The pilates reformer is an amazing piece of equipment. The design is simple and, yet, it is extremely versatile, enabling one one to do hundreds of different exercises that strengthen and/or stretch the arms, legs and trunk.
There is a carriage in which one can sit, kneel or stand on and which glides back and forth. On the underneath side of the carriage or wheels which allow it to glide and 5 different springs which create resistance to work against. 
Resistance can be created for the arms or legs in various positions by either placing the hands or feet on the footbar (the bar at the front) or by putting the hands or feet into the straps. Depending on the exercise, all parts of the body can be used to either move the carriage or to stabilize the body against resistance that is very light or very heavy.
In this particular exercise, the student is rotating her spine against resistance when she turns to the left, using her obliques, to create the rotation.
The focus of an exercise, muscularly, can change depending on the amount of resistance (number of springs). For example, In this next exercise (pictured below), the student is pushing the carriage in and out with her arms. If the weight is lighter, then it takes more effort to control the position of her back to maintain a plank position, if it is heavier than it becomes more challenging for her upper body.
This remarkable piece of equipment also allows you to use the straps to work the upper body and legs while, simultaneously, working the abdominals to create length of the spine
. Seen here, the arms are working but also the spine is rounding into a deep curve.
The reformer also allows you to build strength and flexiblity by controlling the carriage in a standing postion. Imagine trying to keep the carriage pressed out and bending forward (as seen below) on very light spring weight! This exercise is a great workout for the muscles on the inside of our legs and challenges flexibility of the hamstrings, coordination and balance!
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This equipment seems to be amazing for weight loss to keep the body fit. I think I should have one to work out with. Thanks for introducing me to this.
-Sami