Pilates hold key for success
Fad diets and fitness crazes are no new trends.
However there are many examples of fitness regimes that have not only stood the test of time, but have cemented there place in the schedules forever.
Pilates has always been one of the most revered, yet under rated fitness programs on the planet.
The millions of people that practice Pilates swear by the training and would never change their schedule or workout for anything else.
Recently there has also been an upsurge of interest in taking that training to an even higher level, with the use of Pilates reformers.
Reformers were designed by Jospeh Pilates himself, as an incredible tool in the arsenal that Pilates teachers already possess.
Imagine a bed like frame, that has a rolling platform on it that is attached by springs and pulleys, and provides resistance as the equipment is used.
Along with a footbar and shoulder blocks, the reformer allows the person using it to perform hundreds of exercises on it, while keeping the body aligned and in control.
They can be adjusted to suit different people and they are incredibly versatile and effective.
Every good Pilates studio will have at least one reformer and in larger gyms it is now becoming more common to see several reformers all together.
Reformers require a lot of hard work to master, so mostly clients will book a one to one with their instructor, much like a personal training session.
However, what benefits should you expect from reformer training?
Well all you need to do is ask a few fitness fanatics and you will notice just how highly regarded this training is.
Most will tell you that the reformer not only improves muscle strength, flexibility and balance, but it also helps tighten, tone and lengthen muscles.
The core workout that you receive from reformer training, has an incredible effect on the strength of our backs and stomach muscles.
This translates well into every day life, as people that use Pilates and reformers find they move better, have greater balance and co ordination, have better posture and most importantly find themselves with a better quality of life altogether.
The science behind Pilates shows us that if we improve our core strength, then we benefit greatly in other areas.
Research has also shown that Pilates is often the door way to a pain free back.
As we grow older and we start to lose the strength in our core, we often find excess pressure on the back leads to aches and strains.
Pilates however focuses on improving our core, thereby taking the strain off those back muscles and tendons, leaving many people with pain free backs.
It also sounds too good to be true, but like I said before, there are millions of Pilates fans out there that will testify this for themselves.
Pilates and reformer training are so well respected , that it is not un common for this type of training to be used even after damage has been done.
Reformers are often used in the rehab of damaged muscles, helping people to strengthen muscles and repair damage.
Already a massive industry in the States, you can now find reformer training in many UK studios.
Expect to pay a little above average though for one to one sessions, but any price is a small price when it comes to our health and well being.