The Pilates Reformer

Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates, from Mönchengladbach, Germany. During the first half of the twentieth century, he developed a system of exercises which were intended to strengthen the human mind and body. Based on a modified hospital bed the Reformer was designed to enable patients in the war hospital at which he was interred during World War One to exercise as fully as possible – regardless of their injuries.

“The stronger the core, the better the balance, posture, and overall well-being.”

Exercising with the reformer is possible for anyone, at any level of fitness. It is no wonder that the full name of the reformer is the Universal Reformer.

The instability of a rolling carriage and the option to set springs at different levels of resistance provides all kinds of stability challenges that develop core strength and promote better balance. Not only can you increase or decrease spring tension to make the exercise more challenging you could, for example, have less of the body on the carriage meaning more bodyweight has to be supported by the practitioner, and the body and machine has to be controlled even more by the core. Paradoxically, when the springs are in a lighter setting, some exercises are more challenging for the core because it has to work harder to control and stabilize the movement.

The reformer accommodates a full range of motion, which is great for increasing flexibility while building strength. The pushing and pulling with the arms and legs against the resistance of the springs, carriage and bodyweight makes this a unique strength-building full-body workout that’s different from the Pilates exercises performed on the mat. Specifically, when you hold the straps in your hands or put your feet in the straps, you allow your muscles to extend to the fullest position.

While mat Pilates does include some exercises that work the legs and arms, they’re usually done with no resistance unless you’re using light dumbbells or a Pilates ring as an accessory. Exercising on the Reformer is able to target your arms and legs while still focusing on the core, providing an even more comprehensive workout.

Benefits include:

•            Reformer Pilates workouts promote strength and balanced muscle development as well as flexibility and increased the range of motion for the joints

•            Reformer Pilates is adaptable to many fitness levels and needs

•            Reformer Pilates creates strength without bulk

•            Reformer Pilates Increases flexibility

•            Reformer Pilates develops core strength

•            Reformer Pilates improves posture

•            Reformer Pilates promotes weight loss and long, lean appearance

•            Reformer Pilates increases awareness — Body/Mind Connection

At Bodyfirst Pilates we specialise in Reformer Pilates workouts to ensure your safety and to provide you with the ultimate workout!

Try us out - first class is always free!