Reformer Pilates in Rustington: strength, control and balance
Discover the benefits of Reformer Pilates through personalised sessions designed around your body, abilities and goals.
The Reformer
About this session. Using spring-based resistance, Reformer Pilates combines strength, flexibility, stability and controlled movement. Whether you are looking to improve posture, build deeper core strength or increase mobility, each session is adapted to your individual needs.
At Sépilates, we offer private one to one and Duet sessions in our boutique studio in Rustington, West Sussex. You do not book a separate Reformer class: your private session can use the Reformer, Cadillac and Mat together, depending on your needs and goals. A session is 50 minutes, and your first session is £30.
- 1:1 or 2:1Private or Duet sessions
- 50 minEvery session, by appointment
- CertifiedReformer, Levels 1 to 3
- £30Your first session
Does this sound like you?
What are you hoping for from the Reformer?
Most people come with one of these on their mind. Here is how Reformer Pilates helps with each.
"I have never used a Reformer."
You need no experience. It is one to one, with Sepideh's full attention, and she shows you each exercise.
"I want strength without pounding."
Pilates is low impact and the springs add resistance, so the work reaches your muscles without the impact.
"The equipment looks intimidating."
The springs can support you as well as challenge you, and every exercise is adapted to what your body can do today.
"I am coming back after an injury."
With guidance from your GP or physiotherapist where needed, each session is adapted to you. See Pilates for back pain and injury recovery.
"I want to train with someone."
Bring a partner, friend or your mum to a Duet 2:1, £35 each.
"I go to the gym and want something different."
Controlled, low impact work that sits alongside your training. See Pilates for gym-goers.
What it is
What is a Reformer in Pilates?
A Reformer is a frame with a padded carriage that slides along rails, with springs that add resistance or support.
- You work lying, sitting, kneeling or standing, depending on the exercise
- The springs change how much effort a movement asks for, so it can be made easier or harder
- Ropes with loops, a footbar, shoulder rests and a headrest help you stay in position
- Developed from the equipment of Joseph Pilates, who invented the Universal Reformer
Most sessions combine the Reformer with the Cadillac and the Mat, chosen for your body and goals.
Where it began
Was the Reformer made for injuries?
In part, yes. Joseph Pilates shaped his thinking working with injured soldiers during the First World War.
- His early apparatus became the Universal Reformer
- Today the springs can support you or add resistance, so any exercise can be made easier or harder
A small 2017 trial found 12 Reformer sessions strengthened the lower back and shoulder blade muscles. More on Pilates for gym-goers.
The equipment
What are the parts of a Reformer?
A Reformer looks like a low frame with a padded carriage. These are the parts you will see in the studio.
What happens
What happens in a Reformer session?
Every appointment is a 60-minute slot: 50 minutes of Pilates teaching plus up to 10 minutes for arrival, a brief check-in, transitions and departure.
- You arrive at the private studio in Rustington, with free off-road parking on the driveway
- Sepideh asks what you want from your sessions and anything she should know. In your first session you may be asked to complete a short health questionnaire
- You work on the Reformer, and often the Cadillac and the Mat, with exercises chosen for your body that day
- Sessions are barefoot or in grip socks, which you can buy at the studio
Which equipment?
Reformer, Cadillac or Mat: what is the difference?
You do not have to choose. Sepideh combines them in the same session, depending on your needs and goals.
- ReformerA sliding carriage on rails with springs, a footbar, shoulder rests and ropes with loopsSprings
- CadillacA padded table inside a frame, with bars, springs and straps. Cadillac and TowerTable and frame
- MatBodyweight work on the floor. Mat PilatesBodyweight
Also in the studio
Why try the Cadillac and Tower as well?
Sépilates has a Cadillac alongside the Reformer, so Tower style spring work is part of the sessions.
- The Cadillac is a padded table inside a frame, with springs, bars and hanging straps
- It is used for assisted stretching and strength work, lying or seated
- The springs can support you in a movement or add resistance
- Sepideh combines it with the Reformer and the Mat, chosen for your body and goals
Who it is for
Who is Reformer Pilates for?
Because the springs can support you or challenge you, the Reformer suits many different people.
Beginners
You need no experience. Start with a £30 first session.
People who want strength without impact
Work against the springs for steady, controlled strength.
Gym-goers and runners
A lower impact session that sits alongside your training. See Pilates for gym-goers.
