Reformer Pilates Results and Benefits

Miranda Kerr, Kate Hudson, Rosie Huntington Whiteley and Alessandra Ambrosio are just some of the lean and toned celebrities who love Reformer Pilates, and with results like theirs, here’s why you should consider the exercise too.

When you look at the reformer equipement it's easy to feel a little confused, just what exactly do you do with it? The sliding bottom and flexible springs allow you to change the resistance you experience as you move the moves. The extra additions on the reformer, like straps and cables, allow you to perform a variety of exercises, some of which can even be done standing.

Having the added resistance from the reformer only heightens the sensation of burning you get when performing Pilates exercises, which are designed to help train the core, which includes the lower back, abdomen, buttocks and hips.

How reformer pilates works

The resistance created by the pulley and spring system can provide a more challenging strength and endurance workout than mat classes, so if you really want to feel the burn, then this is the class for you.

The workouts might look relatively simple, but once you get started it's easy to see how difficult they are. The resistance of the springs and bodyweight only heighten this further.

Using the reformer, as well as the attachments, help to boost the range of variations of the exercises, and also offer different movements to be done that can't be done on the mat alone.

For those with injuries or a limited range of movement, the use of the reformer can also aid their capability, as the reformer will offer some support.

Reformer pilates results

A reformer pilates routine is effective at providing a full-body workout because the constant resistance of spring tension keeps the whole body awake and working through full ranges of movement.

Pilates is synonymous with a long and lean physique, the design of the pilates reformer helps you to achieve long, lean and strong muscles because you’re in control of every movement.

Joseph Pilates himself apparently once said that after 10 sessions you'll feel better, it'll take 20 sessions for you to look better, and in just 30 sessions you'll have a completely new body.

Reformer pilates benefits

Regular Pilates practice will improve your overall strength and flexibility, it also helps to improve your posture and strengthen the muscles that help stabilize the spine and pelvis, helping to minimise back pain.

As you advance in your Pilates practice, the benefits just keep building and the results are lasting.

Boost muscular endurance

Muscles exert force to overcome resistance. So when you use the resistance of the reformer you will over time boost your muscular endurance, size and strength. Once you start to increase your endurance, you'll notice that you don't tire so easily carrying out everyday tasks.

Amplify your core strength

It's easy whilst doing Pilates on the mat to fake your way through the exercises and not really connect with the muscles that you're trying to work. That's a lot harder to do on the reformer, as you need to have the correct form and technique. Pilates exercises as a whole are amazing for training your core strength, which includes your butt, abs, lower back and hips. Having a strong core is essential for overall health, it will help you perform other exercises better, will help with posture and ensure you maintain proper alignment.

Enhance posture

Using the reformer ensures that you perform Pilates exercises in the correct way and this, in turn, improves spinal alignment. When you have the proper alignment of your body, the muscles will work to support the spine and help with overall stability too. And because you have the correct support through your spine, you'll also reduce the chance of injury.

Ensuring you have the correct posture will give you the appearance of looking taller too because you'll be carrying yourself tall rather than hunching over.

Advance your flexibility

Using the Pilates Reformer can also help increase your flexibility, as this device encourages your muscles to move to their full scope. There are multiple benefits to increasing your flexibility, which include lessening the chance of stiffness and sores, as well as working to decrease the stress and strain you put on your muscles and joints.

Shrink Body Fat

Exercising has plenty of benefits on the body and mind, and one of those is burning the calories you eat. So it can help to shrink your body fat if you're working to a deficit to your calories and that's what you want to achieve. Plus, when you increase your muscle mass through exercise, you will boost your metabolism and more muscle mass increases calories burned.

Reformer Pilates at home

The best way to learn Pilates reformer is in a class, and once you learn some exercises and begin to understand the foundations of Pilates exercise, it might make sense to buy a Pilates home reformer; look for models that come with Pilates reformer instruction DVDs led by certified Pilates instructors.