Equipped for Pilates: The Reformer
Now that “pilates” is rolling off tongues as smoothly as the carriage glides along a well-made Reformer, exercise enthusiasts are eager to learn more about the unusual looking props and equipment that populate pilates studios. The most identifiable piece of pilates equipment is the Reformer.
Beginners often feel daunted when they see the graceful moves performed on this sleek apparatus and cling to the mat, thinking the Reformer is reserved for the highly advanced and incredibly flexible. Not so. The Reformer is useful for learning pilates because it can help people realign their bodies and perform moves they might be unable to do on the mat. It also enhances matwork by adding another 200 exercises to the pilates repertoire.
While matwork provides a great workout for strengthening the core - primarily muscles of the torso - the Reformer can be used to further challenge core stability as the body has to work harder to maintain position on the moving carriage. It also adds a strength-training component by providing resistance for arm and leg exercises. Unlike free weights, which may produce jerky movements, the unique spring resistance provided by the Reformer ensures a smoother muscular contraction through a continuum and allows for greater control of the muscular work - developing the coveted long, lithe muscles associated with pilates.
Finally, the Reformer makes it easy to work through a full range of motion, increasing the “functionality” of the exercises as the body moves through all planes of movement, just like our bodies do in everyday activities.
Because it’s such a versatile piece of equipment, it does take some explanation to get started on a Reformer and ensure that the exercises are being performed safely and correctly. A few private sessions with a qualified instructor will allay any fears and will most likely find you hooked once you see - and feel- the incredible results.
While matwork provides a great workout for strengthening the core - primarily muscles of the torso - the Reformer can be used to further challenge core stability as the body has to work harder to maintain position on the moving carriage. It also adds a strength-training component by providing resistance for arm and leg exercises. Unlike free weights, which may produce jerky movements, the unique spring resistance provided by the Reformer ensures a smoother muscular contraction through a continuum and allows for greater control of the muscular work - developing the coveted long, lithe muscles associated with pilates.
Finally, the Reformer makes it easy to work through a full range of motion, increasing the “functionality” of the exercises as the body moves through all planes of movement, just like our bodies do in everyday activities.
Because it’s such a versatile piece of equipment, it does take some explanation to get started on a Reformer and ensure that the exercises are being performed safely and correctly. A few private sessions with a qualified instructor will allay any fears and will most likely find you hooked once you see - and feel- the incredible results.
