Once viewed as an elite, high-end, and high-cost form of exercise, Reformer Pilates is becoming increasingly more popular and accessible throughout the fitness industry. The results people see from Reformer Pilates go far beyond just toned abs. Learn more about the benefits of Pilates Reformer workouts and how Reformer Pilates could be the exercise addiction you are craving.
A Pilates Reformer may seem intimidating at first, but they are easier to operate and more adaptable than you think. Each Pilates Reformer has a platform called a carriage that uses wheels to slide along the bottom part of the frame. The carriage is attached to springs that can increase and decrease the resistance against the carriage as you move throughout the exercises. A foot bar allows for foot or hand placement to target stabilization muscles, and straps can be used by arms or legs to pull the carriage back and forth.
Pilates Reformer Versus Pilates Mat Workouts
Mat Pilates sets the foundation for more advanced Pilates movements. In a mat Pilates workout, you can expect several exercises that will engage your core, legs, and lower and upper back.
Pilates movements on the mat require little to no equipment and rely on body weight as the main form of resistance.
The difference between a mat and a Reformer workout is the form of resistance. In a Pilates Reformer workout, the resistance comes from the springs, and the resistance level can vary depending on the size and amounts of springs you attach to the carriage.
There is also more opportunity for different exercises on a Reformer. Unlike the mat classes where your range of motion is confined to what can be accomplished on the floor, Reformer Pilates offers movement options to challenge the endurance and strength of more muscle groups.
Five Benefits of Pilates Reformer Workouts
Don’t be fooled, Pilates in any form can be a tough, sweaty workout. However, the benefits of Pilates Reformer workouts are unmatched. Here are five reasons to train on a Pilates Reformer:
1. ALL-ENCOMPASSING WORKOUTS
Whether you’re brand new to the world of fitness and trying a Pilates Reformer workout for the first time, or you’re a Pilates pro that can’t get enough, Reformers can be altered to fit any fitness and strength level. The difficulty of each movement comes from the resistance in the springs that attach to the carriage. More springs can be added to increase the resistance and difficulty of each movement—or springs can be removed to lessen resistance.
Whether you are sculpting your calves or building your booty, the Reformer will help you get summer body ready—all year round.
Because the resistance levels on the Reformer are quick and easy to alter, anyone, regardless of strength or fitness level, can achieve their fitness goals and experience the benefits of Pilates Reformer workouts.
2. NOW ACCESSIBLE AT HOME!
In the past, it may have seemed like only celebrities or those willing to pay extremely high prices were able to participate in a Reformer Pilates class or own one at home. In fact, as Pilates workouts have become more popular, home studios have also become more commonplace. It’s now easier than ever to create your own Pilates studio at home and own your own Reformer.
Here’s How to Create Your Dream At-Home Pilates Studio
John Garey TV offers affordable memberships for our in-home workouts with instructors that will push your fitness threshold. Our online classes will give you the same burn you would get in any studio class. And, they allow you to work up a sweat from the comfort of your own home.
3. BUILDS MORE THAN JUST KILLER ABS
What comes to mind when you hear the words Pilates Reformer? If killer abs and toned muscles are the first things you think of, you’re not alone. However, the physical benefits of a Pilates Reformer workout go further than just a tight, toned physique.
Reformer Pilates helps increase flexibility, strengthens vital muscles in the core and lower back, and helps improve posture and balance.
Pilates uses eccentric muscle contractions to achieve impressive results for those who stick to a consistent routine.
Eccentric muscle contractions are the lengthening of a muscle as it resists a force. This creates that leaned and toned muscle appearance that is normally associated with Pilates.
4. HELPS REHABILITATE INJURY
Reformer Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise, meaning it consists of little to no impact movements, unlike jumping or running. As a result, Pilates can be a useful tool in injury rehabilitation, specifically for lower back injuries.
The lower back, core, glutes, and inner thighs are the main, large muscle groups that are targeted during a Reformer Pilates workout. Those who need to increase strength in their core to counteract a lower back injury will benefit greatly from Reformer Pilates, while also targeting flexibility and stabilization of those muscle groups.
5. BENEFITS MINDFULNESS
Many Reformer Pilates movements and exercises require a focus on balance and flexibility. This focus contributes to mindfulness, similar to the mental benefits of yoga and meditation. Targeting the smaller muscles that most Pilates workouts aim to strengthen requires an inward reflection and awareness of the body.
Breath work is also a key aspect of most Reformer Pilates workouts, which can help relieve stress and anxiety.
Reformer Pilates is, first and foremost, a form of exercise— the endorphin high that accompanies movement in any form is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Why Choose John Garey TV
With JGTV, all of these benefits of Pilates Reformer workouts can be at your fingertips and in the comfort of your own home. With our JGTV All-Access pass, weekly Reformer workouts, workout series, progressive Reformer series, and Reformer challenges are all included. You will also have access to our Pilates Reformer workout encyclopedia that provides endless workouts for you to have fun with!
Benefit With Pilates Reformer Workouts—and Have Fun!
When incorporated into a regular exercise routine, you can experience the benefits of Pilates Reformer workouts—and you can have fun! The Reformer allows you to play while you work out, and every JGTV encourages you to do just that. Work up a sweat and smile while doing it.
Don’t be intimidated by the complexity of the Reformer. We are here to guide you through every move so you can focus on sculpting and sweating.
Get stronger, leaner, and more toned without the tension on your joints. A fair warning though, once you start Reformer Pilates, you may not be able to stop.