Tower Pilates: The 'Tougher' Reformer Alternative with a Costly Catch
I nervously entered the pristine lightwood and pleather studio, hoping my Tala leggings masked my complete lack of Pilates experience. I wasn't there to join the ubiquitous Reformer craze, a social media phenomenon worthy of academic study. Instead, I aimed to try its emerging counterpart: Tower Pilates.
A Daunting Introduction to Tower Pilates
My instructor, Lydia Melmeth, at Virgin Active's flagship Chiswick Riverside gym, guided the class with a warning. Tower Pilates is notably 'tougher' and 'harder' than Reformer, but she assured us a gentle introduction. At first glance, the apparatus resembled equipment from a red room, with chains and heavy metal springs dangling from black bars, creating an intimidating presence.
In the battle of Reformer versus Tower Pilates, one crucial difference stands out. Reformer utilizes a moving 'carriage' or mat that slides back and forth, requiring muscle engagement to resist the pull. Tower, however, features a fixed mat that remains stationary. Vertical springs positioned behind the user demand muscle activation to pull against and lower them.
'This can make the resistance feel heavier and more direct,' Lydia explained. 'Because each spring operates independently, the Tower provides clearer feedback on bodily imbalances. It often feels more precise and controlled, highlighting asymmetries and demanding strong alignment.'
The Zen of a Challenging Workout
Both Reformer and Tower Pilates originated simultaneously, gaining traction in the 2000s. While Reformer soared in popularity, Tower remained relatively obscure. During the 50-minute class, I engaged my core and leg muscles to pull metal springs, curled my spine, and supported my body weight solely on my shoulders.
My shoulders ached from holding taut metal springs during sit-ups, and my thighs burned from maintaining a resistance bar while squatting and pulsing on tiptoes. Despite the deep muscle burn, the experience was surprisingly zen. No nightclub music thumped, no Barry's-style instructor shouted like a drill sergeant, and, best of all, no one judged my beginner status.
This was a revelation, given my exposure to the stereotypical Pilates image: Alo-wearing, expert-level sessions with sweat-dripping intensity, where instructors have faced criticism for singling out less-capable students, incidents often viral on TikTok.
Inclusivity Challenges in Modern Pilates
A decade ago, Pilates was practiced by women of all ages in village halls nationwide. The Reformer boom, with classes often costing over £25 per hour, has attracted a more uniform clientele: slim white women with washboard abs in matching sets. While I fit some of these categories, this misguided sense of exclusivity had previously deterred me from modern Pilates. I have no desire to occupy spaces where others feel unwelcome.
'The industry absolutely has room to grow when it comes to inclusivity,' Lydia noted. 'The practice itself is inclusive, adaptable for everybody, and can be practiced by people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. However, the rise of Instagram culture has shifted the focus toward how Pilates looks rather than how it feels. This makes some people feel as though they don't 'fit' the image of who Pilates is for.'
PT Nancy Best, founder of the Ladies Who Crunch app, agrees this is a major barrier. 'My mum is 65 and does online classes in her bedroom because she feels 'too old' for London studios,' she shared. 'The explosion of the 'Pilates girl' aesthetic is so unhelpful, not to mention aesthetic results are never a guarantee. There's a unique interplay of factors including genetics, nutrition, and recovery, so women should be cautious of any coach who promises very specific adaptations.'
The Cost Barrier to Pilates Participation
In my class, a diverse spectrum of women, and even two men, participated. I suspect Tower's status as the lesser-known, less-established sister to Reformer made people feel less daunted about entering the Pilates world. Yet, despite the incredible experience at Virgin Active, the sad reality is I won't be able to afford a return. With a £299 monthly membership and a £125 joining fee, it's beyond my budget.
The facilities are undeniably fantastic, offering fresh fluffy white towels, a heated pool, sauna, massage beds, indoor and outdoor squash and tennis courts, and a spacious, quiet gym even at peak times. One participant even praised it as 'better than Third Space.'
Nancy points out that the cost of attending boutique Pilates studios poses a 'huge barrier' to participation, not just at large gyms. 'Whilst I appreciate studios have high overheads, it's become a status symbol that most women can't afford on a regular basis,' she added.
Thus, while I've savored my first taste of Tower Pilates and loved it, I'm left questioning if I'll ever be able to foot the cost of embracing the 'Pilates girl' lifestyle. The workout offers a tougher, more inclusive alternative, but financial accessibility remains a significant catch for many enthusiasts.
