Pilates Equipment, No Weight Benches Needed

By now I’m sure you’ve heard of Pilates, if you haven’t get out from under that rock and join the rest of us. This style has been time tested; it has proven to be easy on joints and focuses on core strength and muscle flexibility. Most people think of Mat Pilates when they think of Pilates, Maury Windsor made a huge break through to main stream exercisers when she introduced her Pilates DVD Program. However, I would like to introduce you deeper into the Pilates culture and body reformation ability by introducing you to the Pilates Reformer.

The Reformer machine was invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s, old means it’s good.  The original reformer was a bed mattress with springs attached to the bottom for resistance which was the inspiration for the Reformer we have today. On first sight the Pilates Reformer is intimidating and even looks a little like a torture device. A break down of the Reformer: the carriage which is what you lay/sit on moves back and forth along the frame as you pull the straps. The carriage is attached to springs at one end which provide resistance; there is also an adjustable footbar at the bottom by the springs.

The Reformer takes a little getting used to because of the core balance needed to properly do the moves while the carriage is moving back and forth, but that’s what makes it such a great work out. I’m not going to lie, I have seen a few people fall off the machine. They don’t get hurt but it makes for an entertaining work out. Please check all pride at the door because you don’t know when your turn is coming.

As you are doing the moves it is very important to focus on proper alignment, breath, control of the movement as well as fluidity. The fluidly of going from one move to the next can become a ballet dance when done with full control. The movements require strength but a slight grace as well, this full range of movement enables you to work muscles that otherwise would not have been worked with traditional weight lifting. Just ask my little sister, she tired Pilates one time, she text me 4 days later and said she was still having a hard time walking.

The work out in a whole is a full body work out.  With one machine you get your back, butt, legs, shoulders, arms, abs and every little muscle in between. This exercise regime can be done by those with bad backs, necks, knees, even those that are pregnant. A woman that goes to the studio I attend attended classes up to one month before delivery; she delivered the baby in one push and two months later looks as if she was never pregnant. Both men and woman attend classes and both genders come out sweating, it’s all in the amount of resistance.

Instructors are certified and are passionate about their work. Pilates has a social aspect as well, the stretches and moves you do with your fellow Pilatians (not a real word) make you want to become friends so you can do the moves full out and get the most benefit without feeling like a total idiot.  Spontaneous uncontrollable bursts of laughter sometimes occur while doing moves you are not comfortable with but instructors don’t usually use this as a selling point.

Try a Pilates Reformer class it will give you a complete new outlook on Pilates and give you cause to revamp your current work out.

Whitney Boyd