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 regimen you are craving.
The Pilates Reformer is a versatile piece of exercise equipment that has been used for decades to help individuals improve their strength, flexibility, and overall fitness. While it may seem intimidating at first, reformers 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 specific muscles, and straps attached to the carriage can also be used to pull it back and forth.
Pilates Reformer Versus Pilates Mat Workouts
The two most popular types of Pilates workouts are Reformer and Mat. Pilates Reformer is a system of Pilates exercises that involves using a machine called the Reformer, while Pilates Mat workouts involve performing exercises on the floor with a mat. Each method has its unique advantages and challenges.
Pilates Reformer workouts provide a challenging and dynamic exercise experience. The Reformer machine allows for a wide range of resistance levels, which makes it an excellent tool for building strength and endurance. Additionally, exercises performed on the Reformer machine can offer more range of motion compared to the same movements performed on Pilates mat. The machine’s spring resistance and the carriage’s movement work together to challenge your arm and leg muscles in ways that are not possible with mat workouts without the use of additional props.
Pilates mat workouts, on the other hand, are an excellent option for individuals who prefer to exercise without the use of equipment. Mat workouts rely on bodyweight exercises, which makes them a more accessible option for those who may not have access to a Reformer machine. Mat workouts are also more versatile, as they can be performed anywhere, even in small spaces. Mat workouts provide a more core focused workout and are a great option for those who are traveling or don’t have the space or resources for a Pilates Reformer.
In this article, we will explore 9 benefits of using the Pilates Reformer.
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 nine reasons to train on a Pilates Reformer:
1. IMPROVED POSTURE
One of the most significant benefits of practicing Pilates on the Reformer is improved posture. Pilates exercises on the Reformer can help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, making it easier to maintain good posture throughout the day. Pilates exercises can also target the muscles around the hips, knees, and shoulders bringing balance and strength and allowing for more optimal alignment of the joints throughout the body.
2. INCREASED FLEXIBILITY
Another major benefit of using the Pilates Reformer is increased flexibility. The exercises on the machine are designed to stretch and lengthen your muscles, improving your range of motion and increasing your level of fitness. The Reformer allows you to perform a variety of stretches and movements that are not possible with traditional mat-based Pilates exercises.
3. ENHANCED STRENGTH
The Pilates Reformer is an excellent tool for building strength. The resistance provided by the springs can be adjusted to meet your specific needs, allowing you to gradually increase your strength over time. The exercises on the Reformer also target your core muscles, which are essential for maintaining good posture and overall fitness.
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.
A regular Pilates practice can help achieve impressive results in strength, mobility, and balance.
Increasing the strength and flexibility of muscles as they resist the forces of spring tension helps create that leaned and toned muscle appearance that is normally associated with Pilates.
4. LOW-IMPACT WORKOUTS
The Pilates Reformer is a low-impact exercise machine, which means that it puts less stress on your joints than high-impact exercises like running or jumping. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals with joint pain or other physical limitations.
5. INCREASED MIND-BODY AWARENESS
Pilates exercises on the Reformer require a high level of concentration and control. This increased mind-body awareness can have numerous benefits, including improved focus, reduced stress, and increased relaxation.
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 deeper 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.
6. VERSATILE EXERCISE MACHINE
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. Depending on the exercise, adding or taking away springs can change the difficulty of each movement and help you achieve your desired goals of increasing strength and mobility..
Whether you are sculpting your calves or building your booty, the Reformer will help you get summer body strong—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.
The Pilates Reformer is a versatile exercise machine that can be used by individuals of all fitness levels. It can be used to perform a wide range of exercises, from gentle stretching to intense resistance training. The Reformer can also be adjusted to meet the specific needs of each individual, making it an excellent choice for those with injuries or physical limitations.
7. FUN & CHALLENGING WORKOUTS
Working out on the Pilates Reformer can be fun and challenging. The machine provides a unique and exciting workout experience that can help keep you motivated and engaged. As you progress, you can increase the challenge and intensity of your workouts, increase your mind-body connection, and achieve new levels of fitness.
8. ACCESSIBLE FROM 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. We are your on-line Pilates Studio. Our online classes and programs with our expert and fun team of instructors will give you the best Pilates Studio experience from the comfort of your own home.
9. 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, such as lower back injuries.
The lower back, core, glutes, and inner thighs are some of the muscle groups 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.
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 instructor and class 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. We’ve got tutorials and beginner programs to help you get started and understand Pilates and your equipment.
Get stronger, leaner, and more toned with our 1000s of workouts. A fair warning though, once you start Reformer Pilates, you may not be able to stop.
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 Live Reformer workouts, 1000s of on-demand workouts, progressive Reformer series, and Reformer challenges are all included. You will also have access to our Pilates Reformer workout encyclopedia to help you dive deeper into each exercise. And JGTV will provide you with endless workouts to help you achieve your goals and have fun while getting there!