5 Powerful Pilates Exercises to Strengthen Your Core (Plus Our Favorite Home Reformer)

By: The Lazy Gym

Welcome back to The Lazy Gym, where we believe fitness doesn't have to be complicated, boring, or painful. Today, we’re diving into the world of Pilates—a workout style loved for its low-impact movements, graceful flow, and surprisingly challenging core strength work. Whether you're a total beginner, someone who took one class and got scared off by the instructor’s impossibly flexible legs, or a seasoned mat-warrior ready to up your game with a reformer, we’ve got you covered.

So what’s a Pilates reformer? Imagine a magical bed-like contraption with springs, straps, and a sliding carriage. It might look intimidating, but trust us—once you get the hang of it, it feels like working out on a cloud... a cloud that tones your abs. The reformer helps you isolate muscles, enhance flexibility, and correct posture—all while making you feel like a strong, elegant sea otter gliding through resistance. 🦦

Now, before you start Googling "cheap Pilates reformer Amazon India," take a breath. Home reformers can be pricey, bulky, and sometimes as stylish as grandma's old sewing machine. But there's one that’s caught our Lazy Gym attention: the Afton Luma Foldable Pilates Reformer.

🌟 The Lazy Gym’s Budget Pick: Afton Luma Foldable Pilates Reformer

Price: ₹1,37,000
Available at: Afton Fitness Official Website
Why we love it: Foldable design, solid maple wood finish, compact and elegant enough to fit into modern Indian homes. It’s ideal for both beginners and intermediate users looking for a long-term investment in health.

This isn’t your average reformer. Designed for comfort and effectiveness, the Afton Luma blends functionality and compact storage. It folds easily and fits under a bed or in a closet when not in use. Plus, you can use it with any online Pilates class, YouTube video, or your own freestyle flows.

5 Essential Core-Strengthening Reformer Exercises

Lazy Gym-approved for your slow but powerful journey to abs of glory.

1. Modified Climbers

Place your feet on the stable platform and hands on the sliding carriage. Channel your inner mountain goat (the elegant kind, obviously). Draw one knee to the opposite elbow, then alternate. Don’t rush. Controlled movement > speed.

Why it’s great: It activates deep core muscles, works your obliques, and even gives your arms a taste of the action.

2. Stability Hold

This one’s about trembling in the name of progress. From a plank, slightly bend your knees while keeping them elevated. No saggy backs here—pretend you're holding a glass of wine on your spine. 🍷

Lazy Tip: Breathe like you’re sipping hot tea. Slow and steady.

3. Arm Plank With Movement

Forearms on the carriage, body in one line (or a very strong noodle). Slowly glide forward and backward using your core. No momentum-cheating!

Spicy Upgrade: Add small pulses at the end of each glide. Warning: your abs might file a complaint.

4. Plank to Lift

Start in a full plank. Raise your hips into an inverted V, moving the carriage with control. Slowly lower back down. Hello, hamstrings and hip flexors!

Bonus: This move also boosts shoulder strength and flexibility.

5. Seated Carriage Lifts

Sit down, strap your feet in, and lower your upper body back with control. It’s a gentle, seated crunch on a cloud that slides. Fancy, right?

Targets: Core stabilizers, lower abs, and inner thighs. Also great for posture and gracefulness—even when you’re eating nachos later.

Why Pilates Is the Lazy Gym Way

Pilates doesn’t judge. It doesn’t scream at you to "go harder." It invites you to slow down, feel every movement, and breathe intentionally. And somehow, it torches your core while doing that.

At The Lazy Gym, we believe in workouts that feel good and build real strength—mentally and physically. Pilates, especially with a reformer, checks all our boxes. But even if you don’t own one, don’t worry. Most of these moves can be adapted for the mat using sliders, socks, or even dish towels (just don’t slide into the couch).

Mat Alternatives for the Equipment-Free

No reformer? No problem. Here’s how to recreate the magic using your floor, a towel, and a sense of adventure:

• Modified Climbers: Use two hand towels under your feet. In plank, slide one knee at a time toward your chest.
• Stability Hold: Try holding a bear plank while gently shifting weight side to side.
• Arm Plank Glide: Slide your forearms on a yoga mat or slippery surface for resistance.
• Plank to Lift: Perform a slow downward dog to plank transition with focus on core.
• Seated Lifts: Sit with knees bent, feet flat, and slowly roll back and up using core control.

Where to Buy Pilates Reformers in India 🛒

• Afton Luma Reformer – ₹1,37,000
• AeroPilates Reformer with Rebounder – ₹2,55,897 on Desertcart
• See All Pilates Reformers on Amazon India

Got a Favorite Lazy Pilates Move?

Let us know in the comments! We love hearing how you stay fit without leaving your comfort zone. Also, if you try any of the Indian reformers we listed, tag us @thelazygym for a feature!