Anybody do reformer pilates?

No problem. Ideally I think people should do mat work alongside reformer, as (I think) the reformer set makes more sense if you have a good grasp of the mat repertoire. But that doesn’t mean you couldn’t start with reformer.

The interesting thing is that there are two broad ways to make any exercise harder on the reformer. The first is, rather intuitively, to add resistance on the springs - this makes the carriage harder to move and your big muscles work harder. The other is to opt for very very light resistance which makes the carriage harder to control, and that’s when you start working the smaller accessory muscles really hard. I think that is the main advantage of the reformer over almost anything else.

Joseph Pilates actually called his regime ‘contrology’ which again I think adds to understanding of the discipline. It literally is about fine control of movement. He’s a particularly interesting character, not least because he developed Pilates whilst incarcerated by the British simply for being of German descent. Early exercises used bed springs for resistance.

I did it for 3 years before returning to UK. It’s very good.

Mat Pilates is the original Pilates. You can do more advanced Pilates on the mat. Reformer is a great tool but for beginners and for the most advanced mat is better

@TheChosenTwo Pilates isn’t really about flexibility, although continued Pilates training will probably improve flexibility. It’s quite different to Yoga in the way it is taught and practiced.

primarily, Pilates is about precise control of muscles through often small or isolated movements. Often the bit that you are working is not the bit that is moving, and there is heavy focus on the core. E.g. a movement might involve moving a leg but you’ll be using it as a lever to challenge your core. Pilates is excellent for improving both joint stability and range of movement, especially movement along the spine.

Reformer Pilates specifically allows greater focus on individual or groups of muscles than matwork but both have similar overall goals. All Pilates will make joints more stable as the body ages, which is why it has enduring popularity with older women.

source: I have a matwork teaching qualification

You definitely don't need to be fit to do it. A good instructor will tailor the exercises to your ability.

I've been going for about a year and am still going now at 30 weeks pregnant. It's the only exercise regime I've ever stuck to, and I've dipped in and out of tons of other stuff. I think I'm taller!

It's expensive but a fantastic investment in your future health.

I’ve been looking into classes for a while but not quite taken the plunge yet, I swim and spin but don’t think I have the required flexibility!

Plus my gym membership is bloody expensive and I don’t really know how much I’d gain from reformer Pilates - it’s not something my gym offer so I’d be paying for this on top.

Try reformer Pilates but make sure you do it alongside other classes, it’s not a silver bullet.

I love it. I do it alongside CrossFit and weightlifting and it is amazing.

Sorry could I ask a question too? I suffer with painful knees. Could I do this? Do your knees take the strain. I'm unable to do exercises like lunges because they hurt so would this be suitable for me? Thank you.

Do you need to be fit to start with for this? I've tried yoga a few times and found it so tedious but I wonder if Pilates will suit me better. I'm not fit at all though

Jumping on to learn more about it.

Could I jump in please, I have had real issues with a couple of bulging discs & nerve pain I’ve been attending physio for nearly two years, my mobility & pain has improved but my fitness levels are non existent & I think I may have the start of another prolapse would reformer Pilates be suitable or would it be a no no?

It's helping to rehabilitate my arthritic big toe. I can finally wear heels again 😁

It's fantastic. Love it. Great for your body / figure, varied and fun.

I do reformers pilates and have been for the last 8 years. I love it. I'm fitter, more toned and stronger than I was in my 20s. I walk every day and I walk better if that makes sense because I'm in good shape. I do a pilates class once a week. It's expensive and I find the class is challenging but it's my fitness pension 😀
I notice things like my pelvic floor is in good shape, if anything I notice when I miss a class.

I was a former nut back before I had children. It’s truly an incredible way to work out and build strength. I managed to rehabilitate a torn Achilles through Pilates and in particular the reformer. I’m considering looking for another reformer class but struggle to find time with the pressures of work and household chaos.

@bookish83 I know! North Yorkshire

@mrssunshinexxx

That is an incredible deal!

Classes range from £15-£22 for one reformer for me

I did reformer Pilates for 8 years and really enjoyed it - I used to pay about £225 a month for inlimited classes and went 6 times a week to get my monies worth!! My studio was up north.

i now do online mat classes for £20 a month and find them just as challenging as reformer classes and a heck of a lot cheaper!

@allthelinterdit I pay £65 a month which includes 3 reformer classes a week and 3 mat classes a week, I only do reformer currently , I love it it's the first type of exercise I haven't had to drag myself to, every class is different

I’ve just started and love it!

I am 50 and I can't just do regular weightlifting and cardio now without inevitably getting injured. Pilates allows you do work strength but also stretch and balance your body.

Reformer Pilates IS Pilates. Mat Pilates just isn't the same.