Reformer Pilates isn’t a scam or a fad — but it’s also not the golden ticket for everyone. Like any form of exercise, it’s about fit. Fit for your body, your budget, and your bandwidth.

If you’re curious, give it a go — but know what you're getting into. The reformer Pilates classes offered here offer a structured environment to experience it firsthand.