The Reformer is the rage but the Tower is the power…
The Tower Is the Power: Why This Underused Apparatus Deserves More Attention
In today’s Pilates world, the Tower is often the forgotten piece of equipment. It's rarely promoted, often underutilized in group settings, and overlooked in most certification programs. But the truth is: the Tower is one of the most versatile, effective, and cost-efficient tools a Pilates studio can offer — not just for client results, but for business growth.
Originally adapted from Joseph Pilates’ early hospital bed designs, the Tower features leg springs, arm springs, a roll-down bar, and a push-through bar — all mounted vertically to a wall or the end of a Reformer. It was traditionally used after private Reformer sessions to target specific needs like low back pain, weak glutes, postural issues, or core imbalances.
Today, the Tower shines brightest in the realm of muscular reeducation. Its spring-based resistance provides the perfect balance of support and challenge for helping clients retrain proper movement patterns, fire the right muscles, and restore neuromuscular control. Whether you’re working with a beginner, a client in post-rehab, or an advanced mover needing precision work — the Tower meets the body where it is.
Why the Tower Deserves a Second Look
It’s less expensive than a Reformer or Cadillac — often half the price
It takes up less floor space, especially when mounted on the wall or added to an existing Reformer
It offers full-body, multidimensional movement: flexion, extension, rotation, lateral bending — all with resistance in multiple planes
It’s accessible for all levels — from beginners needing support to advanced clients wanting deep core and mobility challenges
It opens up more class formats, including Tower-only sessions, Tower-Mat combos, and apparatus circuits
One of the Tower’s greatest advantages is that it can be added to a Reformer, eliminating the need for dedicated wall-mounted units and helping studios make better use of their space. Equipment that offers dual functionality like this is ideal for maximizing both real estate and return on investment.
With full Tower-Reformer hybrids now widely available, studios can diversify their offerings without taking on another $5,000+ investment per station. That makes the Tower a smart choice for expanding class capacity, adding variety to group programming, and increasing overall client engagement.
Despite all of this, the Tower is often missing from modern certification programs. Instructor confidence in teaching Tower work tends to be low — simply because it's rarely taught in depth. And on social media, the Tower doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves.
The Tower allows clients to move better, breathe better, and feel stronger — all without compressive loading or high-impact movement. It’s restorative. It’s intelligent. And when used creatively in class formats or circuit programs, it’s also a revenue-generating asset.
The Tower may not be the latest trend, but it’s one of the most timeless tools in Pilates. It’s time we bring it back to center stage — where it belongs.
