FAQs

The Pilates reformer was designed by Joseph Pilates during World War 1 in order to provide low impact movement to aid recovery from injury for war veterans. Whilst originally designed on a typical bed using bed springs for resistance, the modern day reformer involves a carriage on wheels set inside a wooden or metal frame with springs attached to one end of the carriage and ropes attached to the other.

The carriage moves horizontally and uses springs for resistance and support. A user will set the tension of the springs dependent on the support or resistance they desire in order to effect different body movements. The user can move by placing their feet on a "footbar" and push with their legs, or by placing their hands or feet in loops attached to ropes that pull the carriage along the frame.

It depends on your lifestyle and how often you plan to use it. 

Studio classes can be a great way to learn, but they require ongoing bookings, travel, and cost per session. 

A Freedom Pilates home reformer gives you the flexibility to train on your own schedule, with guided programmes available whenever you need them. For many people, this makes it easier to stay consistent, which is where the real benefits come from. 

We often find our clients buy a reformer for home so they can do Pilates every day, but still attend their studio 1-2 times per week for the guidance and community - the best of both worlds!

To read more on this topic, read our blog on .....

Most reformers are designed to fit within a standard room and can be used in a spare room, garage, or living space. 

We offer options designed for home use, including foldable models that can be stored when not in use. 

If you’re unsure, check the product dimensions on the product page or get in touch; we’re happy to help you find the right fit for your space, but as a guide most reformers are 250cm long x 70cm wide. We recommend you have around 100cm either side of your reformer for use.

Both mat Pilates and reformer Pilates focus on core strength, control, and movement quality. 

Reformer Pilates uses a machine with springs and pulleys to provide adjustable resistance and support. This allows for a wider range of exercises, and can make movements more accessible or more challenging depending on your level. 

Reformer Pilates may be a good option if you: 

• want more support when learning technique  
• are returning from injury or working within a limited range of movement  
• prefer guided, structured workouts  
• want to progressively increase resistance over time  

Mat Pilates can still be highly effective, but the reformer offers more versatility and progression, particularly for at-home training. 

This depends on your goals, but most people see benefits from doing Pilates 2–3 times per week. 

If you’re looking to build strength, improve mobility, or create a consistent routine, you may choose to do shorter sessions more frequently. 

One of the advantages of having a reformer at home is flexibility; even 10–20 minutes can be effective when done consistently. 

Freedom Pilates has been offering studio quality home reformers NZ wide since 2019. NZ owned and supported and with over 5000 reformers sold.

Every new reformer comes with 6 months free access to the Freedom On Demand app with over 500 classes. Freedom Pilates reformers are NZ's leading independent brand of Pilates reformers.

The Soho reformer from Freedom Pilates has been a favourite in NZ for over 5 years and has over 80 5 star reviews for performance and quality. Whilst there are now copies available, the quality back up support and free on-demand classes ensures the Soho reformer remains a favourite amongst kiwis.

Yes, with the right guidance, Pilates can be a safe and effective way to stay active during pregnancy. 

As part of Freedom On Demand, we offer an antenatal programmes developed by women’s health physiotherapists. It includes both guided classes and educational content to help you move safely and confidently throughout each stage of pregnancy. 

As with any exercise during pregnancy, it’s a good idea to check with your lead maternity care provider before starting.

Absolutely. Reformer Pilates is one of the most adaptable and effective forms of exercise available to menopausal women. In the following blog our resident Physiotherapist Cath Julius explains more.

Why reformer Pilates is what your body needs in menopause

Reformer Pilates is generally low-impact and can be suitable for a wide range of injuries and conditions, depending on your individual needs. 

Our Freedom On Demand programmes are designed by physiotherapists, with a strong focus on safe movement, control, and progression. Many people use reformer Pilates to support rehabilitation, improve mobility, and rebuild strength. 

If you have a specific injury or are unsure where to start, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before beginning, or starting with a beginner or condition-specific programmes. 

If you’re new to Pilates, you’re not alone; many of our customers start from scratch and quickly come to learn and love their Pilates practice. 

Our Freedom On Demand programmes are structured to guide you step-by-step, starting with fundamentals and progressing over time. Each session includes clear instruction, cues, and demonstrations to help you understand proper form and technique. 

We also offer complementary virtual onboarding sessions with our founder, Cath Julius, a physiotherapist with over 25 years’ experience. 

Freedom Wellness Co. is a New Zealand-owned and operated company, based in Christchurch. 

On the Freedom Pilates side, our programmes are shaped by our founder Cath Julius, who has 25+ years of experience in Pilates instruction and physiotherapy. This expertise underpins how all our Pilates and equipment, programmes, and classes are designed. 

We’ve been supplying reformers since 2019, with a focus on high-quality equipment and expert-led training for home use. 

Freedom's compression leggings offer the strongest pressure of any boots on the market, offering great benefits to those that like strong compression to aid recovery. All boots come with a carry bag and are well-loved by athletes throughout New Zealand.

The chiller unit connects to the ice bath via pipes, circulating water out of the bath and through the unit to progressively cool it. As an added benefit, the water is continuously circulated to prevent stagnation and passes through a filter to remove debris (such as grass) after use.

Our ice bath is 160cm long x 100cm wide x 70cm high. It holds approx 600 litres.

The main difference is in how the boots deliver compression. The Elite boots have six chambers and a central motor, delivering up to 260 mmHg of pressure for more targeted, progressive compression. The Pro boots have four chambers and individual motors on each leg, with up to 200 mmHg of pressure—offering a simpler, more accessible option.

This means the Elite provides a more advanced, customisable recovery experience, while the Pro is a solid entry-level option for general use.