What Is a Pilates Tower? Benefits, Exercises, and Why It’s Trending
Looking to elevate your Pilates practice? You’ve probably heard about the Pilates Tower — b
ut what exactly is it, and why is it suddenly everywhere?
At Babylon Barre & Pilates, we work with Pilates Towers that are integrated directly into
Reformers. This powerful hybrid setup blends the precision and flow of reformer work with
the strength, mobility, and vertical resistance of Tower exercises, all in one streamlined
machine.
Let’s break down what a Pilates Tower is, how it works when attached to a reformer, and why this setup is becoming a go-to choice for serious movers.
What Is a Pilates Tower?
A Pilates Tower is a vertical spring system mounted onto the frame of a Pilates Reformer and a bed is put over the reformer carriage to create a stable mat. It also includes adjustable springs, pulleys, arm and leg attachments, and a push-through bar, allowing you to work in many different planes.
There are also free-standing Towers that mount to the walls if you have the extra space available for the whole setup, should you want one.
Key Features of a Reformer-Attached Pilates Tower
Vertical Spring resistance for upper and lower body
Push-through bar for spinal articulation and mobility
Arm and leg springs for strength, control, and rehab work
Seamless transition between mat-style & tower exercises
This setup allows instructors to move fluidly between styles of equipment.
Pilates Tower vs Traditional Reformer: What’s the Difference?
While both tools are foundational to Pilates, they offer different movement experiences.
The Reformer emphasizes:
Horizontal resistance
Flowing, carriage-based movement
Continuous core control
The Tower adds:
Vertical resistance
More targeted strength and mobility work
Enhanced support for rehab and skill development
Together, they create a system — one that supports everything from athletic training to injury recovery.
Final Thoughts: Why should I do Pilates Tower classes along with my Reformer classes?
When paired with a Reformer, the Pilates Tower is more than an add-on — it’s a game-changing upgrade.
This integrated system supports:
Strength
Core stability
Mobility & posture
Injury prevention
Efficient studio programming
If you’re looking for a smarter, more functional way to train, integrate a Tower class into your Pilates routine. It isn’t just a trend; It’s a well-rounded movement.