Reformer Pilates

[crazycatladie]

Hi. Just looking for some advice. I’m unfit and overweight, looking to change that. I’d like to try reformer Pilates, if anyone has done this, is this something I could try or do I need to loose the weight first?

thanks.

Walking or jogging I would recommend. Reformers is great once you have a base level of fitness and great way to meet people imo

I do reformer Pilates. They won’t allow you to use a reformed without some basic knowledge of mat (floor) Pilates. Have you done any OP?

At most studios they have beginner courses you can attend if you have a grasp of basic Pilates

Do mat first. You're less likely to injure yourself.

I do a lot of reformer. I think many of the moves will be challenging / impossible if you are overweight and unfit. For example can you hold a plank, side plank and do full press ups. Will you manage to step up onto the bed with one foot?

I hadn’t done any mat Pilates before I tried it but I was already very strong from running and weightlifting.

Thank you for the advice. I’ll work on my fitness levels and weight loss first , then try the mat Pilates.

Id say to find an instructor you like and book a private lesson. There will be plenty you can do. It’s a fun way to exercise and that’s half the battle.
once you start moving you’ll start to feel better and other healthy habits will be easier.
please don’t be put off by not being fit enough, just find a teacher willing to help you.

i actually started with reformer first as was easier and then moved onto mat, which is deemed to be harder.
I wasn’t particularly fit, but definitely got stronger

I don’t agree with the above. It depends on your studio. At the one I go to, they can accommodate people who are unfit, overweight and have injuries, and you only need an intro session, not to know mat Pilates. It’s easier than mat Pilates as the Reformer gives you support. It’s a great way to build strength and flexibility with low injury risk. I would go and speak to a teacher at your local studio. If they are not helpful then maybe the studio isn’t that great.

I do lots of reformer Pilates and I’d say it depends on how overweight you are. If you have a couple of stone to lose you will be fine doing a beginners class even if you are fairly unfit. There are people of all shapes and sizes at the classes I go to. If you have say 10 stone to lose I think you might find it hard though and the beds might have a weight limit.

Your best bet though would be to speak to the centre you are thinking of attending and ask their advice.

Generally you’ll need to do mat before reformer, many studios won’t take you unless you have done some of their basic mat classes.
But mat is also cheaper and a better workout on the body, reformer is more of a novelty.

I have genuinely never been asked if I’ve previously done mat Pilates at any of the 6 studios I have used and have never heard anyone else been asked this either nor is that a requirement on any of those studios websites. I don’t think this is a universal requirement even if the studio you attend wants it.

Also a lot of reformer studios don’t actually offer mat classes. None of mine have.

You should ignore the advice above. I do Pilates reformer and there is no requirement to have prior mat experience and weight is t an issue. A good studio and instructor will tailor your workout to your individual needs and limitations. At my studio we have people of all ages sizes and shapes. I would suggest in the first instance give them a call and discuss with them. I would expect a smaller more local studio would be more receptive and accommodating than a big city gym with large classes.

Reformer Pilates is actually great for beginners. The reformer was designed with the springs to assist patients with more limited movement- meaning it’s EASIER than mat Pilates.

People see the trend and the machine and think it’s more complex/harder but that’s not the point at all.

A decent studio will introduce you to the reformer and explain its parts, check if you have any injuries, adjust your form (if necessary) and give you modifications if you’re unable to do the movement.

ETA: ‘easier’ is the wrong choice of words, really… it’s still tough 😅

You can do it at a beginner level just fine if you are unfit. Just be aware it will help with strength but will probably not help you lose weight.

It’s really good exercise for strengthening and toning and building a core strength and protecting your back if you have pains. It won’t make you shed weight - good diet and lifting weights and lots of walking will do that.

I've just signed up for a trial and they didn't ask me if I'd done mat pilates.

I'm more worried about it being a very naice studio with lithe young things in Lulu Lemon (or whatever it is these days) while I'm puffing away in my old Goodmoves and eBay socks.