Reformer Pilates is a type of exercise that is growing in popularity thanks to the outspoken social media posts and praise from celebrities and professional athletes.
However, Pilates is not new—in fact, this exercise approach is just a few years shy of its 100th anniversary, having first supported the health and well-being of injured soldiers, dancers, and more.
Many people are now seeing the great success that current actors, athletes, and public figures are having from Reformer Pilates and wonder whether they have what it takes to get started with this exercise approach as well.
The good news is that anyone can start Pilates because it is a highly accessible approach to wellness!
Whether you are lacking flexibility, suffering from a preexisting injury, or have a similar limitation, a skilled Pilates instructor can show you how the reformer machine makes Pilates work for you, supporting you in all the ways your body needs.
Here’s how Reformer Pilates makes exercise accessible to everyone.
Is the Intensity Adjustable?
A reformer machine is a piece of equipment that utilizes springs to change the intensity of a Pilates workout. Most people assume that this functions similarly to adding more weight to a Smith machine for bench presses —and this is one possibility.
Those who are looking for a more advanced or targeted challenge can increase the intensity of their reformer session by adjusting the springs to add greater resistance that requires them to maintain more stringent muscular control throughout the process.
However, the springs can also help reformer users by providing support. If a person is still developing basic flexibility, rehabbing an injury, or simply unable to correctly perform an exercise at a certain level, adjusting the reformer springs can assist them in completing the exercise with the proper form and without injury so they can properly reap the benefits.
This is a big reason why Reformer Pilates is well suited for anyone and everyone.
Gradual but Consistent Progress
Another reason Reformer Pilates is usable across the board is because progress is gradual but consistent. Unlike many types of stretches and exercises that rely on a person’s own awareness for consistency—think of how easy it is to accidentally overstretch or push too hard during an exercise—the reformer streamlines the process.
This type of Pilates ensures that those aiming for improvement can achieve it gradually on a controlled basis, because the machine itself is adjustable. It helps to prevent overstretching and creates consistent benchmarks when used with proper form.
Low Impact
One of the biggest hindrances for exercise across many demographics is the potential for impact. Not everyone has the ability or bodily capacity to do common exercises such as jogging, which place intense strain on joints such as the knees and ankles.
Conversely, Pilates is a low-impact method of working out. The reformer creates seamless, gentle movements that reduce strain on joints while strengthening them by gradually building flexibility and stability.
Not only can Reformer Pilates serve as a great way to build strength without impact strain, but it can also equip users with a more stable core that is less prone to injuries outside of Pilates.
Movement Modifications and Targeting
When it comes to accessibility, a big reason that Reformer Pilates shines more than other types of exercises is because of how much its movements can be modified or targeted to a specific body part or goal.
For instance, suppose that someone uses a walker or other assistive device throughout their daily life. They may assume that Pilates is not for them because they do not have a full range of motion; however, this could not be further from the truth!
In reality, Reformer Pilates can modify the movements of exercise sets to either accommodate for their limited mobility or support what movement strength they do have.
The instructor may choose to target the person’s hips and core through careful exercise curation and reformer adjustments. This effective targeting is often not possible in other exercise types. In fact, the founder of Pilates himself suffered from physical conditions such as rickets, which affected his movement abilities!
Try Reformer Pilates No Matter Your Ability
If you would like to get more active, build strength and flexibility, or boost the stability of your joints and spine, Reformer Pilates is an accessible method that works for people of all body types and ability levels.
While you should always consult a doctor if you are suffering or recovering from any pre existing injuries or health problems, Pilates can offer support to help your body thrive.
The instructors at RTR Pilates are always happy to work with participants from all walks of life to help you achieve great health using a reformer to help you achieve your goals.
Contact RTR Pilates to sign up for a Pilates class that uses a reformer so you can experience the transformative difference for yourself!
