The real effects… of the Pilates reformer, the machine that works the muscles gently.
It is the practice of Pilates on a machine consisting of a sliding bench called a cart, equipped with springs, bars and straps. It is the creation of a true genius, of a man particularly ahead of his time.
For this reason, this piece of equipment, commonly referred to as the Reformer, is without a doubt the most recognizable and popular of Joseph Pilates’ creations.
The uses of this device are endless and only limited by our own inspiration and knowledge. The repertoire includes exercises from basic to extremely advanced levels.
Underneath its appearance of a torture instrument, the Reformer works our deep muscles in a playful way and strengthens the body. With the reformer, it is especially the work of resistance of the springs which will make it possible to guide the movement, to correct the possible imbalances of the body.
The areas of the body involved, the objectives and the exercises remain identical to Pilates on the floor. However, these are a bit more physical because of the resistance provided by the straps, elastics and springs that make up the device. They allow you to go further in muscle strengthening and stretching.
The body is placed in a comfortable position, and recruits the muscles in a balanced way.
Depending on the exercise, it can increase the difficulty (by creating movement and instability for example) or on the contrary help (by supporting the movement). The intensity can therefore be modulated.
The advantage of springs is also that they can strengthen the muscles by lengthening them.
The benefits of Pilates on the body
Pilates on reformer machines allows you to strengthen all your muscles and gain support. Indeed, we find dynamic exercises, muscles worked in depth … Therefore a well-being as much physical as mental at the end of the course.
The Reformer allows you to work on your cardio, to tone and sculpt your figure, but also to improve your coordination.
The resistance of the pulley and spring system offers more resistance than you get with a body weight on a mat. You’ll get better posture and coordination than you would in a mat work or fitness routine.
Thus, the exercises focus on the self-expansion of the spine, the protection of the lower back and the awareness of the body as a whole.
The Pilates session
To discover the extent of this complex discipline on a machine, private lessons are widely recommended. This allows each participant to benefit from special attention and personalized corrections.
Pilates with Anne offers one-on-one sessions that begin with a body warm-up and continue with a complete exercise program. These exercises activate, in alternation, all the muscle groups, from the arms to the obliques, including the abdominals and the glutes. Depending on the session and the level, accessories are added to the practice.
The results of Pilates on the body
Working consistently on the Pilates reformer produces improvements in your body composition. A 2015 scientific study published in Women & Health studied women with prior experience on the reformer, who underwent regular workouts on the reformer for 16 weeks after 4 weeks of summer vacation. Following these 4 months of training on reformer, these women have :
– Lost fat from the triceps
– Lost fat from the waist
– Lost leg fat
– Gained lean muscle mass instead
The women achieved these results after a 1-hour session conducted twice a week for 16 weeks. With such a commitment to fitness, you get stronger and experience changes in your body composition.
Once you’ve had a taste of the Pilates reformer, you’ll be doing it your whole life.
Not only is there a lot of room for improvement, but you can also achieve the most acrobatic postures.
What are you waiting for? Reserve your slot!
