Reformer Strength: Evolving the Reformer

A girl performing a squat with a kettlebell.

At Scooter Pilates, we've always believed the reformer is capable of much more than most people realise.

"For many years there was a belief that we shouldn't stray too far from the traditional principles of Pilates," says Bec (owner of Scooter Pilates). "But our understanding of exercise science has evolved enormously. Today we know far more about how the body adapts to resistance training, and I believe we can honour the foundations of Pilates while also embracing current evidence-based training methods."

Drawing on her extensive background in personal training and Pilates, Bec developed the Reformer Strength program several years ago. Her goal was to combine the physical and social benefits of group reformer training with evidence-based principles of strength training, creating a class that delivers measurable improvements in strength while retaining what people love about the reformer.

"The reformer is an incredible piece of equipment, but good programming isn't about being loyal to one piece of equipment. It's about choosing the right tool for the job. That's why our Reformer Strength classes combine reformer work with dumbbells, kettlebells and other strength-training equipment to give our members the best possible outcomes for lifelong strength, independence and healthy ageing.

It's encouraging to see more studios beginning to incorporate strength-training concepts into their classes, which Bec sees as a positive step for the industry. She hopes this evolution continues.

How Scooter’s Reformer Strength Is Designed

Unlike a traditional reformer class, Reformer Strength isn't designed around variety—it's designed around adaptation. Every element of the program is structured around established strength-training principles, including progressive overload, appropriate recovery and planned program variation.

Each of our weekly Reformer Strength classes follows its own five-week program. Repeating key movements within that program lets members refine technique and clearly track strength gains over time.

Many members choose to combine Reformer Strength with our regular Reformer, Reformer Circuit, Reformer Stretch and Jumpboard classes, adding strength development to the mobility, coordination, cardio and movement quality those classes are designed to build.

Reformer Strength is specifically designed to develop:

• Greater muscular strength

• Muscle hypertrophy

• Confidence working with higher levels of resistance

• Bone health and joint resilience

• Functional strength for everyday life

• Measurable progress through structured programming

Our regular Reformer classes are designed to develop:

• Whole-body integration

• Mobility and flexibility

• Balance and coordination

• Muscular endurance

• Movement quality and control

• A varied and dynamic training experience

Whether your goal is lifting children or grandchildren more easily, improving your golf swing, preventing falls, supporting bone health or simply feeling stronger in everyday life, the training bias of each class matters.

Curious about Reformer Strength? Try it at Scooter Pilates in Carlton NSW.

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