Discover Gratz-Equipped Studios Around the World → View Directory

Menu
0
0

Your Cart is Empty

Discover Gratz-Equipped Studios Around the World → View Directory

Home  / Pilates Resources
Previous  / Next

July Apparatus of the Month

July 31, 2026

Apparatus of the Month Classical Pilates July 2026 Pilates Reformer

Photo Credit: Axislbc

Throughout July, we highlighted the Reformer and its foundational role within the Classical Pilates system as a tool for developing strength, precision, coordination, and whole-body control.

Designed with spring resistance and a moving carriage, the Reformer provides a dynamic environment for strengthening the powerhouse, improving alignment, and refining movement quality. Its expansive repertoire challenges practitioners to coordinate the entire body with precision while developing control, flexibility, and balanced muscular development. Whether introducing foundational concepts or advancing complex movement patterns, the Reformer offers continuous feedback that deepens body awareness and reinforces the principles of the Pilates method.

As practitioners build greater strength, stability, and confidence on the Reformer, these qualities extend far beyond the apparatus itself. The lessons learned through each exercise carry throughout the entire Pilates system and into everyday life, encouraging more efficient movement, improved posture, and a stronger connection between mind and body. The Reformer remains one of the most iconic and influential pieces of apparatus, continuing to challenge, support, and inspire practitioners at every stage of their Pilates journey.

Gratz Pilates Community Highlights

This month, the Gratz community featured their Reformer practice showcasing sequences, thoughtful reflections on its history and intention of the Reformer, and educational insights on how it challenges and supports the body. With each feature, we loved seeing how every practitioner celebrated with intention, precision, and passion.

Building Strength and Mind-Body Connection on the Reformer

The Workshop in Edmonds highlights the challenging ways in which the Reformer can be used to strengthen different muscles finding mind and body connection. Her content showcases the Reformer’s versatility in regard to the exercises and how it accommodates all levels. 

Person using the Pilates neck stretcher, head strap over eyes and hands gripping the bar. Building Core Strength with Intentional Control 

Power duo, Hilary and Davita from are a power duo showing their powerhouse strength through an inversion connecting to the shoulder loading. Their work on the Reformer serves as a reminder that controlled movement involves intentional practice. 

Understanding the Challenge Behind Horseback

 Zercin, a seasoned dancer, shared her gorgeous work performing variations of the horseback on the Reformer carriage using the Reformer box. We love how she informed viewers that this exercise targets shoulder stability, glute activation, challenges balance and engages full body strength. 

woman using the neck stretcher connected to the cadillac machine

Hip Mobility in Practice

We loved seeing the amazing execution of a front split performed at Body Contrology Lab. She reflects the work of hip mobility and balance to move the carriage beneath you while maintaining alignment. 

A woman using the Pilates Neck StretcherHonoring Contrology Through Movement

We love seeing how Mariana performs a beautiful sequence of spinal articulation, ankle mobility, and elongation. All while offering praise to Joseph Pilates for developing an iconic piece of apparatus that reforms the body through strength, control, and intentional movement. 
strenthening the neck with the neck stretcherHow the Pilates Reformer Doesn't Let You Cheat

Explore what makes the Gratz Reformer unlike any other piece of Pilates apparatus. Learn how Joseph Pilates' original design delivers honest feedback, encourages precision, and offers an expansive repertoire that continues to challenge both new and seasoned practitioners. 


focusing on the upper body muscles and movementsWhat Pregnancy Taught Us About the Gratz Reformer

Teaching duo Hilary and Davita share how pregnancy and postpartum transformed their understanding of the Gratz Reformer and the Classical Pilates method. Discover how the traditional apparatus provided invaluable feedback, support, and resilience throughout pregnancy, shaping both Davita's recovery and their approach to teaching. 

Evolution Pilates footworkWhy Craftmanship, Original Dimensions, and Fidelity to Contrology are non-negotiable

With a background in ballet, gymnastics, and clinical anatomy, Kerlly Crespo explores why the Gratz Reformer is the gold standard for Classical Pilates. Discover how the apparatus's original dimensions, craftsmanship, and unmistakable feel shape movement, deepen Contrology, and preserve the integrity of Joseph Pilates' method. 


August Spotlight: Pilates Push Thru Bar

This month, we're highlighting the Push Thru Bar, an essential component of the Cadillac, Reformer/Cadillac Combos, and Studio Wall Unit that supports and challenges practitioners through a wide variety of Classical Pilates exercises.

 

Through its adjustable spring resistance, the Push Thru Bar encourages spinal articulation, shoulder organization, and balanced movement throughout the body. Whether providing assistance or increasing the challenge, it offers valuable feedback that helps practitioners refine alignment, deepen their connection to the powerhouse, and move with greater precision and control.


We look forward to seeing how you implement the Push Thru Bar in your own practice during the month of August. Be sure to tag @gratz_pilates to have your work featured.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Community

Recent Articles