Reformer Pilates

What is that it looks like a medieval torture device?

That is the most common comment I get when people see the Reformer for the first time they see it and yes it does look a bit complicated and overwhelming at first sight but once you have been introduced it really all makes sense. Then once you climb aboard and start to move you really can see (feel) how it works. The machine is fantastically adjustable and part of the skill of teaching it is getting it set up just so for your body.

It has a ton of benefits; it might look basic with the straps, springs and ropes but it is a very sophisticated piece of kit. Firstly it is not like a piece of equipment that you’ll use in the gym, - no not like a leg press – we need more control for starters! - You just need a teacher with the expertise to match your body, to the machine and the exercises that you need.

As a teacher it is a great as it provides a symmetrical frame, so I can see your alignment in perfect detail and we know I love the small details, - the teeny tiny adjustments that get you just right! Accompanied by that ‘is that better’ which we know is Pilates speak for I know it is probably harder work, - but it is better!

The machine makes many exercises what we call a closed chain exercise (a closed chain exercise is in basic terms one where all your limbs are connected i.e. your feet and hands are not freely moving about they are fixed to the machine or the straps). This means that your body is more supported, and it means that you have constant feedback with the resistance of the springs to really keep you connected in mind and body – you can’t just stop! CLONK! So you have to work to move your body with precision under varying loads.

The teacher will vary and change the springs, this is so that the tension changes and this will alter the feel and or focus of the exercise. Meaning that heavy springs does not necessarily mean you are working harder, crazy I know but it may well be the opposite (usually is!) as you need to work harder to control the machine on a lighter spring.

A good teacher will be able to vary the springs depending upon your body type strength, consideration of injuries and of course your goal and the agreed outcome.

What you’ll see and feel; Changes and improvements in your Matwork, - I have had fabulous results for clients struggling with their roll ups, using the moving carriage to really learn to initiate the movement from the right place and find the correct movement in the right part of your body – moving from the pelvis not just dropping backwards means that you can roll all the way back up again!

Changes and improvements to foot and ankle strength, - the footwork has really helped strengthen feet, lengthening out hammer toes, lifting metatarsals (toe knuckles) and teaching people to articulate through their ankle joints and find symmetry in the use of the feet. The footbar has helped people find the muscles of their feet and lift arches, - attaching their brains to what is occurring in their feet.

Be brave and come and have a go, and I’m sure you will love it to! I offer half hour taster sessions where you get to meet the machine and run through some basics to give you the feel.

So get booked in for one now!