1 place du commerce suite 225, Ile des soeurs, Montréal

Pilates Reformer

Private & Semi-Private Pilates Reformer Classes with Leslie

Pilates Reformer Package: 1 session $100 / 5 sessions: $465 / 10 sessions: $900 / 20 sessions: $1,600

pilates Montréal

Semi-private packages: 1 session`:$60 / 5 sessions:$275 /10 sessions: $500 / 20 sessions: $900

*prices are per person

Everything You Need to Know About the Pilates Reformer: Benefits and Practicing with a Coach

The Pilates Reformer is a unique method to strengthen your muscles, improve your posture, and enhance your flexibility using an ingenious machine. In Montreal, Spa Photonique offers private sessions guided by our coach Leslie, tailored to your needs. Discover how this technique combines precision and well-being in a supportive and personalized setting.

What is the Pilates Reformer and how does it work?

Created by Joseph Pilates in the late 19th century, the reformer has a slight resemblance to a hospital bed. For those unfamiliar with this machine, it can appear somewhat intimidating. In Pilates classes, the reformer is a machine that resembles a bed without a mattress, with a sliding platform, various support points, an array of straps and springs, and a frame where these elements are fixed. The springs and straps allow you to work on your active flexibility with resistance, core strength, and mobility by sliding the platform on the frame in various Pilates postures.

Specifically, the reformer’s carriage (the sliding platform) is attached to several springs that provide adjustable resistance depending on the desired intensity. This resistance helps to engage the muscles in a controlled and targeted way, with smooth and precise movements. This unique setup encourages work with instability, a major advantage for strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving posture. Whether you are lying down, sitting, or using the handles, the reformer offers endless combinations and exercises to suit every level.

In short, it can be quite confusing without the help of a coach! This is particularly true as this practice is generally recommended for more experienced Pilates practitioners. Moreover, given the cost of the equipment, reformers are rarely found in private homes and are more commonly available in specialized Pilates studios. For example, Spa Photonique offers Pilates reformer classes in Montreal, where our private coach Leslie will guide you in your practice and postures

Why choose a private Pilates Reformer Class?

The reformer offers numerous benefits in Pilates practice. Like weight training, it provides precise guidance for every movement through its springs and straps that allow for adjustable resistance. In a private Pilates reformer session, you receive individualized attention that ensures tailored adjustments, maximizing your results while minimizing the risk of injury. With personalized coaching, you can progress more quickly, as the coach continuously adapts exercises to your specific level and needs.

Practicing Pilates on a reformer often requires the help of a coach, as mastering this machine can be complex on your own, and it is rarely available for home use due to its high price (ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the model). By choosing a private session in Montreal, you can fully benefit from this tool without having to purchase it, while advancing faster with personalized, high-quality guidance.

Finally, a private Pilates reformer class can also be a special moment to share with a friend or partner, while strengthening your core muscles. And who knows, the first few sessions might even bring some laughter as you learn to master the machine!


How to choose between Pilates classes and Pilates Reformer classes?

Pilates is known for its numerous benefits for both body and mind. It strengthens the deep muscles, improves posture, and develops flexibility and coordination. Primarily practiced on the floor, Pilates engages stabilizing muscles while promoting optimal body alignment.

But what does the reformer add? This equipment is designed to take the practice even further. The reformer helps increase flexibility and intensifies core engagement due to the instability created by the machine. The movement of the sliding platform, combined with the straps and springs, challenges the body to stabilize and constantly adjust. This imbalance activates the muscles more and strengthens abdominal engagement to maintain each posture.

With the reformer, what you do on the floor can be amplified, and new movements become possible. This equipment allows you to explore variations of postures that would be difficult, if not impossible, without its support.

Where is our Pilates Reformer studio in Montreal?

Our private Pilates reformer studio is located at Place du Commerce on Île des Sœurs in Montreal.

By public transit, Spa Photonique is a five-minute walk from the Île des Sœurs REM station.

FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About the Pilates Reformer

What is the Pilates reformer?

The Pilates reformer is a machine used for practicing Pilates, consisting of a sliding platform, springs, straps, and a frame. It allows for adjustable resistance to work on flexibility, core strength, and mobility. The reformer provides support and guides movements, making exercises more effective. Used in private sessions or studios, it is particularly suited for advancing one's Pilates practice.

Is the reformer suitable for beginners?

Yes, the reformer can be adapted for beginners, but it is generally recommended to have a base in Pilates before using it. The machine offers extra support and can help perform exercises with greater control. However, starting under the supervision of a coach is important to avoid poor posture and ensure a safe practice that suits your capabilities. At our studio, every Pilates reformer session is guided by a qualified coach, ensuring a safe and tailored experience.

How much do private Pilates reformer classes cost in Montreal?

The prices for Pilates reformer sessions on Île des Sœurs vary based on the selected package:

Private Sessions:

  • 1 session: $100
  • 5 sessions: $465
  • 10 sessions: $900
  • 20 sessions: $1,600

Semi-Private Packages (per person):

  • 1 session: $60
  • 5 sessions: $275
  • 10 sessions: $500
  • 20 sessions: $900

These rates allow you to fully enjoy the benefits of the reformer, with personalized or small group coaching.

Can I practice Pilates reformer if I have injuries or pain?

Yes, Pilates reformer can be adapted for people with injuries or pain, provided you consult a certified coach who can modify exercises according to your needs. With its controlled resistance system, the reformer allows for gentle strengthening without exacerbating pain. It is essential to consult a professional before starting.

How can I know if Pilates reformer is right for me?

The Pilates reformer can be adapted for all levels, but it is especially beneficial if you want to strengthen deep muscles, improve flexibility, or work on your posture. If you already have a Pilates foundation or are looking for more targeted and personalized training, the reformer could be ideal for you. Our certified coach will tailor the exercises to your specific needs.