What is Reformer PILATES? Things you may want to know before you join a class.
Are you still debating whether to give Reformer a go? The equipment might look more like a torture tool from the 19th century rather than the basis of a good sweat session, but fear not, it's a more straightforward piece of equipment than it first looks! So, try to resist the urge to run out of the door after catching a glimpse of the somewhat confusing looking reformer.
Reformer Pilates is a dynamic form of exercise that uses the machine’s springs and levers to create resistance and allow for equal focus on both the contraction of the muscles and the eccentric release to create long, lean muscles.
It is an amazing piece of apparatus unlike no other, which helps you to find length and space in the body while under spring tension. Far from just a workout for your core, this piece of apparatus helps create internal pressure to elongate the spine, joints and muscles which then leads to greater flexibility, strength, stamina and a more balanced posture.
This type of physical and mental workout is even more relevant now due to lifestyle factors such as long working days, being seated for long periods of time and mental health aspects. It is incredibly versatile, offering different levels of resistance so you can push yourself.
Reformer Pilates globally strengthens the body using the subtlety of the springs to not just target the big muscle movers but also activate the small stabilisers of the body. This creates change, harmony and balance throughout the body. You are also able to work unilaterally (one side at a time) which is crucial where there is uneven weakness.
Who invented Reformers
Reformer machine has been invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of Pilates, while during the First World War he served as an orderly in a hospital on the Isle of Man. He worked with patients unable to walk and in order to help them to recover faster he attached springs to the hospital beds and created resistance-based exercises that helped the to strengthen their bodies. That led to the development of his famous piece of equipment.
Years later, while living in New York he collaborated with Rudolph Laban - the world-famous dancer and choreographer - and what we know as modern day Pilates was born.
After opening the first studio in New York with his wife, the idea spread and soon well-known dancers flocked to study Pilates from the expert.
Initially called 'Contrology', the concept of Pilates focused on using the mind and breath to control the muscles. Just like today, it centred around core movements, alignment of the spine, and strengthening the deep abdominal muscles.
Are you ready to get started? Welcome to Reformer classes at Empowered Movement Space.