How to make your reformer session more mindful using yoga principles

Reformer Pilates is already known for precision, control, and strength—but when you blend it with yoga principles, your practice can become more mindful, intentional, and deeply effective.

Whether you’re a Pilates instructor in a studio or practising in your own home studio, integrating yoga-inspired awareness into your reformer sessions can elevate both physical results and mental clarity.

Start With Intention, Not Just Movement

In yoga, every practice begins with intention. Before stepping onto your reformer, take a moment to pause. Ask yourself what your body needs today—strength, mobility, grounding, or release.

This simple moment of awareness helps shift your reformer session from “just a workout” to a purposeful practice.

Breathe Like a Yogi, Move Like a Pilates Pro

Breath is the foundation of both yoga and Pilates. Instead of rushing through repetitions, allow your breath to guide your movement.

• Inhale to prepare and create space
• Exhale to engage, stabilise, and move with control

Focus on Alignment Over Intensity

Yoga teaches us to honour alignment before depth or intensity. The same applies on the reformer.

Rather than increasing spring tension or pushing for more repetitions, prioritise neutral spine awareness, shoulder and hip alignment, and smooth transitions.

Move With Awareness, Not Autopilot

Mindfulness means staying connected to every movement. Notice how the carriage feels, whether both sides of the body are working evenly, and where you may be holding unnecessary tension.

Treat Transitions as Part of the Practice

In yoga, transitions are just as important as poses. Slow, intentional transitions on the reformer help maintain flow, build control, and support a calm nervous system.

End With Stillness

Finish your reformer session with a brief moment of stillness—lying supine, seated, or standing—allowing the body to absorb the work and reset.

Bringing Mindfulness Into Every Reformer Practice

Combining yoga principles with reformer Pilates creates a practice that is strong, intentional, and sustainable—whether in a professional studio or home studio environment.