Reformer Pilates … a new trend..?

Reformer Pilates is increasing in popularity and Bones is no exception in heralding this equipment workout.

What exactly is it and how will it help me?

Reformer Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates. It is an extraordinary piece of flexible equipment.

Reformer pilates allows you to move through full range while working on strengthening muscles. This dynamic form of exercise, cleverly uses the machine's springs and levers to create resistance and allow for equal focus on the concentric and eccentric contractions to create long, lean, toned muscles.

Reformer Pilates can help improve and maintain overall physical fitness – leading to greater strength, flexibility and balance, which in turn improve posture, movement and mental health. Reformer Pilates should form a key component to any person wanting to improve their overall fitness. 

5 of the benefits of Reformer Pilates for fitness are as follows:

1.Full body workout

Using a Reformer to perform specific, individualised movements will give you a balanced, full body workout. The subtly of the springs on a Reformer, globally strengthens the whole body to not just target the large muscle movers, but also activate the smaller stabilisers. Where there is uneven weakness, you are also able to work unilaterally to focus in and correct imbalances. 

2. Builds strength and tones muscles

Reformer pilates allows you to move through full range while working on strengthening muscles. This dynamic form of exercise, cleverly uses the machine’s springs and levers to create resistance and allow for equal focus on the concentric and eccentric contractions to create long, lean, toned muscles.  It not only targets major muscle groups, but also the small stabilising muscles are called to action when working on a reformer machine.

3. Low impact (but high intensity) 

Reformer Pilates is ideal, under professional guidance, for anyone suffering and recovering from an injury. The springs and ropes are specifically designed to enable you to work in the horizontal plane rather than weight bearing, reducing the load through your body. The low impact allows for repetitive movements to occur which in turn tones and strengthens the injured areas to speed recovery.

4. Improves core and posture

Many of the exercises performed on a Reformer machine target the core whilst working the peripheral postural muscles at the same time. A stronger core is essential for ideal posture. 

5. Improves mental health 

Since its creation, a lot of information focuses on the benefits of Reformer Pilates on increasing muscle strength, toning, improving flexibility and posture. Research continues to emerge on the positive impacts that Reformer Pilates has on Mental Health. From using the steadiness of your breath to find mindfulness in movement to stress management and relaxation. As a form of exercise, Reformer Pilates can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins, your body’s feel-good chemicals, giving you a natural mood boost. A Reformer program can be designed specially with these benefits in mind. 

Reformer training is available at Bones. Please message us via our contact page or chat or email claudine@bonespilates.com