Reformer Pilates: The most precise full-body workout of our time
Pilates used to be a niche activity for connoisseurs. Today, the Reformer can be found in boutique studios, premium gyms and high-end training facilities all over the world. And for good reason. Hardly any other form of exercise combines strength, control, flexibility and body awareness as effectively as Reformer Pilates.
But what’s behind this special Pilates workout, and why are more and more people swearing by it? In this magazine article, you’ll find out where the trend comes from, how the training works and who it’s suitable for.
The origins of Reformer Pilates
As the name suggests, Reformer Pilates has its origins in classical Pilates training. Pilates itself was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates , a German emigrant in the USA who was searching for a method to strengthen and stretch the body holistically. The original Pilates method consisted of a sequence of mat exercises based on the principles of breath control, precision, centring and flexibility.
The Reformer, the piece of equipment that makes Reformer Pilates so unique, was also designed by Joseph Pilates. It is a type of bed with a sliding platform (carriage) and a spring mechanism that regulates resistance. The exercises are performed on this specialised piece of equipment, which intensifies the workout whilst at the same time being gentle on the joints.
How does Reformer Pilates work?
The Reformer machine may seem a little complicated at first glance, but it offers a wide range of exercise options. At its heart is the movable platform, which uses springs to provide varying levels of resistance. Rather than simply using one’s own body weight, as is the case with traditional mat Pilates, the resistance in Reformer Pilates is individually adjusted.
The exercises focus on strengthening the body’s centre (also known as the ‘core’ ), but also on improving flexibility, posture and coordination. Typical exercises include movements whilst lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing, in which the legs or arms work against the resistance of the Reformer.
What makes Reformer Pilates so special is the precise control of movements combined with the individually adjustable resistance. This allows both muscular imbalances to be corrected and deeper muscle layers to be targeted, which are often neglected in many other forms of exercise.
Who is Reformer Pilates suitable for?
One of the great advantages of Reformer Pilates is its versatility. It is suitable for almost everyone, regardless of fitness level or age. Here are a few groups that benefit particularly from Reformer Pilates:
- Beginners: Thanks to its controlled movements and adjustable intensity, Reformer Pilates is ideal for those new to fitness. It offers a gentle introduction to strength and stretching exercises without putting excessive strain on the joints.
- Advanced: Even for experienced athletes, Reformer Pilates is a challenge. Thanks to the ability to vary the resistance and incorporate complex movement sequences, the workout can be continually intensified and adapted.
- People with back problems: As many of the exercises are performed whilst lying down, Reformer Pilates is a gentle method for building up back muscles and relieving tension. It can be an excellent way to improve mobility and relieve pain, particularly for people with chronic back problems.
- Rehabilitation following injuries: Physiotherapists frequently use the Reformer Pilates machine to facilitate gentle and effective rehabilitation following injuries. The machine allows for precise control of the range of motion and the level of exertion, enabling those who have suffered injuries to exercise safely.
- Pregnant women and women who have recently given birth: As Reformer Pilates focuses on a stable and strong core, it is ideal for pregnant women to keep fit, or for women who have recently given birth to aid postnatal recovery.
- Sportspersons and dancers: Thanks to its precise, controlled movements and focus on the core muscles, Reformer Pilates is also suitable for people who require a high level of body control in their sport, such as dancers or athletes.
What makes Reformer Pilates so special?
Reformer Pilates is far more than just a fitness trend – it is a form of exercise that addresses the body holistically and strengthens it in the long term. It combines strength, flexibility and body control in a way that sets it apart from other forms of exercise. Another advantage is that, thanks to the ability to adjust the resistance to suit individual needs, it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced athletes or people with specific needs.