Low Impact, High Reward

MORE THAN JUST A FLEETING CRAZE, PILATES HAS NOW BECOME A WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON DUE TO ITS EFFECTIVENESS AND ADAPTABILITY. AND REFORMER PILATES, IN PARTICULAR, OFFERS A GREAT WAY TO ACHIEVE THE BODY YOU DREAM OF

While strength more often than not takes center stage in any narrative surrounding fitness, Pilates offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be fit. Created by Joseph Pilates, this revolutionary method has been developed and practiced since the 1920s when Joseph and his wife opened their Body Conditioning Gym in New York City. The principles underpinning Pilates are breath, concentration, centering, control, precision and flow.

Perhaps most importantly, Pilates isn’t just about sculpting abs or toning muscles; it’s about tapping into your body’s full potential and discovering a newfound sense of power and control. We’re talking about low-impact moves that will leave you feeling stronger, more flexible and balanced. Plus, you’ll master proper breathing techniques and move with improved smoothness. This time around, however, we’ll focus on a specialized form of Pilates called Reformer Pilates, which utilizes a piece of equipment called simply a “reformer” to push your fitness journey to the next level.

The reformer’s unique bed-like frame is an ingenious design: It uses springs attached to a platform that smoothly moves up and down the “carriage.”

With adjustable resistance provided by the springs, you can push your limits while engaging in pushing and pulling movements with your arms or legs, engaging your core and resulting in a comprehensive and highly effective fullbody strength workout.

BENEFITS

Reformer Pilates is a transformative experience that affects both your physical appearance and inner wellbeing. Poor posture and alignment, along with imbalanced muscular tension from habit or injury, can be corrected by performing specific, controlled movements under the watchful eye of a qualified Pilates Teacher. Let’s delve into the myriad benefits of this unique workout technique.

1. Muscle toning

Reformer Pilates is great for muscle toning, as it allows you to work your entire body, building a strong core while also developing other major muscle groups. Although all Pilates exercises can help tone muscles, using a reformer makes the movements more varied and unique, resulting in increased perfection in your workout.

2. Builds flexibility and strength

The springs incorporated in this fitness tool enable you to perform more forceful movements during exercise. Adjusting the resistance levels can intensify your workout and build muscle strength. Moreover, the reformer machine facilitates your movements holistically, making it an exceptionally effective at improving overall flexibility.

3. Improves posture

Reformer Pilates is an excellent exercise that strengthens and flexes your muscles and promotes good posture— when performed with proper form.

4. Improves balance and stability

You can regulate the resistance of the reformer by customizing the carriage and springs to meet your specific needs. This feature challenges your body’s stability and balance, forcing you to work harder. As you increase the resistance level, your body automatically adjusts to maintain the correct motion.

5. Improves joint health

Regular Reformer Pilates sessions can help improve joint health and accelerate recovery from back, hip or knee injuries.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS FROM REFORMER PILATES?

It’s not overnight magic and consistency is key. The effectiveness of this exercise is dependent on frequency of performance. Aim for two to three reformer sessions per week to maximize results. However, even a single session in the middle of your busy schedule can kick-start your journey. Remember, the more you commit, the sooner you’ll see the amazing results.

TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS

Private sessions with a qualified Pilates instructor offer a fantastic opportunity to learn the ropes before joining a group class or exploring on your own. Once you get the hang of it, reformer classes can be a blast. You can even get your own reformer for home workouts.

At the end of the day, just like with any fitness program, Reformer Pilates is not about physical benefits but about feeling balanced and strong overall.