A reformer is made from a frame of metal or wood, a strong sturdy base which supports the metal runners and reformer ‘mat’. At one end of the reformer is a movable foot bar, which lifts up and down. At the other end of the reformer are two leather straps which are used during the workout. The centre of the reformer is where the body spends (the majority) of the time, supported by the shoulder blocks and head piece. Inside the frame (not seen by the side profile) are four equal weighted springs. There are multiple accessories and additional items to use with the Reformer, but the core (and majority of the exercises) are done with just the reformer.
It’s difficult to explain the feeling on a reformer. But the main use of a reformer is to workout and feel amazing! The body feels supported and cushioned by the mat. With the knees bent and the feet on the footbar, the back is protected and in a position to support the work. No matter what aches or pains, or rehab concerns you might have, the reformer is designed to support, and aid you in your work. Often a misconception of Pilates is that the mat is where the magic happens. The magic does indeed happen on the mat, but the reformer builds the core and gives the additional support to really develop and challenge the mat work. Echoing above, if you’ve only experience mat Pilates, well then quite frankly you haven’t lived… 
The footwork series is the opening series to any reformer workout. The feet clearly identify to the instructor the areas of weakness within the body, and the type of body they are going to be working with!
The hundred is the classic exercise which warms the whole body up and starts to feel the connection to the ‘powerhouse’ centre/core.
The Front Splits (not as scary as it sounds) gives all bodies (even super tight ones) a great stretch and clients feel 2 inches taller at the end!
