| Equipped
for Pilates: The Reformer |
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By Moira Merrithew
Executive Director, Education and Co-Founder, STOTT PILATES
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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.
Copyright 2001 Merrithew Corporation.
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