Returning after an injury
With your GP's or physio's OK, every exercise is adapted to what your body can do today.
Older adults
Low impact, supported work. See Pilates for older adults.
Pregnancy and after birth
Sessions are adapted to each stage. See pregnancy Pilates and postnatal Pilates.
Your teacher
Who will teach me?
Sepideh has over 10 years of experience teaching classical and contemporary Pilates.
- Certified in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac and Chair Pilates, Levels 1 to 3
- Specialist training in pre and postnatal Pilates, on the Mat and Reformer
- Fully insured
- Teaches in English, Turkish and Persian
Where
Reformer Pilates in Rustington and the towns around it
Sépilates is a private studio in a residential home in Rustington, West Sussex, and a short drive from Littlehampton, East Preston, Angmering, Ferring, Arundel and Worthing.
- Sessions Monday to Friday, by appointment
- Free off-road parking on the driveway
- Full arrival details sent when you book
- RustingtonThe studio is hereYou are in town
- Littlehampton1.7 miles5 min
- East Preston1.7 miles5 min
- Angmering2.2 miles5 min
- Ferring4.2 miles9 min
- Arundel5.1 miles11 min
- Worthing7.8 miles15 min
Approximate drive from the centre of each town to Rustington village, without traffic, from OpenStreetMap routing. Angmering station is signed for Rustington and East Preston. Free off-road parking is on the driveway, and your full arrival details are sent when you book.
Prices
How much is Reformer Pilates in Rustington?
The Reformer is part of your session. Every session is 50 minutes.
- Your first sessionA full private session for first-time clients, one per person£30
- Single sessionPrivate Pilates 1:1, pay as you go£55
- Duet 2:1Per person, with a partner or friend£35 each
Class Packs and Memberships make regular sessions simple. See every price and book.
Sources and research
Stott Pilates: Professional Reformer; Pilates Method Alliance: History of Pilates; Dos Santos et al., 2017: Reformer pilot study. Checked on 11 November 2026. This page is general information and does not replace advice from your midwife, GP or physiotherapist.
Keep reading
More about private Pilates in Rustington
Questions
Reformer Pilates: your questions
What is Reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates is Pilates on a Reformer, a frame with a sliding carriage, springs, a footbar, shoulder rests and ropes with loops. The springs add resistance or support, so the same exercise can be made easier or harder.
What does a Reformer look like?
A Reformer is a low bed-like frame with a padded carriage that slides along rails. At one end are the footbar and the springs, and at the other are shoulder rests and a headrest. Ropes with loops run from the frame so you can work with your hands or feet.
Is Reformer Pilates hard if I have never tried it?
You do not need any experience or particular flexibility. Sessions are one to one or for two, every exercise is adapted to what your body can do today, and the springs can support you as well as challenge you.
What is the difference between Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates?
Mat Pilates uses your own bodyweight on the floor. Reformer Pilates adds a moving carriage and springs, so you can feel support or resistance as you move. Most sessions at Sépilates combine the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Mat, chosen for your body and goals.
Who invented the Reformer, and was it made for injuries?
Joseph Pilates, the German physical trainer who created the Pilates method. The Pilates Method Alliance says his thinking was shaped by working with injured soldiers during the First World War, and that his prototype apparatus eventually became the Universal Reformer.
Can I book a Reformer session on its own?
Reformer work is part of your Private 1:1 or Duet 2:1 session, alongside the Cadillac and the Mat, chosen for your body and goals. Email Sepideh if you would like to talk about what to focus on.
How much is Reformer Pilates in Rustington?
A Private 1:1 session is £55 for 50 minutes, a Duet 2:1 is £35 each, and your first session is £30 if you are a first-time client. Class Packs and monthly Memberships are on the Sessions and Prices page.
What should I wear to a Reformer session?
Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Sessions are barefoot or in grip socks, and grip socks are available to buy at the studio.
Can two people use the Reformers together?
Yes. Duet 2:1 is a private session for two with Sepideh, with the Reformer, the Cadillac and the Mat, at £35 each.
How long will it take to feel a difference?
It depends on where you are starting from and what you want to change, and Sepideh can advise you after your first session. A good way to find out is the £30 first session, then the 3-session Starter Bundle (£135, used within 6 weeks), before you choose a Class Pack or a monthly Membership.
Book online now
Find a time that suits you.
See every free time in the live timetable and book in two taps.
Questions? Email [email protected]
WhatsApp messages only, no calls