reformer

Reformer is a term with multiple meanings across different contexts. In general use, a reformer is someone who advocates for or leads reform, seeking to change institutions, policies, or practices to improve them. Reformers appear in politics, government, religion, education, public health, and social movements, and their methods range from advocacy and public campaigns to legislative lobbying. The success and reception of reform efforts are debated and vary across eras and cultures.

In religious and historical contexts, reformers sought to correct perceived corruption, doctrinal error, or ritual practices deemed insufficient. During the Protestant Reformation, reformers challenged established church authority and rites, contributing to broad changes in Western Christianity. Reform movements have also emerged within other faith traditions.

In fitness and exercise, the Reformer refers to a specific Pilates apparatus. It consists of a carriage that slides on rails inside a frame, driven by springs and resisted by straps and a footbar. Exercises performed on the Reformer target core strength, flexibility, balance, and postural alignment and are used in studios, clinics, and rehabilitation settings.