At first glance, a Tensionformer and a Pilates reformer can look like close relatives. Both have a sliding carriage. Both use springs. Both are taught in boutique studios, often in small groups.
Look closer, and train on each, and the difference becomes clear. They are built for different purposes, and they ask very different things of your body. This guide sets out what each machine is for, how the workouts compare, and how to decide which suits you.
What is a Pilates reformer?
The reformer is the signature machine of Pilates, the method developed by Joseph Pilates in the early twentieth century. It consists of a carriage on a frame, springs for resistance, a footbar and straps.
A reformer is built for Pilates. The emphasis is on control, alignment, stretch and mobility. Movements tend to flow, breath is central, and the overall experience is typically calmer. Many people leave a reformer class feeling longer, looser and more centred.
It is a respected discipline with a long history, and for many people it is exactly the right choice.
What is a Tensionformer?
The Tensionformer is a spring-loaded sliding carriage trainer, specified by Intension. It combines springs, cables, a foot bungee, poles and dumbbells, and it was developed alongside the Tension Method, our 50-minute slow resistance strength workout.
The Tensionformer is not a reformer, and the Tension Method is not Pilates. The machine and the Method are geared to your strength, fatigue and cardiovascular limits. The aim is not to stretch or to relax. The aim is to build strength by working each muscle, slowly and precisely, to failure.
The key differences
Purpose
A reformer supports the Pilates method: control, mobility and body awareness. The Tensionformer exists to deliver strength training built on progressive overload, time under tension and core connection.
Pace and intensity
Pilates on a reformer often moves with a steady flow. The Tension Method is slower and more prolonged. Each movement is held under tension for longer, so the muscle has nowhere to hide. Muscles tremble near their limit, and your heart rate rises with the effort.
Resistance
Both machines use springs, but the Tensionformer's spring set was chosen by mapping resistance combinations with a strength-training brief, so the challenge can keep growing as you do. Dumbbells from 5kg to 12.5kg can be added to take muscles to full failure.
The carriage and grips
The Tensionformer's carriage leaves the shoulders free, which opens up side grips in planks and a wider choice of positions. Grips are placed with long, loaded holds in mind.
How you feel afterwards
After a Pilates class, many people describe feeling stretched and restored. After a Tension Method class, expect to feel thoroughly worked: muscles fatigued, heart rate raised, and the satisfaction of having reached your limit.
Comparison at a glance
Pilates reformerTensionformerBuilt forPilatesThe Tension Method, slow resistance strength trainingMain focusControl, stretch, mobilityStrength, muscular endurance, core connectionPaceFlowing, controlledSlow, prolonged, preciseGoal of each setQuality of movementWorking the muscle to failureOverall feelTypically calmerDemanding and intense, worked to your limitResistanceSpringsSprings with a wide resistance range, from fine low-end steps to serious load, plus cables, foot bungee and dumbbells (5kg to 12.5kg)Limits it works toMobility and controlStrength, fatigue and cardiovascular limits
Which should you choose?
It depends on what you want from your training.
If your priority is mobility, flexibility and a calmer, restorative session, a Pilates reformer class may be what you are looking for.
If your priority is strength, if you want to feel every muscle working, and if you are drawn to the challenge of reaching true fatigue, the Tensionformer and the Tension Method are built for you.
Some people do both. They are different disciplines with different aims, and there is no reason one should rule out the other.
Coming from Pilates?
If you already practise Pilates, you will recognise some things on a Tensionformer: the carriage, the springs and the importance of a connected core. Much else will feel new. The tempo is slower, the holds are longer and the focus is firmly on load and fatigue.
Your instructor will guide you through spring settings and progressions, and the class is personalised to you even though you train as a group of up to 14.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tension Method a type of Pilates?
No. The Tension Method is a slow resistance strength workout developed alongside the Tensionformer. It shares some equipment features with Pilates, such as a carriage and springs, but its purpose, pace and intensity are different.
Is a Tensionformer harder than a reformer?
They ask for different things. The Tension Method is built around working muscles to failure and is geared to your strength, fatigue and cardiovascular limits, so most people find it more demanding in terms of muscular effort.
Can beginners train on a Tensionformer?
Yes. Your instructor sets resistance and progressions for each person, so a first class can start light and build from there.
Do I need Pilates experience before trying the Tension Method?
No. Pilates experience is not required. Your instructor will introduce the Tensionformer and guide you throughout your first class.
Feel the difference for yourself
Reading about a workout only goes so far. If you are curious how the Tensionformer compares with the reformer you know, come and train with us at Intension Chelsea.