With it ropes, strings, handles and sliding platform, a Pilate reformer can appear formidable to many ignorant people.
After all, what equipment looks so much like a device used for torture?
Well, you have nothing to be worried about. A Pilates reformer is indeed a workout machine and one that works.
Using this machine holds many benefits, both for your mind and your body. The equipment is not only versatile, but it is also interesting to use.
It requires certain techniques– one reason why you may need to join a Pilates reformer class.
So, What Exactly is a Pilates Reformer?
Designed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, the Pilates reformer is an exercise tool made as a component of the Pilates custom for achieving general body fitness.
This machine was created with the intention that it would aid the body to again master the correct way to move.
It is crafted in such a way that the body is forced to move swiftly even when working against resistance.
This is what helps the body to gain stability, build strength and enhance fluidity.
Benefits of Pilates Reformer
However, one really impressive thing about the Pilate reformer is that it does not only help to exercise the body but exercises the mind as well.
Pilate exercises have a way of creating a connection between both the mind and the body using a controlled inhale and exhale of breath alongside sequences of motions.
The reformer presents external opposition while you’re working on it, such that when you attempt to push or twist or pull, you have to use more force while still maintaining fluidity, body alignment and proper positioning.
A Pilate reformer comes with a carriage which is a bed-like frame holding a flat platform, springs used to create resistance, bars and ropes which assist with alignment and power, handles and straps for maintaining balance when exercising.
The machine generally provides feedback to the user when he or she is properly positioned and doing the exercise right.
Pilates reformers are known to use a sequence of motions to lengthen, open and energize the legs, shoulder, hips glutes, arms and back. And while they do this, they also engage the core so that it can remain balanced and reliable.
Exercises on a Pilate reformer can be performed while sitting, kneeling or even laying down sideways on the cardiac.
Some Physical Gains of Using a Pilates Reformer
Using a reformer is indeed a good way to strengthen your abs and other important parts of your body. With the equipment, there is a great deal of focus on the correct engagement of muscles as well as proper alignment.
Both of these are what assist in the improvement of a person’s balance, posture and stability as he or she works on the reformer. It is a sure way to gain the fluidity and gracefulness of ball dancers– that is if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
And the interesting part is that you can teach your body to do all these things on the equipment without injuring yourself.
A Pilate reformer presents resistance as you work out on it. This means that to overcome this resistance, you will need to apply more force. As you do this, you will be building strength, not only in your body, but also in your mind.
In addition to this, you get an increased level of lean muscles, more metabolism which helps to lose weight, and you’ll enjoy improved resistance to disorders associated with your metabolism.
Surprisingly, a Pilates reformer actually promotes no-impact exercises. You’ll be glad to know that after spending hours working out on the machine, you will hardly feel strained in your joints area.
This is why people with injuries can recover quickly when they exercise on this machine.
Some Mental Gains of Using a Pilates Reformer
As mentioned earlier, you need your body and your mind to work together when performing exercises on the reformer. Check the best available pilates reformer machines in the UK here.
Your movements have to be accompanied by careful breathing that synchronises perfectly.
This will help your body become aware of all the physical signs that the machine throws at you.
It will help your mind remain quiet, cause you to think better and enable you to solve problems easier.
In some ways, the reformer does reduce stress. As you move your body in fluid and rhythmic motions, you tend to get a feeling similar to the one you get while swimming.
You experience a calmness that drives away stress and helps you relax more.
When you’ve worked on a reformer for a while and have begun getting the hang of it, you’ll surely start to feel a confidence boost.
After all, if you can be successful at exercising on a Pilates Reformer, what can’t you be successful at?
Apart from all these, a Pilate reformer, though challenging, is quite fun to work out on, especially when You’ve enrolled in a reformer class and can draw inspiration from both amateur and expert users of the machine. In the end, you’ll be glad you chose to give the reformer a try.