Interested in Reformer Pilates but not sure where to start?
What Is a Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates reformer is a bed-like machine with a flat, cushioned platform – called the carriage – that rolls back and forth on wheels. A set of springs attaches the carriage at one end to add resistance to the workout and challenge the entire body.
The spring end of the machine also includes an adjustable footbar that can be used by hands or feet. There are also handles and straps attached to the top end of the machine’s frame.
Bodyweight and resistance make the carriage challenging to move around. The reformer can be adjusted to be suitable for different skill levels and body sizes.
What Are the Benefits of Reformer Pilates?
Beyond the physical and mental health benefits that most workouts offers, here are some additional benefits of Reformer Pilates:
Full Body Workout – Reformer Pilates challenges every muscle from head to toe in an hour or less.
High Intensity Yet Gentle – Reformer Pilates offers an intense workout that is low impact and gentle and joints.
Improves Posture and Balance – Reformer workouts are an effective way to improve posture, enhance flexibility, and challenge your balance thanks to the instability of the rolling carriage and resistance of the springs.
Functional Movement – The dynamic, full-range motions involved in Reformer Pilates are excellent for functional training.
Suitable for All Fitness Levels –Whether you are completely new to Pilates and working out or are an advanced practitioner, there are always ways to challenge yourself with the reformer.
Think Pilates is slow, easy, and not much of a workout? While Pilates is low-impact and gentle, don’t let that fool you – it is a seriously intense workout that will challenge muscles you didn’t even know you had.
Pilates classes target the entire body to improve flexibility, posture, and strength. Even seemingly simple movements will probably leave your muscles burning or shaking.
With time, your body will continue to get used to the different movements as you build strength and improve your flexibility. That’s when we will add more resistance by adding more springs.
What Should I Expect for my First Reformer Pilates Class?
Aim To Arrive a Few Minutes Early
We strongly recommend to show up about 5 to 10 minutes early to your Pilates workout. This allows you time to find your preferred spot, introduce yourself, and get settled in before class starts. This is also the time to discuss any previous injuries or niggles and walk you through the machine if it is your first class.
Take Your Time
Start slow. If you are used to fast-paced workouts such as HIIT, you may assume the controlled, slow movement in Reformer Pilates will be too easy for you or not hard enough to work your muscles. Brace yourself – you’re in for a surprise.
By the end of your first Reformer Pilates class, expect your muscles to be shaking and exhausted. As with regular Pilates, slow does not equal easy.
Keep Your Movements Subtle
While many workouts involve big, exaggerated motions, Pilates is all about targeted movements that challenge the little muscles. This limited range of motions helps challenge the small, deep muscles that Pilates is notorious for toning.
The goal with Reformer Pilates is to recruit the smaller muscles first before calling on the larger muscle groups. Your instructor will be there to help guide you through the proper form for each movement.
Remember to Breathe
Breathwork is key for classes like Pilates and yoga. Remind yourself to continue breathing throughout moves and make it part of your practice.
Eventually, it will become automatic to maintain deep, controlled breaths. In the meantime, your instructor can help you with breath coaching to ensure you are getting the most out of your reformer workout.
Don’t forget to have fun
Make sure to wear socks, to bring a water bottle & a good attitude! Like anything in life, it needs to be fun and it is completely fine not to be perfect at your first go. Enjoy learning something new and don’t forget to laugh in class. The instructors are here to help you and are happy assisting you throughout class.