Reformer Pilates is the perfect exercise for building muscle, rehabilitating injuries, and improving posture, flexibility, and muscular imbalances across the body. Reformer Pilates is done on a unique piece of equipment called a reformer. Joseph Pilates invented the reformer to help practitioners achieve a more targeted workout on different muscle groups. The reformer consists of a frame with a carriage that rolls back and forth with wheels and attaches to the reformer by springs on one end. The reformer mainly works with body weight, but the springs allow you to increase resistance intensity when you need to. The carriage has shoulder blocks to stop you from shooting off the top of the reformer while exercising.
What are the benefits of using a Reformer machine?
The benefits of using a Reformer machine include improvements to muscular imbalances, posture, coordination, flexibility, and strength throughout the body but most notably in the areas that support spinal health and stability like the back, core, thighs, and glutes. The springs and rolling carriage on the reformer allow practitioners to go through movement sequences that uniquely challenge the stability of the core muscles building strength that improves one’s overall well-being. As the cherry on top, a reformer is an extremely versatile tool for Pilates exercises. It offers every variation you can think of; standing, lying down, sitting, on your knees, on your sides, pushing with your feet, pulling with your arms, the list goes on and on. This versatility means that instructors can customize each exercise of this full-body workout to meet your physical needs.
Can beginners do Reformer Pilates?
Absolutely, Reformer Pilates is an achievable endeavor for all fitness and ability levels. One of the best Pilates reformers’ features for beginners is that exercises can be adjusted to meet you where you are in your fitness journey and work around injuries. Be sure to inform your Pilates instructor of your needs so that they can make the appropriate adjustments for you. It is best to utilize private lessons for your first several Pilates Reformer classes. Individual attention from an instructor will help you learn the basics of Pilates movements so that you are practicing proper form and engaging the appropriate muscle groups as you progress through the exercises.
Is doing Pilates exercises on a Reformer machine a good workout?
Yes, be prepared to be sore in areas you didn’t know you had muscles. This type of Pilates is a full-body workout, meaning you may be working out many muscles you don’t utilize very frequently. Muscles that stabilize your spine in your core and back will get the workout of a lifetime. The Pilates exercises on a Reformer machine center around repeatedly activating and engaging this area. Washboard abs, here we come!
Can you lose weight doing Pilates on a Reformer?
Regularly practicing Reformer Pilates is beneficial for your physical and mental health and can help you maintain a healthy weight for your body. If this type of Pilates is a physical activity you enjoy, sticking with this practice will make you more likely to stay with a fitness routine. Consistency in a fitness routine is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. It’s crucial to keep in mind if your goal with practicing Pilates is to lose weight, you may need to focus on combining Pilates with several other health practices. An exercise class on a Reformer does not burn as many calories as typical cardio exercises like running or cycling. Eat healthily and sprinkle in other forms of exercise in addition to your Pilates classes throughout the week. Try weight lifting, swimming, running, walking, cycling, or kickboxing. Find another movement method you love and create a schedule you can stick to engaging in both practices.
