A brand new Reformer Pilates class is coming to The Edge! The classes will be one-to-one with one of our qualified instructors meaning they can tailor each class to you and what you want to focus on. The classes will be available to book from Semester two onwards, so keep your eyes peeled for bookings to open.
What is Reformer Pilates?
Developed by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, Pilates is a low-impact exercise system designed to improve overall physical strength, posture, and flexibility. The Reformer machine, introduced later, was designed to enhance the benefits of traditional mat Pilates, which are already part of our class timetable. Reformer provides resistance through springs and a movable carriage, allowing for a more versatile and comprehensive workout. Unlike conventional strength training that often focuses on individual muscle groups, Reformer Pilates emphasizes core strength, alignment, and controlled movement patterns. The machine’s unique design allows for exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously while providing support for anyone with physical limitations.
How does the Reformer machine work?
The Reformer machine consists of some key components:
- Carriage: The central platform that moves backward and forward and is where you perform most of your exercises.
- Springs: Adjustable springs provide varying levels of resistance, allowing you to modify the difficulty of the exercises based on your fitness level.
- Footbar and Straps: The footbar can be moved up or down to adjust intensity, while the straps are used for exercises involving the arms or legs, providing resistance or assistance.
- Headrest and Shoulder Blocks: The headrest can be adjusted for comfort during certain exercises, while shoulder blocks help provide stability and guide movement.
The Reformer machine enables you to perform a range of exercises that involve controlled movements targeting different muscles including the core, legs, arms, and back. Exercises can be performed lying down, sitting, standing, or kneeling, offering diversity and variety to the workout.
What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?
- Improved core strength and stability
Reformer Pilates places a strong emphasis on the core, the group of muscles surrounding your abdomen, back, and pelvis. Through controlled movements and resistance, Reformer Pilates helps to build deep core strength, which is essential for overall body stability, posture, and balance. - Increased flexibility
The stretches and lengthening movements involved help to improve flexibility, particularly in the spine and muscles. This can enhance mobility, reduce stiffness, and decrease the risk of injury. - Better posture
The focus on alignment and mindful movement encourages better posture. By strengthening the muscles that support your spine and shoulders, it can help correct imbalances and reduce slouching, which is especially beneficial for people who sit at desks for long periods. - Low-impact exercise
Reformer Pilates is gentle on the joints, making it a suitable option for people recovering from injury, those with joint issues, or older people who need a low-impact yet effective workout. Despite its low-impact nature, the resistance training involved provides a full-body workout that improves strength, endurance, and muscle tone. - Versatility and customization
One of the standout features of Reformer Pilates is its versatility. The machine can be adjusted to provide different levels of resistance, meaning the exercises can be modified for beginners, intermediates, or advanced members. It can also accommodate people with varying body types, fitness levels, and physical limitations. - Enhanced mind-body connection
Reformer Pilates requires concentration and focus on controlled movements, breathing, and body alignment. This emphasis on precision and mindfulness helps to improve the mind-body connection and can reduce stress while fostering a sense of well-being.
We are so excited to introduce Reformer Pilates to our class provision and bookings will open soon.
