Why Use A Pilates Reformer?

Increasingly popular in homes and studios, the Pilates reformer is one of those pieces of equipment most people have heard of, but few understand what benefits there could be over and above more traditional gym equipment.

The Pilates Reformer

Quite simply, a Pilates Reformer looks like a bed frame that comes with a moving platform (the carriage) that has a number of springs attached between it and the frame. There will also be a footbar at one end that can be operated by hands or feet, plus long straps that have handles (these are used to help pull the carriage away from the springs). Some reformers can be stored vertically or can be stacked for ease. Likewise moving them can be simple if the model you have has wheels at one end.

Joseph Pilates invented the reformer that is now used in millions of homes and studios worldwide. Creating resistance through the use of fixed springs and a carriage means the reformer is perfect for strength and flexibility exercises and is superb for rehab. Due to it's adjustability, it doesn't matter how big or small you are to operate, also it won't matter whether you are a beginner or an advanced user.

Using A Reformer

The low impact nature of the reformer is only superseded by it's versatility as an exercise machine. Whether you want to use for flexibility, balance or strength the number of options open to an experienced user is vast - backed up by the springs being interchangeable should you need to add more or less resistance for specific exercises. You don't need to choose a commercial reformer necessarily, but a model like the A8-Pro from Align Pilates does provide some superb features and build quality.

You can choose to operate the reformer in a lying down position, sitting or standing. You also can pull the straps or push the footbar as well as using pilates boxes on the carriage and adding an extender to prevent the carriage from moving whilst you do sitting exercises. The Pilates reformer offers so many ways to train and all with the use of a few springs and resistance. The vast majority of the exercises are based on the carriage movement and either the push or pull motion.

The Benefits Of Reformer Exercises

If you want to look at everyday benefits, the reformer really can help with things that include balance, posture, flexibility, strength and co-ordination. This means you can expect to see a change in your day to day life thanks to positive changes to your posture and balance which can help to prevent injury or even relieve you of some pain associated with shoulders, upper and lower back and even hips.

The relative instability that is introduced via the moving carriage is also compounded by the use of the resistance springs. All of this encourages you to focus on balance, co-ordination prior to using your strength to counter the resistance. This helps to build strength, especially core strength.

Using the reformer, even as a new user, can help you strengthen and target your core muscles that help with daily movement. Think your abdominals, your back, thighs and glutes all being worked through a range of low impact exercises. You are not restricted to reformers as you can use mat work, Pilates ladders, Barrels, Boxes and maple poles to achieve the exercises you want. Of course the beauty is you can also combine with dumbbells or with functional equipment like wall balls.

The reformer also ensures that you can perform full range movement. This will help you to increase your flexibility as well as your strength and thanks to the resistance of the springs and carriage movement, you can choose the muscles groups you wish to focus your workouts on.

In Summary

The reformer may look a daunting proposition at first glance. The sheer number of exercises you can perform whether you are a beginner or an expert is quite remarkable. You can set the resistance you want by adding or removing individual springs - this means you can build up your strength and flexibility accordingly. As part of a new home gym set up, a reformer can provide superb low impact workouts for all the family.

Lastly you are never to old to master a reformer. Finding a practitioner is easy in most parts of the country and they can help walk you through different exercises and ways of performing the types of workouts you want or need. Whether rehab or general fitness, the route with a reformer is one not to be missed.