Why Reformer Pilates Low-Impact Workouts Are Perfect for Enhancing Joint Mobility

There are hundreds of exercises to choose from when it comes to strengthening joints and muscles. A combination of exercise tolerance, interest, movements, and even access to equipment can make or break your workout plans. The good news is that Reformer Pilates classes provide the support and challenge your joints need to flourish while reducing strain on the joint.

As a low-impact exercise, Reformer Pilates has plenty to offer. If you have never used a reformer machine, that’s all right! A Pilates class will guide you through the process so you know what to do and how to build upon what you have learned over time.

Here is what you need to know about why Reformer Pilates’ low-impact workouts are perfect for enhancing the mobility of your joints.

Comprehending Low- vs. High-Impact Exercise

To understand why Pilates is so effective at targeting the joints and providing an accessible workout, participants first need to know the difference between low- and high-impact exercises. “Impact,” in the context of exercise, describes how much the body must make contact with other surfaces in order to perform the movements.

For instance, running is a high-impact exercise. Each time a foot strikes the pavement, the body’s entire weight falls onto that leg. That impact transfers through the muscles and bones and into the joints, which sustain tension to keep the body from crumpling. Over time, this can cause joint pain and stiffness.

Why Low-Impact Pilates Helps Joints

Unlike high-impact exercises, Pilates offers a low-impact alternative. Using a reformer allows the participant to challenge the strength of their joints and build supportive muscle without exposing the joints to repeated stresses. As a result, participants can enjoy:

Mobility

Joint mobility is a big concern for many people, especially as they age or if they work physically demanding jobs. Reformer Pilates relies on movements that gradually stretch and lengthen the muscles and joints. As a result, joints become more flexible over time, decreasing the risk of becoming stiff or locked up.

The reformer’s low impact also allows joints to rest and strengthen simultaneously. Pilates trains joints based on slow movements that open the joint rather than hard, fast impacts that force it to weather a blow.

Support

Another big factor in joint mobility after Pilates is how it treats the muscles surrounding the joints. Joints do not work independently; instead, the muscles around them dictate how they move. As a result, if the muscles are weak, they cannot necessarily keep the joint properly aligned as it moves by exerting force on it, leaving joints prone to injury.

Reformer Pilates trains the body in equilibrium; both sides of the body are targeted equally to avoid some muscles becoming more trained than others. As a result, the muscles can support the joints properly.

Stability

Even if a person does not expose their joints to high-impact exercises, they can still place undue strain on them through posture problems. Improper balance can leave the body leaning or putting more weight on one leg or arm than the other. Over time, this can stiffen an overused joint while robbing the other one of the engagements it needs to remain flexible.

Pilates trains balance and core strength. This helps the body maintain good posture, which keeps joints stable and evenly divides the weight of physical activity among joints.

Assistance

One of the best things about joint work with Pilates is that it is not limited only to those whose joints are already in great condition. The reformer can offer assistance during exercises, so those recovering from injuries or facing stiff, painful joints can gradually work on their mobility over time.

Rather than straining the joints further by jumping into stride with everyone else, each person can customize the reformer to the level of assistance that suits them. An instructor will help participants create the right reformer configuration.

Try Reformer Pilates for Your Joints

If you are struggling with stiff, sore joints or want to stop your joints from deteriorating this way, Reformer Pilates is a great option. The instructors at RTR Pilates are always happy to welcome people who want to support their bodies and learn good movement habits while strengthening their muscles and minds.