Pretty much everyone has heard of Pilates. A growing percentage of people do Pilates on a regular basis. Reformer Pilates is rapidly increasing in popularity which explains the demand for Reformer classes. I am sure you will notice lots new Pilates studios opening in every suburb in Sydney.
Whether you are a dedicated Pilates follower or are a complete novice, now might be the time to try a Reformer Pilates class.
What is Reformer Pilates?
You may have seen at the gym or Pilates studio these machines which look like a bed with springs, a sliding carriage, ropes and pulleys.
Though they look a bit scary and intimidating but Pilates Reformer was invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates and have been used since the 1920s.
The Reformer beds have a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame.
Though this sounds a bit medieval, don’t fear – Reformer Pilates has all the benefits of Pilates plus some unique ones for your mind and body.
What are the unique benefits?
Target smaller muscles
Pilates on a Reformer bed really targets those smaller muscle groups which can be harder to train during Mat Pilates (when you are lying on a mat and you use your own body to work on your legs, tummy, back and arms).
Greater variety of moves
There are only so many moves you can do with Mat Pilates – but with Reformer, this opens up a whole new world of different moves and combinations.
Reformer gives you a wider range of body positions, from the back, side, stomach, being seated and on the feet or knees. You can also use toys such as balls and blocks to bring even more variety into the moves.
You can adjust the resistance with the spring combination
Because you have control of how much resistance to use, you can make the moves as easy or as challenging to what feels comfortable for you.
Though Pilates doesn’t look like you are working that hard, trust us training with resistance builds strength, more lean muscle, increased metabolism, greater flexibility and better posture.
Works more muscles
Reformer Pilates works more areas than mat work. Mat work is mostly core whereas reformer works the entire body and more the peripheral muscles of the arms and legs.
The exercises usually work muscles through a large range of motion which is ideal for building and toning muscles as well increasing stability through the joints.
Ideal for those who have injuries
Let’s face it, when we are injured, straight away we stop exercising – but Pilates is a different story.
There are many reasons why physical therapists recommend Reformer Pilates as a form of rehabilitation. One big reason is the extent of flexibility it provides in comparison to conventional forms of rehabilitation. Reformer Pilates can be altered to the needs of each person for high effectiveness. Movements can range from basic to advanced depending on the individual progression or injury.
Not only does it help you heal physically but mentally as well.
You don’t need to be a Pilates pro to do Reformer!
The reformer machine can actually assist in certain motions guiding where and how to move. Because of this, it’s the perfect beginning apparatus for those new to Pilates. Regardless of your ability, Reformer will adapt to what your body needs!
Joseph Pilates never intended for mat or Reformer to stand alone. His approach was integrative—combining mat and Reformer for the best overall program to provide the full benefits offered by Pilates. So why not challenge yourself and explore the new exercises and benefits a Reformer class brings. You may just find it opens up your body and mind in a whole new and better way.
Check out our timetable and book a class.
