Men and women of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the practice of Pilates.

“Pilates develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong posture, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”

-Joseph Pilates, founder of the Pilates method

Pilates improves core strength and stability and creates alignment through muscular development and correction. The versatility of the Pilates Reformer facilitates the core-building benefits of Pilates through a resistance spring and pulley system. There are numerous benefits to practicing Pilates on the reformer, but this post will focus specifically on its versatility. 

The adaptability of the reformer is truly incredible. Some forms of exercise may seem overwhelming if you're insecure about your physical abilities, but Pilates is something everyone can do. Men and women of all sizes and fitness levels can use the reformer. Far from being a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment, people of any size or weight can use the reformer. Likewise, age is not a factor. Whether you’re young or old, you can build a strong core using a reformer. The beauty of practicing Pilates on the reformer is that it can be done every day. It is gentle and will not tear your muscles, yet can be challenging enough to keep you motivated daily.

You can adjust the Pilates reformer for people of all different skill and strength levels. Everyone can benefit from the using this versatile piece of equipment, from people who are new to Pilates to athletes seeking a challenge. Practicing Pilates on the reformer is a safe, gentle and effective way to exercise. The versatility of the reformer will allow you to modify your exercise if it is too intense or increase the challenge if you want a greater push. The versatility of the reformer allows you to work to your level and progress appropriately.

The resistance of the reformer means you'll get results from your workouts faster. Using the tension of the springs on a moving carriage allows you to adjust to different levels of difficulty. As you become stronger and more proficient with the reformer, you progress from exercises in a lying position to seated or standing exercises. These positions put less of your body surface on the carriage, which requires you to use more of your strength and coordination to execute the moves.

Men and women of all sizes and skill levels can use the reformer, but its versatility also allows you to use one piece of equipment for hundreds of exercises. Unlike other gym equipment, which can have a singular purpose focusing on one motion or muscle group, the reformer is extremely adaptable, allowing one to perform hundreds of different exercises while standing, sitting, or lying down. The reformer allows you to work the core from a variety of different angles, which leads to greater strength and stability.

The springs and attachments of the reformer also allow you to move your body through a full range of motion, which is something you may not be capable of doing on your own or in the gym. When you use the reformer straps in your arms or feet, you are permitted to locate and develop the extent of your range of motion with smooth, coordinated movement on a more stable surface beyond what you can do on your own. When you practice these exercises without the guidance of the reformer straps, it's easy to fall back into old, poorly developed movement patterns that aren't as beneficial.

The reformer can reshape your body. You will not bulk up with Pilates given the focus on intrinsic muscles and emphasis on eccentric and concentric motions, which creates the appearance of long, lean, muscle tone. You will notice greater definition in your arms, legs, and abs after just a few months of consistent work on the reformer. As Joseph Pilates once said: “In 10 sessions, you feel better; 20 sessions you look better; 30 sessions you have a completely new body.”

The reformer is an incredibly versatile piece of equipment with unbelievable benefits for everyone. Practicing Pilates on the reformer can reduce strain and stress on your muscles and joints, correct muscle imbalance, increase core strength and flexibility, and improve stabilization and minimize the possibility of injury. You can perform daily movements with less stress and fatigue.

To check out Pilates and reformer exercises for yourself, contact Bodhi Pilates today or call us at 303-597-8483.