A Beginner's Guide To Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates is a method using the most well known piece of Pilates equipment. This surprisingly elegant apparatus offers over 100 phenomenal exercises with its sophisticated system of straps, pulleys and springs.

The method of reformer Pilates establishes your torso stability along with postural alignment at the same time as working your limbs in a range of motion. Adjustable springs allow for resistance that helps you to strengthen and lengthen your muscles instead of building any bulk. Reformer Pilates offers a no-impact effective toning and stretching workout that is very joint friendly for those suffering from ailments.

How Reformer Pilates Works

You may be surprised that some beginner Reformer Pilates exercises may seem simple and almost relaxing, however, the effect of these movements are intense and muscles you didn't know you had will be engaged.

The gliding platform that the user sits, stand or lies on is called the crux. The foot-bar is used to pull and push off of using legs, arms, ankles and wrists to create a sliding motion in a controlled manner along rails. In doing so, tensions found in the springs works the muscles in a gentle yet effective manner.

Reformer Pilates Benefits

Making a commitment to a Reformer Pilates workout routine offers a plethora of benefits.

"Improved flexibility, strength and balance.
"Long and lean muscle tone without bulk.
"Strengthened abdominal muscles to support your core.
"Enhanced body awareness.
"Creation of a body less prone to injury.
"Relieved tension, reduced stress and boosted energy levels.
"Restored proper posture alignment.
"A more flexible and stronger spine.
"Increased range of motion in your joints.
"Improved circulation.
"Enhanced agility, mobility and stamina.
"Improvement of the way your body feels and looks.

Reformer Pilates Machine Anatomy

Reformer Pilates machines come in a few variations as far as metal, wood, ropes or leather straps but their basic functions and parts will be the same.

The gear system is adjusted with the foot-bar height. There should be two to four notches found on the inside of the frame allowing you to make the height adjustment. Your instructor will be able to help you decide which height will work best for you.

The resistance is provided by the springs of the Reformer Pilates machine and your own body weight and springs can be hooked and unhooked to adjust resistance. Additionally, they are color-coded to tell you what resistance level they provide. Instructors will guide you to make the proper resistance decisions.

The crux, or carriage, that you put your body on is moved by your either pulling the ropes or straps at the end of the machine or by pushing off the foot-bar. The carriage responds to your exerted effort and spring resistance.

Various exercises are done from different positions and when performing exercises from a lying down position you will be made aware that the headrest can be propped up or laid down flat to suit your comfort level. Also, there are shoulder blocks to stabilize you on the Reformer Pilates machine as you pull or push the carriage.

Reformer Pilates may seem intimating at first to a beginner however instructors at your Pilates studio should be more than willing to work at your level and assist you in proper technique to receive maximum results from your routine.