Feedback On Our New Gratz Archive Reformer

"I am an instructor at Alycea Ungaro's Real Pilates and I'd love to share some thoughts on the Archive Reformer you wonderful folks at Gratz have provided :)

I am 5'8", like Joe, so I can feel a huge difference in these intended dimensions. For example, in the Long Stretch series, limiting the range of movement of the carriage makes for a deeper challenge in the powerhouse. Also, in shortspine, the leg angle is higher, closer to 60 degrees, so the apparatus "helps" a whole lot less in getting the hips airborne. It's decidedly more challenging in a fabulous way. The higher footbar makes me LOVE stomach massage! (In my 17 years of teaching, I have never uttered that phrase!) perhaps it is because of my size and Joe's being so similar... it is truly magical :)

Long spine massage is way more challenging, again: the take off point requires more powerhouse to ascend into gravity, which is great- we don't shy from challenge. Also, LOVE the handles. I am really grateful to get to play on such a fabulous apparatus, thank you for all you do preserving this legacy :)"

- Ann Donohue, Instructor at Real Pilates

"The clients that have been on this beautiful 80” Archival Reformer have had a positive and recurring experience. Their body fits more definitively into the carriage (height approximately 60 - 68") and the springs resisting require a challenge to find that “extra inch“. I would say the Short Spine is the exercis which encompasses the total experience."

- Bonnie Heyman, Instructor at Real Pilates

"I love the archive reformer--I actually ask to use it. It's been a few weeks since I've used it last but here are a few recollections. I've noticed some clear differences that I find add value to my practice.

The foot bar - it's shaped differently with a flat top--more comfortable and thus easier for me to focus on footwork.

It's smaller and seems to have lighter springs which has a couple of impacts. You have to focus on control more. For several exercises it makes you get deeper into your core because you can't use the weight of the springs to push against when your legs are moving overhead.

I seem to recall it has less padding on the carriage which gives you more feel for how your back is aligning/engaging. I'm better at keeping my shoulders divorced from my ears (they have a love/hate relationship). Again, big fan! Thanks for bringing it back."

- Jessica Gilbert, Instructor at Real Pilates

"I love the archive reformer--I actually ask to use it. It's been a few weeks since I've used it last but here are a few recollections. I've noticed some clear differences that I find add value to my practice.

The foot bar - it's shaped differently with a flat top--more comfortable and thus easier for me to focus on footwork.

It's smaller and seems to have lighter springs which has a couple of impacts. You have to focus on control more. For several exercises it makes you get deeper into your core because you can't use the weight of the springs to push against when your legs are moving overhead.

I seem to recall it has less padding on the carriage which gives you more feel for how your back is aligning/engaging. I'm better at keeping my shoulders divorced from my ears (they have a love/hate relationship). Again, big fan! Thanks for bringing it back."

- Jessica Gilbert, Instructor at Real Pilates