Reformer Pilates is the talk of many modern celebrities and athletes—and for good reason!—but if you are new to the fitness scene or have just heard about Pilates for the first time, you may not know why.
Pilates is a type of exercise that boosts health and strength, and through the use of a reformer machine, participants can further expand their experience. This is an adjustable piece of equipment designed specifically for Pilates that can provide targeted workouts by increasing or decreasing resistance and providing support.
Many people assume that because Reformer Pilates utilizes a machine, it is best suited for younger folks who have the technical savvy and flexibility to succeed. However, Reformer Pilates is actually a great choice for people of any age and ability level!
Whether you are a teenager looking to add to your workout routine or an older person whose arthritis has interfered with staying active, Pilates can be a great fit for your lifestyle.
Can Anyone Do Reformer Pilates?
A reformer machine does not look like any other workout equipment you have seen before, but that should not stop you from giving it a try! Reformers, with a little education, are simple to use.
They function using springs that can be adjusted to customize the workout, targeting the user’s goals or providing assistance if they struggle with certain ranges of movement or flexibility.
In fact, Reformer Pilates is ideal for every stage of life because of this adaptability. Regardless of age or ability level, a person can benefit from using a reformer during Pilates in the following ways:
Strengthens a Weak Back
As people get older, many tend to experience an increase in back problems. This comes from a wide range of causes, from decreased movement due to sitting at work or home all day to gradual degeneration of the spinal column and supportive muscles in the back.
A reformer can help restore strength to the back by focusing on improved function of the spinal muscles. This, in turn, stabilizes the spinal column to improve posture and reduce aches and pains.
Additionally, Pilates dedicates a lot of focus on improving core strength. This, too, can ease back pain, because having a strong core reduces the effort and strain placed on the back muscles to keep the spine upright.
Those who are already suffering from a weakened back may be relieved to know that use of the reformer often occurs with participants lying down. This further reduces strain on the back while allowing the muscles to grow and train with minimal strain.
Boosts Bone Health
Getting older typically comes with some natural loss of bone density, which is especially prominent in women due to hormonal changes associated with aging.
Reformer Pilates is ideal for these life stages because it exerts low-impact pressure on the bones. As a result, the bones will compensate by pulling more minerals into the bone tissue to ensure it can withstand the effort, thus slowing bone density loss.
Helps Maintain Your Balance
Anyone can slip and fall at any age, but older adults are more prone to injuries from falling due to osteoporosis and decreased muscle stability. Reformer Pilates regularly stretches and strengthens the supportive ligaments and stabilizer muscles throughout the body, which helps people maintain their balance.
For younger folks in high-energy tasks, this stability can keep them free from accidents. Those who are older can avoid serious falls and the associated injury risk by training their bodies during Pilates classes. *Keep in mind, there are risks in a Reformer Pilates class itself, but with slow, controlled movements and attending the right class level for you, you can decrease that risk.*
One of the main advantages of the reformer is its consistency. Because it replicates consistent stretching and training movements for each rep, participants can feel confident that they are supporting their bodies without overextending themselves (both literally and figuratively).
Increases Energy and Stamina
Because Reformer Pilates gradually builds strength throughout the entire body, people of all ages tend to notice they have more stamina to do their favorite activities.
However, the benefits don’t end there. Over time, Pilates teaches the body how to be more efficient at using oxygen, meaning that the circulatory system funnels oxygen into the body’s tissues more easily—and those tissues, in turn, are more adept at using it.
When the body has free access to more oxygen, you will likely notice that you have more energy and feel more invigorated. That is a good feeling to have, no matter where you are in life!
Try Reformer Pilates for Yourself
Reformer Pilates is an effective means of strengthening the body, improving stability, and boosting flexibility, whether you are 17 or 70. You don’t need any prior experience to start using a reformer machine.
At RTR Pilates, our passionate instructors will teach you everything you need to know and help you set up the reformer to suit your specific goals and abilities.
Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a beginner Pilates class and discover why Reformer Pilates is ideal for every stage of life.
