Reformer Pilates

[Baycitystroller]

Anyone do it? Had a taster session today. It was ok but I just can’t see how it is effective. Seems too easy! I get that you increase resistance as you go.

Anyone do it and have good results? I want to tone up and build strength. I’m limited in what I can do at the moment due to an injury.’

Bump?

I'm a pilates teacher with a full equipment studio including reformers. Did you go somewhere that only has reformers and no other equipment? Reformers are brilliant but need to be used properly. Done correctly you will work super hard but in a safe way. The spring tension is changed depending on the exercise and what bits you want to work. There are hundreds of exercises for the reformer but if you want to do pilates properly then try to find a dedicated pilates studio. The ones that have only reformers aren't great and are not really pilates either!

Happy to explain specific exercises if you need?

Thanks. It is a Pilates only studio but they only have the reformer and not the other kit. They do Mat classes as well.

I did lots of pushing up and down the bed in various positions. Used straps etc. I mean it wasn’t without effort but I’m used to heavy weight training, so seemed more sedate somehow.

Teacher seemed good. I guess I might give it another go.

You need to put your mind to the smaller muscles in reformer Pilates. It’s easy to let the big muscles take over. It’s hard work if done properly.

Yes as pp said its the use of smaller stabilising muscles you need to work so rather than using quads and hams for the footwork (the pushing carriage out with feet on footbar) you need to focus on the inner thighs lifting and your core muscles. For someone like you used to lifting weights I would actually make you work on less springs so it is lighter. This creates more instability on the reformer and you can't then use big muscle groups so you have to find your 'core' strength.

Pilates is an excellent workout with some very strong and muscular men (and women) who teach it and trained with Joe or Romana. Done well its amazing, done badly and it seems like a waste of time!

Interesting. Makes sense. On some if the ab based work the springs were set low so it was hard as had to really focus to stop the bed moving. I can see how it targets the deeper muscles. Thanks.

It's a great workout, give it a few more sessions and see how you feel. Shout if you have any questions

Thank you!

Reformer Pilates has been life changing for me, I am totally addicted to it. It tones and strengthens brilliantly. I’ve not lost weight but I’ve toned up brilliant all round, my core is strong, I’ve got no love handles and my wobbly bun is a distant memory. However, you must make sure that you’re being taught by someone watching you really carefully and correcting you. It does take a while to really get the hang of it even if you think you’re doing it and suddenly you’re like “ah o get it now”

I did a lot of reformer Pilates before children and absolutely love it (don’t have time or cash these days, but I am a trained matwork teacher).

I think you are going to need a few sessions to see how it targets very specific muscle groups for very precise movements. It is very very hard when done right. I agree with the suggestion that low tension is going to be a bigger challenge for you.

Hi there,

If you do happen to become a Pilates enthusiast, why not look in to taking a Pilates teacher training.

www.hfe.co.uk/pilates/

Thanks,
Ryan