Designed to bend, stretch, tone, and challenge your body, a Pilates reformer is one of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment used today. Reformers are a staple in Pilates studios and set the practice apart from many other forms of exercise. With an understanding of the construction, use, and purpose of the reformer machine, Pilates goers will quickly see how this unique tool transforms their bodies.
What is a Reformer Machine?
Pilates founder Joseph Pilates invented the reformer machine as a tool to use different muscle groups in a targeted way. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when it was designed for Joseph’s New York Pilates studio. It is a bed-like structure with a flat platform on it called a “carriage.” On one end of the reformer there is an adjustable bar, used by your hands or feet during the practice. The carriage holds a set of springs. Each spring provides a different level of resistance and is used to challenge the muscles in different ways. The springs attach to the reformer frame, allowing the user to slide back and forth on the carriage during the exercise.
Using a Reformer Machine
Exercises can be done sitting, standing, lying down, perched on the side, on your stomach with additional equipment, upside down, and in many other variations. The key part, though, is the back-and-forth motion of the carriage. Every class will move your spine in all planes of motion. This means forward bending (flexion), backward bending (extension), side bending (lateral flexion), and rotation. The exact movements will depend on the class and instructor, but typically you will use the reformers springs or straps to add different levels of tension to the carriage while pulling or pushing the carriage from front to back. The goal is to keep the carriage balanced and steady as you push and pull on the machine’s bar and frame.
Benefits of a Reformer Machine
The reformer pulls the body in a full-range motion to increase flexibility while building strength. It places the body in unique positions without straining the muscles. Reformers move slowly to focus on balance within the body and the carriage. Core strength is key to keeping the reformer stable and controlled, allowing each movement to strengthen the body’s center or core. A strong core holds numerous lifestyle benefits, including improved posture, healthy backs, and improved blood flow. While core muscles are key to reformer Pilates, other areas of the body are targeted in ways many other exercises can not. The slow and controlled Pilates movements on a reformer, as well as other equipment, build strong abs, backs, glutes, thighs, and arms. They create the lean and toned physique sported by most Pilates goers.
This style of Pilates movement strengthens muscles through a larger range of motion, operating with horizontal tension instead of vertically loading weight on the shoulders, elbows, spine, and knees. The low-impact nature of reformer Pilates eliminates pressure on the joints and helps injury recovery. It is ideal for people with unique fitness challenges like injuries or older age, and is part of why Reforming Foundations promises that Pilates suits every body.
Reformer Pilates vs. Traditional Pilates
Pilates movements can be done anywhere – at home, in a gym, in a park, on a beach, etc. – if they are done on the ground or a mat. Pilates is designed to stretch and strengthen the full body with its movements, even without any equipment. You don’t need a reformer machine to do Pilates, but the use of the tool does add a unique challenge to the practice. The movement and tension created by the reformer’s carriage, springs, bars, and straps help enhance Pilates movements and take the Pilates method to the next level.
Benefits of Using Reformers
The reformer pulls the body in a full-range motion to increase flexibility while building strength. It places the body in unique positions without straining the muscles. Reformers move slowly to focus on balance within the body and the carriage. Core strength is key to keeping the reformer stable and controlled, allowing each movement to strengthen the body’s center or core. A strong core holds numerous lifestyle benefits, including improved posture, healthy backs, and improved blood flow. While core muscles are key to reformer Pilates, other areas of the body are targeted in ways many other exercises can not. The slow and controlled Pilates movements on a reformer, as well as other equipment, build strong abs, backs, glutes, thighs, and arms. They create the lean and toned physique sported by most Pilates goers.
This style of Pilates movement strengthens muscles through a larger range of motion, operating with horizontal tension instead of vertically loading weight on the shoulders, elbows, spine, and knees. The low-impact nature of reformer Pilates eliminates pressure on the joints and helps injury recovery. It is ideal for people with unique fitness challenges like injuries or older age, and is part of why Reforming Foundations promises that Pilates suits every body.
Reformer Pilates vs. Traditional Pilates
Pilates movements can be done anywhere – at home, in a gym, in a park, on a beach, etc. – if they are done on the ground or a mat. Pilates is designed to stretch and strengthen the full body with its movements, even without any equipment. You don’t need a reformer machine to do Pilates, but the use of the tool does add a unique challenge to the practice. The movement and tension created by the reformer’s carriage, springs, bars, and straps help enhance Pilates movements and take the Pilates method to the next level.
Reformer Machine Safety Considerations
The reformer is an excellent exercise tool, but it can be dangerous if not used correctly. In fact, our Founder and Owner Brooke seriously hurt herself when she first started practicing Pilates. It is why Reforming Foundations strongly recommends investing in individual sessions before trying the machines in a group environment. Before getting to work, be sure to communicate with your instructor. While Reforming Foundations has its own proprietary method, each teacher is different and conducts classes in their own unique way, but all will have a thorough understanding of Pilates movements and how they impact different bodies. They will tell you what to avoid or what to try depending on your body and circumstances. If you have preexisting health conditions, like a recovering injury, spinal issues, osteoporosis, or are pre/post-natal, be sure to talk to your instructor!
During your first individual session, listen carefully to instructions from your teacher and ask questions about using the machine. During class, pay close attention to your body and how the movements feel; only increase the difficulty if it is right for your body. Work closely with your instructor to learn more about the Pilates practice and to go through your workouts safely and effectively.
Learn if Reformer Pilates is Right for You
Reforming Foundations offers a wide range of reformer classes for all levels of experience and needs. Our tight-knit group of students travel across eastern Michigan to practice together at one of our professional studios in Berkley, Rochester, of Milford. Our instructors will work with each individual as they learn to use the reformer machine and embrace the Pilates method. Find a studio location and class that fits your schedule and lifestyle, then come join us!
We offer movement strategies to help you do the things you love to do.
Reforming Foundations is a perfect fit for every body at any age to increase their strength, endurance and flexibility while improving their mind body connection and developing a long-term healthier lifestyle.
