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Reformer Pilates - The fitness trend that redefines the body

In recent years, Reformer Pilates has established itself as a real fitness trend that has fans all over the world. But what is behind this special Pilates workout and why are more and more people swearing by it? In this blog article, you can find out where the trend comes from, how the workout works and who it is suitable for.

The origins of Reformer Pilates

The origins of Reformer Pilates lie, as the name suggests, in classical Pilates training. Pilates itself was developed in the 1920s by Joseph Pilates, a German expatriate in the USA who was looking for a method to strengthen and stretch the body holistically. The original Pilates method was a sequence of mat exercises based on the principles of breath control, precision, centring and flexibility.

The **Reformer**, the device that makes Reformer Pilates so unique, was also designed by Joseph Pilates. It is a kind of bed with a sliding platform (carriage) and a spring mechanism that regulates the resistance. The exercises are performed on this special device, which intensifies the workout and is easy on the joints at the same time.

How does Reformer Pilates work?

The Reformer device may seem a little complicated at first glance, but it offers a wide range of exercise options. The basis is the movable platform, which offers varying degrees of resistance with the help of springs. Instead of just working with your own body weight, as is the case with classic mat Pilates, the resistance of Reformer Pilates is customised.

The exercises focus on strengthening the centre of the body (also known as the core), but also on improving flexibility, posture and coordination. Typical exercises include lying, sitting, kneeling or standing movements in which the legs or arms work against the resistance of the reformer.

What makes Reformer Pilates so special is the precise control of the movements in combination with the individually adjustable resistance. This makes it possible to compensate for muscular imbalances as well as address deeper muscle layers that are often neglected in many other forms of training.

Who is Reformer Pilates suitable for?

A great advantage of Reformer Pilates is its versatility. It is suitable for almost everyone, regardless of fitness level or age. Here are some groups that particularly benefit from Reformer Pilates:

  • Beginners: Thanks to the controlled movements and adjustable intensity, Reformer Pilates is ideal for fitness beginners. It offers a gentle introduction to strength and stretching exercises without putting excessive strain on the joints.
  • Advanced: Reformer Pilates is a challenge even for experienced athletes. The ability to vary the resistance and incorporate complex movement sequences means that the training can be constantly intensified and adapted.
  • People with back problems: As many exercises are performed lying down, Reformer Pilates is a joint-friendly method of building up back muscles and relieving tension. It can be an excellent way to improve mobility and relieve pain, especially for people with chronic back problems.
  • Rehabilitation after injuries: Physiotherapists often use Reformer Pilates to enable gentle and effective rehabilitation after injuries. The device allows precise control of the range of motion and load, enabling injured people to train safely.
  • Pregnant and postnatal women: As Reformer Pilates focuses on a stable and strong core, it is ideal for pregnant women to keep the body fit or for postnatal women to support recovery.
  • Athletes and dancers: Thanks to the precise, controlled movements and the 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 workout that addresses the body holistically and strengthens it sustainably. It combines strength, flexibility and body control in a way that clearly sets it apart from other forms of training. Another advantage is that it is suitable for beginners as well as experienced athletes or people with special needs thanks to the individual adjustment of resistance.

Conclusion

Reformer Pilates is not a short-lived trend, but a workout that has established itself in fitness centres worldwide. It offers an effective and gentle way to train strength, flexibility and body awareness - for people of all ages and fitness levels. If you're curious and would like to try it out for yourself, find out about courses at your gym or Pilates studio. Your body will thank you for it!