How Reformer Pilates can help with back pain

Updated July 30th, 2025

Back pain is common

If you’re suffering with back pain, you’re not alone. According to the NHS, more than 80% of people will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their lifetime.

The condition is rarely serious and the symptoms usually settle quickly. But once you’ve had a bout of back pain, it’s common for the pain to keep recurring.

If you have back pain, it’s recommended that you keep active and exercise to manage the pain. Reformer Pilates is an effective way to do that.

Reformer Pilates helps to reduce back pain and rebalance the body. In this article, our instructor, Danny, explains what Reformer Pilates is and how it works.

What is Reformer Pilates?

Pilates is a low-impact exercise system developed by Joseph Pilates, in the early 20th century. The Pilates system focuses on strength, flexibility, posture and body awareness.

Reformer Pilates is a specific type of Pilates that helps improve your flexibility, posture, and core strength. It’s practised on a piece of equipment called a Reformer, which looks similar to a bed frame with adjustable springs, straps, and a sliding carriage.

The Reformer allows for a wide range of movements and resistance levels, making it an effective tool for targeting your core muscle groups.

What does Reformer Pilates do?

Reformer Pilates can help with back pain in a number of ways, which we’ll go through below.

Reformer Pilates restores flexibility

Reformer Pilates might look like stretching, but it’s more than that.

Exercising with the springs and sliding carriage of the Reformer allows you to explore ranges of movement you don’t use, but should, in the course of a normal day.

This can help relieve the stiffness built up through your daily routine and ease back pain.

Reformer Pilates activates and strengthens muscles

Where tight muscles cause pain and affect your posture, there are also muscles that are weak or underused. Typically we see patients with a weak core (muscles of the stomach and around the spine) and gluteals (buttocks).

Reformer Pilates can be used to focus on these weak points and ensure they activate during exercises to help strengthen them quickly.

Strengthening these weaker muscle groups will give your body a better posture that puts less strain on your back.

Reformer Pilates helps with back pain recovery

If you’re suffering from back pain, you need a more tailored approach to recovery — and Reformer Pilates provides just that.

Through controlled movements and proper alignment, you’ll be able to exercise your muscles without putting additional strain on your back.

The Reformer is an ideal choice for rehabilitation. It provides the support you need to do a range of exercises, according to your levels of pain and mobility.

Reformer Pilates helps improve movement

Poor posture can cause imbalances in your body which can lead to back pain.

The Reformer’s sliding carriage and springs help you build good movement habits by gradually decreasing the amount of assistance and increasing the resistance.

Reformer Pilates is low-impact

Reformer Pilates is low-impact exercise which is also very controlled. A lot of the exercises can be taught lying down or seated. This will give you the support and confidence to perform them without putting your back at risk.

Reformer Pilates works progressively

Reformer Pilates is as relevant to an athlete as it is to a retired gardener.

As you progress and your back pain reduces, your exercises can progress too. We can make them more challenging and take your strength, flexibility and fitness to new heights.

How hard is Reformer Pilates?

The Reformer works progressively and is designed to challenge you.

It will start with a level of support and resistance that’s suitable for your current level of fitness and range of movement.

As you build your strength, flexibility and endurance, the Reformer will be adjusted. The  resistance will be increased, forcing you to engage your core and stabilise your body.

Try Reformer Pilates at Hatt Clinic

If you’re suffering from back pain, why not give Reformer Pilates a try?

If you’re in the Wiltshire or Somerset area, you can try Reformer Pilates at Hatt Clinic .

We run enjoyable, fun and dynamic classes at convenient times through the week at our studios in Devizes, Marlborough and Frome.

Our Pilates classes include Reformer and Matwork for beginners through to advanced levels. We also offer 1:1 classes if you’d prefer a personal approach.

Book an initial Pilates appointment online .

Alternatively, you can email us at: enquiries@hattclinic.co.uk

Or call the clinic:

Devizes: 01380 730473

Frome: 01672 516580

Marlborough: 01373 452604