The Canadian Chiropractic Association estimates that 11 million adults experience limited movement. An injury or disease are two of the most common reasons for limitations. Exercise can become painful and frustrating when you can’t move your body.
But slow and controlled activities like Pilates can help! And the use of a Pilates Reformer provides many benefits for beginners and professionals alike.
What Is a Pilates Reformer?
A Pilates Reformer may look like a scary machine with all the straps and bars. But it’s actually a practical, fun piece of fitness equipment. The main component is a frame, called the carriage, that houses a moving platform.
The rest of the parts include shoulder blocks to keep you in place, a foot bar, and handles. All the pieces are adjustable to cater to different body sizes and abilities. Your weight and the springs’ resistance create the difficulty level.
Benefits of Using a Pilates Reformer
Studies show that using a Pilates Reformer can reduce weight, tone muscles, and change body composition. And the design of the machine makes it more effective than a typical home workout!
Pilates on a mat is a great workout, but it allows you to get lazy with your movements. The Pilates Reformer machine doesn’t give you a chance to do that! You have to move in specific, controlled ways, which builds your flexibility, strength, and mobility.
The reformer is a low-impact, full-body workout perfect for those with mobility issues. Several studies have found it beneficial for people with chronic lower back pain! The slow, impactful movements reduce the risks of accidents and keep you in a proper position.
The springs allow you to control the resistance and perform complex moves that you might have difficulty doing otherwise. Those who struggle with squats or wall sits can practice these moves on their back. This method removes pressure from the knees and gradually builds balance.
Another benefit is the range of movements the machine allows. While using the Pilates Reformer, you’ll be able to perform the following:
- Concentric movements (contracting muscles)
- Eccentric motions (lengthening muscles)
- Isometric moves (holding positions)
Allowing your body to experience different movements within one workout can reduce muscle stress. The upside is fewer injuries and less muscle pain! It also results in training your entire range of motion leading to overall muscle toning.
Finally, the Pilates Reformer is fun to use! Lose weight, tone muscles, improve posture, and have fun? The Pilates Reformer is genuinely a multipurpose machine!
Tips for Beginners
Ready to add the Pilates Reformer to your home gym? Our biggest tip for beginners is to learn how to use the machine before diving into the workouts. There are various online resources designed to teach you basic moves.
Even if you’ve done Pilates in the past, don’t skip the beginner Reformer workout. The Pilates Reformer requires a new set of skills and movements, so start at the beginning. Once you feel confident, progress to more tricky moves.
This may seem obvious, but many people ignore pain thinking it’s part of the process. If something doesn’t feel smooth or comfortable, stop! Move onto the next position or take a rest day to heal instead of forcing it.
Upgrade Your Pilates Workout
Using a Pilates Reformer can upgrade your workout game! Beginners can enjoy slow, steady movements and low-pressure positions. Athletes can incorporate Reformer Pilates into their training schedule to build endurance.
Even individuals with limited mobility or injuries can enjoy this low-impact workout. Ready to try a Pilates Reformer? Find a Fitness Town location near you, and we’ll help you out.
