If you want to develop your Pilates practice, Tower Pilates might be your next adventure. While the Pilates tower machine can look like a medieval torture device, it has a lot of benefits and the good news is that you’re probably familiar with a lot of the moves, especially if you’re a regular mat or Reformer Pilates goer. 

But what exactly is Tower Pilates and what are the benefits? We’re here to tell all. 

What is Tower Pilates?

Tower Pilates is a low-impact strength-building class which is based on the Pilates principles used in matwork and reformer classes. It gets its name from the equipment: the tower machine, which is also known as a half Cadillac. The tower Pilates machine looks similar to a reformer but it’s a stationary bed, rather than a moving one, and the springs are detachable to provide you varied angles of resistance. 

Tower Pilates classes use a lot of moves from the mat Pilates and reformer repertoire for a similar benefit. However, because of the springs, you move at a different angle of pull on the tower Pilates machine which means you work a different range of motion. Your strength, stability and flexibility is worked in a unique way. It means combining mat, reformer and Tower Pilates classes throughout your week will give you a well-rounded full-body workout. 

(Want to give Tower Pilates a try? Find it on the FOLD app very soon.)

Key elements

Stationary base

While the tower machine looks similar to the reformer, it operates in the opposite way. For a start, the base - which is slightly larger than a reformer bed - is stationary. That means you can comfortably sit or stand on the tower machine without it moving. 

Vertical resistance

The reason a reformer carriage moves is because its springs are located under the bed. Your line of resistance is horizontal as you push the carriage away from the footbar by lengthening the springs. On the tower machine, it’s the opposite. The springs are removable and can be attached at multiple points along the tower frame. This means that your line of resistance is vertical.

Versatile attachments

Tower Pilates workouts can be customised through the use of versatile attachments like a push-through bar, roll-down bar, arm springs and pull-up bar. 

What are the benefits of Tower Pilates?

Tower Pilates is a full-body low-impact workout that builds strength through precise and targeted movement. The benefits of taking regular classes include: 

• Full-body strength
• Gentle movement for your joints
• Better posture
• Spinal mobility
• Targeted muscle building
• Precise and controlled movements
• Deeper stretches
• Versatile movements 
• A brilliant cross-training exercise 
  

 

Reformer vs Tower Pilates

Mat vs Tower Pilates

Cadillac vs Tower Pilates 

How do I use the Pilates tower?

The tower Pilates machine can be used in a number of ways and your teacher will be able to explain how to use it during your first session. 

If you’re going it alone with a tower attachment for your existing home Pilates set-up, you’ll want to understand: 

• How your tower machine works
• What to use the springs for
• What exercises target what muscles 
• All the attachments that exist and what they do

What to expect in a Tower Pilates class?

A Tower Pilates class shouldn’t feel any less welcoming than a normal Pilates class. Your instructor will ask you about any injuries and your machine may already have attachments connected. You’ll then start with a warm up before moving into your main class flow. This could be a mixture of controlled strength, flexibility and mobility movements that cover spinal articulation, core, posture, upper body and lower body. 

Unless you’ve chosen a really advanced class, your instructor should offer you modifications to help the moves suit your body while still getting the benefits. Before the end of class, you’ll do a cool down. 

What types of exercises do you do in a Tower Pilates class?

The specific exercises you may do in a Tower Pilates class depends on the type of equipment you’re using. Common exercises include: 

• Exercises with the roll-down bar 
  • Standing roll-down
  • Seated roll-up
    
    
• Exercises with the push-through bar
  • Chest expansion
  • Tricep press
  • Spinal articulation
    
    
• Exercises with the arm springs 
  • Bicep curls 
  • Tricep extensions
  • Rows
    
    
• Exercises with the leg springs 
  • Leg circles
  • Leg press
  • Side kicks 
  • Plank

FAQs 

Where can I find Tower Pilates classes?

You can find Tower Pilates classes by doing an online search in your local area and getting in touch with your Pilates studio. More and more studios are now offering Tower Pilates – and your home studio might be next.

What to wear to a Tower Pilates class?

Like all Pilates classes, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes that allow you to move easily. Since the tower Pilates machine doesn’t move, you don’t need grip socks but they can be a good idea to give you confidence to get into particular poses. 

Are there levels in Tower Pilates?

No, there are no set Tower Pilates levels. However, you’ll probably find a mixture of Tower Pilates classes at your chosen studio, from beginner-friendly to more advanced. 

Do I need to do mat or reformer Pilates before starting Tower Pilates?

Tower Pilates is great for beginners and can sometimes feel more accessible than Reformer Pilates because you won’t work with a moving carriage. However, if you’ve never done any Pilates before, you might like to learn the foundations from a matwork Pilates class.