Pilates the power of reformer

There is probably no piece of equipment more famous than the Pilates reformer—and that is for good reason. The reformer makes a dramatic impression when you first see one, and an even more dramatic results in your body when you use it.Reformers classes are usually one of the main choices and most popular choice for Clients and Pilates practitioners.

What makes the reformer so special?

First, take a look at what is a reformer is and how to properly use it, then we will see tremendous benefits of it on your body. The reformer was invented by Joseph Pilates. It is like a bed with a flat platform on it, called the carriage. The carriage is attached to the reformer by a set of springs more or less resistant and heavy / light. At the spring end of the reformer, there is an adjustable bar called a footbar. On the Footbar you put the feet or hands. The reformer has straps with handles on them that are attached to the top end of the frame. They can be pulled in legs or arms, hands, elbows, to move the carriage as well and perform exercises.

How to Use

With endless possibilities of exercises, you can perform almost everything, any kind of muscles group, different range of motion, different levels and modifications on the reformer. From classical exercises to creative and modified versions: catalogue is infinite.

Exercises motion goes from lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, up on the ​footbar, up on the shoulder blocks, with some add-on equipment, upside down, sideways, and all kinds of variations.

Benefits of Reformer 

From: Overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance, benefits from Reformer are the same than benefits of Pilates.

• Better posture
• Graceful and efficient movement
• Body awareness
• Pain relief (ease chronic pain)
• Restore physical balances

The Reformer creates a unique and varied exercise environment; It is large enough to accommodate full-range motion, which is wonderful for increasing flexibility while building strength.

The action of the Machine itself: Pushing and pulling with legs or arms against the resistance, carriage, and body weight is helping strength building.

MAT PILATES VS REFORMER PILATES

So Mat or Equipment?

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 This is one of the one of the most common question and sometimes it can be confusing for new comers. Both Mat and Reformer workouts provide tremendous benefits, many Pilates newbies and regulars are often confused about which form is right for their current goals and abilities. Both methods train you to initiate the movements from your body’s powerhouse (your core/centering) and accordingly will quickly translate into benefits across your day-to-day activities.

The level of Reformer I would say can reach from basic to highly advanced movements in virtually any position on the reformer.

The Reformer can also provide a more challenging strength and endurance due to resistance than mat classes, leading to visible results sooner. Basically, you can do more exercises on a reformer compared to a mat and it gives you the option of performing exercises in more different body positions, from your back, side, stomach, being seated and also on your feet or knees.

Note also that pricing is different:

Reformer’s classes are more pricey than Mat classes- due to the highest cost of the machine it self for studios. 

For the same reasons I find it amazing on Prenatal workouts as most pregnant women suffer from deep unbalances and back pain but can’t lay down the whole class. With reformer we can play in other planes such as kneeling, sideways, up on your feet, and much more.

WHAT CLIENTS SAY

 Marylin, 34 yo, former Athlete, beginner practitioner

“I found Reformer easier that it targets faster my muscles and I can control my movement better with the help and assistance of the machine. Mat is nice too but really difficult and hard to control your body at the first place”

Marie 28 yo, Young Mom, practicing Pilates postnatal,

“For me Reformer helps work deeply and target more precisely some group of muscles; Thanks to the moving carriage It challenges gravity and balance and help me work on my weaker side and muscles’ unbalance. I feel every inch of body’s muscle; With resistance you can choose heavy / lighter and that push you through your limits and beyond;When I stretch with Reformer I can go deeper in my stretches and reach a bigger range of motion. I love the Reformer, definitively my favorite!”

Arnaud, 41 yo, Reformer and Yoga practitioner

“Reformer allows me to focus more on my breathing, the machine helps me structure my practice. As a beginner it gives me a strong guidance and the ability to work deeply and effectively, with no risk of injuries. I like the emphasize on my upper body: arms and back exercises are really interesting and shaped me fast. Fully recommend to do Reformer ”