Will Reformer Pilates Change My Body?
Let’s get real about something I get asked all the time—will Reformer Pilates actually change my body?
If you’ve been scrolling Instagram and seeing all these sculpted abs and graceful flows, it’s fair to wonder: is that actually doing anything? Or is it all just clever lighting and a well-angled camera?
As someone who's worked in fitness for over two decades—as a certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, Reformer and barre instructor, and women's fitness specialist—I can say confidently (and realistically): yes, Reformer Pilates can change your body. But like anything worth doing, the results depend on how you show up.
Let’s break it down.
So… what kind of results are we talking about?
Reformer Pilates is an endurance-based, full-body workout. Think: high reps, low resistance, controlled tempo. It works your stabilising muscles, especially your core, and improves posture, mobility and muscle endurance.
But if you're expecting to bulk up or add visible muscle mass the way you would lifting heavy at the gym—that’s not quite what Reformer is designed for. Traditional strength training remains the gold standard for building muscle hypertrophy (that’s science speak for getting bigger muscles).
Reformer will:
Improve your muscle tone and definition (hello, core lines)
Build muscular endurance and control
Help you move better, with less pain and more power
Support recovery and injury prevention
Increase your body awareness and balance
Make your clothes fit better—even if the scale doesn’t budge
But it won’t suddenly give you a bodybuilder’s frame. And that’s kind of the point.
What the science says
According to NHS and WHO guidelines, adults should be getting:
150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity (or 75 minutes of vigorous) per week
Strength training on 2+ days per week, targeting all major muscle groups
Pilates ticks a lot of these boxes—especially when it’s taught with a fitness-focused lens (like we do at M.O Pilates. Reformer challenges your muscles under tension and teaches you to move efficiently. And the best part? It does this with low impact, making it joint-friendly and sustainable.
A study published in PLOS ONE showed significant improvements in strength, flexibility, and posture among participants after 12 weeks of consistent Reformer Pilates training. But—spoiler alert—they were doing it three times per week.
Which brings us to...
How often do you really need to do it?
Let’s keep it simple:
Once a week: Great for maintenance. You’ll feel more connected to your core and more ‘upright’. It’s a good start, especially if you’re new.
Twice a week: You’ll begin to notice increased strength, stamina, and improved movement in everyday life.
Three times a week: That’s the sweet spot if you want visible, physical changes in your body—muscle tone, improved posture, and better body confidence.
Your schedule, your MO. But more = more results. Just sayin’.
My honest take as a coach (and woman who’s had babies, chased goals, and tried it all)
I’ve seen clients transform their bodies and their confidence through consistent Pilates training. I’ve worked with new mums, athletes, busy professionals, and people who’ve never stuck to a workout in their life until they found something they actually enjoyed.
And that’s the kicker: consistency wins. Not extremes.
So will Reformer Pilates change your body?
Yes—if you stick with it. And yes—if you understand what it’s designed to do. It’s not just about aesthetics (though those are a nice bonus). It’s about moving better, feeling stronger, and building a body that works with you, not against you.
TL;DR: Will Reformer Pilates Change My Body?
Yes—but here’s how to make it work:
Be consistent (1–3x/week)
Don’t expect gym-style bulk—but do expect strength, tone, and posture gains
Pair it with good nutrition, sleep, and movement variety
Focus on how you feel as much as how you look
Your body will thank you. And so will your future self.
Want to get started?
Try our intro offer—3 Reformer classes for just £59: www.mohiito.com/trial
Come see what your body can do when movement actually fits your life.