The Pilates reformer machine is an effective exercise routine tool that has been present for almost a century and helps to tone and strengthen the body.
Its founder, Joseph Pilates, also invented other low-impact exercises that combine core stabilization, flexibility, proper alignment, strength, and balance.
If you’ve taken mat Pilates lessons before, you might be wondering why there are so many Pilates reformers in your local fitness center. With so much diversity offered by this special piece of equipment, you can work out your entire body in only a few minutes.
With so much diversity offered by this special piece of equipment, you can work out your entire body in only a few minutes. But how can you use the Pilates reformer machine, and is it advisable to purchase one for your home?
We have compiled all the information you should know about reformer Pilates, including how to use it and why it’s beneficial for you.
Table of Contents
What is a Pilates Reformer Machine?
Founded by Joseph Pilates, the Pilates reformer machine features a bed-like frame having a flat platform (known as the carriage) that travels back and forth on wheels. A series of springs bind the carriage to one end of the pilates reformer.
Further, the shoulder blocks on the carriage prevent users from slipping off the end of the pilates reformer when pulling or pushing. The spring end of the machine has a flexible bar known as the footbar. Users use this footbar with their hands or feet as they move the carriage.
It also features long straps with grips that are fastened to the topmost part of the frame. You can pull the handles with your arms or legs to move the carriage.
However, body weight and the springs’ resistance make it a bit challenging to move the carriage. Ultimately, you can adjust the various parts of a Pilates reformer machine to accommodate varying body types and skill levels.
Read Also: The Benefits of Using a Rowing Machine
How To Use a Pilates Reformer
You can use the Pilates reformer machine at home to perform a range of workouts to enhance balance, flexibility, strength, and length. Exercises with this machine typically require either pulling or pushing the carriage or maintaining its stability as the springs pull it.
What stands out for us about this equipment is its versatility. Meanwhile, you can workout:
- Standing
- Sitting
- Lying down
- Perched on the footbar
- Pushing the footbar
- Pulling the straps
- Sideways
- Upside down
- With supplementary equipment
- Perched on the shoulder blocks and many other ways.
Further, you can perform various forms of exercises at home with the Pilates reformer machine, ranging from easy ones for rookies to difficult ones for skilled users. For instance, we have rowing training routines for beginners and intermediate users.
Benefits of The Pilates Reformer Machine
Using the Pilates reformer comes with numerous benefits that contribute to a better daily life and improved health. Let’s show you the things you’ll reap from using a Pilates reformer machine for your home workout.
Builds strength: You can enhance the resistance and intensity of your Pilates reformer exercises by adding springs to specific motions. Even though you aren’t lifting heavy weights like you’d usually do in the gym, the inner strength at the end of your workout is palpable.
Tone muscles: With Pilates reformer, you can do a full-body workout which aids in building a strong core and toning various muscle groups.
Boosts flexibility: In addition to muscle strength, the Pilates reformer is well known for enhancing joint mobility and flexibility. This is because flexible stretching is incorporated into most of the workouts.
Injury prevention: This machine can give you better efficiency and balance to avert injuries from occurring in the future. It achieves this by concentrating on form, correcting muscle imbalances, and posture.
Challenges stability and balance: When the springs on a rolling carriage are adjusted to varying degrees of resistance, the instability creates various stability challenges that build the core and improve balance.
Enhances posture: Using the Pilates reformer machine at home can enhance your postural alignment. As a result, you’ll have a stronger core, more flexibility, and better realignment of your spine and body.
Fixes muscle imbalance: This machine develops a balanced core before evenly strengthening each side of the body to correct muscle imbalance.
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Who is Reformer Pilates Best For?
Practically everyone can do reformer Pilates irrespective of injury or age and the workouts can be changed to fit any type of body.
Additionally, the reformer’s adjustability makes it perfect for practitioners of all skill levels, whether your goal is total body toning or just an upper body workout.
FAQs
Since reformer pilates are done on a reformer machine instead of a mat, they’re more beneficial to people who recently sustained an injury or strengthen and isolate specific muscles.
Because of the cost of the reformer, smaller class sizes, and the additional expense of the certification required of the instructors, reformer Pilates lessons are more expensive than other fitness classes. Meanwhile, reformer lessons are not a regular fitness program you can take at your neighborhood gym.
Your body automatically starts to burn calories when you work hard to maintain and develop your core strength, especially in the abdominal area.
Doing reformer Pilates every day can enhance your oxygen intake and circulation, which will raise your energy levels.
Your body’s general fitness level and shape can improve noticeably with regular Pilates training along with a healthy diet.
Bottom Line
The Pilates Reformer is an excellent tool with numerous applications and benefits. Further, the Pilates reformer machine works like a personal trainer that fits perfectly into your home gym, improving everything from posture and balance to strength and flexibility.
Note that the best results from your reformer come from starting with the correct technique and gradually building up to a higher level of intensity.
This equipment can level up your workout regimen regardless of your skill level with Pilates. So, go ahead and accept the challenge; your body will thank you for it.