Reformer Questions Answered
What is a reformer?
A reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment that has straps and springs to increase resistance. It can be used for a wide range of exercises, from beginner to advanced, which makes it ideal for intermediate students who want to progress their practice from the matwork into more challenging work on a reformer.
The springs create added resistance for your muscles and joints so you can build strength with low impact. Although it looks intimidating at first glance (and maybe even the second or third), once you get started with basic movements such as leg circles and rolls it's easy to see how this machine can help strengthen your core, improve posture, and increase flexibility in all directions—forward/backward; side-to-side; in/out—which are important components of good health and well-being."
What are the benefits of reformer-based Pilates?
Bone density: Pilates strengthens the bones in your body, which can help prevent osteoporosis. In addition, it helps people with osteoporosis improve their balance and reduce falls by strengthening the muscles around the joints.
Flexibility: Pilates increases flexibility in all major muscle groups of your body. This can help you achieve a greater range of motion as well as improve posture and balance.
Strength: Pilates also helps increase muscle strength, particularly for those who have been inactive for long periods or who have developed weak muscles because of an injury or illness. Pilates is often used by athletes in recovery from surgery because it allows them to regain full range of motion without putting any strain on their joints during rehabilitation exercises (which is what makes this form so effective).
Who can do Pilates on a reformer?
There are a few things you should consider before beginning reformer pilates, but it is not a type of exercise that is limited to any particular group of people.
If you have had injuries or other medical conditions that prevent you from exercising at the gym, pilates may be the perfect choice for you. There’s no pounding on knees or jumping around—the reformer machine allows for slow and controlled movements that build strength safely over time.
If this sounds like something you would be interested in trying out, talk to your doctor first! He or she can advise on whether or not reformer pilates would be appropriate for your body at this time (and also if there are exercises that could still be modified), as well as make sure it won’t worsen any existing injuries or health problems.
How often should I practice on the reformer?
We recommend three times a week. But you can build up your routine over time, as your body and mind become more flexible. As you get stronger and more comfortable with the reformer, it’s fun to mix things up by adding in hand weights for strength training or simply changing the position of the springs.
If you have a home studio set up with your own reformer, then practising at home will save you money on class fees and give you plenty of flexibility around other commitments such as work or family life.
If however, you are going for group classes at a studio, then having access to an experienced teacher is invaluable as they can help guide you through any exercises that may otherwise be difficult for beginners who aren’t familiar with using equipment like this before – especially if there hasn’t been much previous experience on similar exercise equipment (for example weightlifting).
A reformer is a great way to build strength with low impact.
A reformer is a great way to build strength with low impact. It’s a low-impact option that can be done by anyone at any fitness level, and it’s also a great tool for improving flexibility and posture. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to build your core and glutes—the muscles in the backside of your body!