Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Pilates Power
Pilates Reformer Exercises.
“Often we get so hung up on the exercise part that we miss the other tenets - it’s how you breathe, its the energy that flows through our bodies, its how we move”
Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates
Pilates Reformer is fast becoming one of the most popular ways to do Pilates. The machine itself looks really impressive and delivers fantastic results. It is suitable for all levels of ability from complete beginners to advanced.
The Pilates Reformer is an exercise machine used to incorporate the Pilates exercise method in a totally challenging workout. When we talk about ‘challenging’ in Pilates we always mean challenging to the individual participant. Suitable Pilates reformer exercises are hand picked to target specific goals for each person. The reformer itself moves smoothly against resistance of its springs, the springs have various levels of resistance and enable us to perform many movements targeting specific muscle groups.
Pilates Reformer sessions consist of controlled, flowing movements working your muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement. By working with this resistance fitness levels are increased.
The Benefits of using the Pilates Reformer and Pilates Reformer Exercises
1. Increased Core Strength
It is important when using the Pilates Reformer to have proper form and technique. We focus on connecting deeply with the core, and all the muscles of your ‘trunk’. By working and conditioning the core muscles, they will automatically contract with all movements to stabilise, align and move your spine. To have a strong core will increase the effectiveness of all exercises due to your ability to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of injury.
2. Increased Muscular Endurance
Muscles have to exert force to overcome resistance. Training results on the Reformer increase muscle endurance and strength. With increased endurance your muscles are able to exert force for extended period enables you to perform everyday tasks without fatigue. Other benefits include improved muscle tone as muscles are strengthened and lengthened.
3. Increased Flexibility
Flexibility is the range of motion of all your muscles and connective tissue. In Pilates your muscle groups have to move through a full range of motion and this in turn Improves flexibility and decreases strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Muscles contract with increased efficiency, and sessions are more effective. When we improve our flexibility this reduces stiffness, soreness and the chance of injury. This enables us to perform everyday movements which puts less strain on the body.
4. Improved Posture
Sessions on a Pilates Reformer will improve your spinal alignment. With improved alignment muscles that have strengthened give support to your spine increase stability. Improved posture will lengthen your spine and increase its mobility. The Reformer also targets muscular imbalances and once corrected decrease the risk of injury, especially to the lower back. Improved posture awareness enhances performing everyday movements.
5. Improved Breathing
Pilates always puts emphasis on proper breathing technique. There are many benefits which include increased lung capacity and breathing efficiency during Pilates and at rest. The lungs are also better equipped to supply your body with increased oxygen during activity. Energy levels increase during exercise and at rest.
6. Reduced Body Fat
Exercise always increases your metabolism and your body’s ability to burn calories. Increased muscle mass increases the number of calories burned. Working on the Reformer against resistance increases our muscle mass, excess body fat is burned and used for energy to meet the increased demand.
