ActiveWorkoutsI tried reformer Pilates for the first time and it was harder than weightliftingEveryone’s been raving about reformer Pilates, so I headed down to my local studio to see what all the fuss was aboutWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkoutsI tried reformer Pilates for the first time and it was harder than weightliftingEveryone’s been raving about reformer Pilates, so I headed down to my local studio to see what all the fuss was aboutWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Everyone’s been raving about reformer Pilates, so I headed down to my local studio to see what all the fuss was about
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jump to category:What is reformer PilatesThe benefitsMy experience
Jump to category:What is reformer PilatesThe benefitsMy experience
Reformer Pilates is nothing new but, as of lately, I feel like it’s been having a bit of a resurgence. Maybe it’s because celebs, such as Adele and Margot Robbie are avid fans, but I’m sure it’s down to the wealth of benefits it promises (a stronger core and increased mobility to name a few).
As someone who’s been doing weightlifting religiously for the past four years, reformer Pilates has never really entered my line of training. But when a new reformer studio opened just 10 minutes from my home I thought this must be a sign. So, I packed mygym bagand headed down the road for my first-ever reformer pilates class, almost pretty certain it would be a breeze. Let’s just say I was eating my words afterwards…
What is reformer Pilates?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
“Reformer Pilates is like mat Pilates x100,” saysMatilda Jones, founder and instructor atCore and Co Reformer Pilates Studio.The main difference is that reformer Pilates is performed on a pice of equipment, called a reformer. “The Reformer, is a high-spec piece of specialist equipment; a modern-day adaptation of a WW2 hospital bed, where Joseph Pilates would rehabilitate prisoners using pulleys, strings and weight,” Matilda says.
The reformer has evolved since then. Now, its equipped with a system of technical springs to add resistance to the Pilates exercises. It’s also equipped with a bar and platform at the front of it, so that you can perform additional exercises. Overall, it’s a lot more dynamic and intense than mat Pilates.
What are the benefits of reformer Pilates?
Pilates, in general, is fantastic for building deep core strength, improving mobility, posture, flexibility and strengthing your muscles. But the Reformer takes things to the next level.
“The resistance works into the small muscles, leading to a long, lean, strong dancer’s physique,” Matilda explains. “Through conscious core-engagement and breath work technique, we activate our muscles in a mindful practise that gets results. Also, you need to concentrate, so it’s fantastic for decreasing stress and anxiety and helping focus.”
‘Does Pilates help you lose weight?’ is a common question people ask and Matilda says the answer is complicated. This is because weight-loss doesn’t just come down to exercise, but is a combination of healthy eating, strength training and cardiovascular activity. Reformer Pilates can therefore be part of this routine, as it raises your heart rate helping you burn calories, but you need to look into other areas of your life too.
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In terms of hypertrophy (increasing the actual size of your muscles) reformer Pilates won’t provide the same results that weight training will. This is because you need to overload your muscles, creating microtears, so that they can repair themselves and grow back bigger. It is good for muscle endurance though.
My experience
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
I’ll be honest, I felt a little cheated when I first walked into the Co and Core Pilates Studio in Nailsworth. There were candles lit, music softly playing in the background a big chandelier hanging from the ceiling, the atmosphere was pure relaxation and I’d been lured right in. I think that’s the instructor’s aim though, because my lesson wasn’t as relaxing, it burnt like a b*tch.
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
We then moved into some core work. This was the part I was most looking forward to because I was aware of how great Pilates is for building a solid core and I knew it would be super beneficial for my other training. We popped our feet into the straps and then crunched up…and kept crunching… “Now give me pulsing crunches” said Matilda. Those dreaded pulses annihilated my midsection and left it feeling like a stone slab.
What made everything harder is that you also have to be aware of your breathing. Matilda would constantly be reminding us “BREATHE” and it’s a good thing too, because there are times I forgot. We also did some lower body work, but what challenged me the most were the upper body exercises. We sat on our box on the reformer, popped our hands into the straps and slowly lifted our arms forwards, then lowered them again, moving the reformer chair back and forth.
Moral of the story: don’t underestimate the power of reformer Pilates.
Try this 4-week core workout plan to build strength, stability, and definitionUnlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
Unlock full-body power with this simple yet effective core routine – no endless crunches, just real results
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