Fitness review: reformer Pilates leaves no muscle unturned
If you’ve done mat Pilates before, you’re probably wondering whether to give reformer Pilates a go. My advice? Go for it! Your abs and legs will love you for it. Not to mention your pelvic floor.
But firstly, what’s the difference between the two? Basically, the equipment. Mat Pilates uses a yoga mat and your bodyweight to do Pilates exercises on the floor. Reformer Pilates uses an apparatus called a reformer – hence the name. It consists of a moving base, known as a carriage, with springs, levers and straps to add tension and resistance to complete exercises.
What I find is most people have a love/hate relationship with Pilates. And it’s understandable. Because of the targeted and isolated patterns of movement working specific muscle groups – and nowhere to hide – Pilates has you out of your comfort zone right from the get go.
It’s not only a physical workout, but a mental one too. But if you can focus and apply some grit and determination, I believe you will see results that you’ll be hard pressed to get from any other type of workout.
The details
Duration: 60 minutes
Style: Goup fitness
Cost: $20 – $30 for a casual class
Who’s there: Majority females, all ages
What to wear/bring: ¾ tights/shorts, moisture wicking tee, towel and water
What to expect
I would highly recommend attending an introductory beginner class if it’s your first time attempting Pilates using a reformer.
In the beginner class, you are introduced to the reformer and talked through the various parts that make up the apparatus. You’re shown how to adjust the springs for tension, position the foot rest and head rest, and correctly slide your hands into the straps. From there, you’ll get into position on your back with your shoulders pressed into the shoulder rests, feet on the foot rest, and knees bent in a 90 degree angle.
What I like about reformer Pilates – similar to F45 – is that there are screens above each reformer, with a demonstration of how to do each exercise correctly. At the beginner class I went to, we did the following:
Table top followed by bicycle legs – from your starting position lying on your back with knees in a 90 degree angle, hinge from the hips to tap your toes on the footrest, exhaling while you also float your arms down, resisting against the straps. Complete several rounds then switch to bicycle legs. Using your abdominal muscles to hold you up, float your arms down and across the body to engage the obliques as you extend your legs out and draw back in. Breathe.
Clams – lying on your side, hips stacked directly over one another, ankles touching, engage inner thighs to squeeze open your top knee like a clam, then squeeze down. Add in variation by lifting the top leg to extend and push off on the foot rest, placing the foot in varied positions to feel the muscle isolation in the glutes.
Bicep curls on box – place a Pilates box on the carriage bench, and sit upright. Slide hands into straps and bend your arms, to bring palms back to the face, flexing the biceps as the carriage draws forward. Release, and repeat, inhaling and exhaling.
Would I recommend this fitness workout to a friend?
Yes, absolutely. While not essential, exposure/familiarity to Pilates would definitely work in your favour; or any other activity – like ballet or power lifting – where you’re conscious of activating muscles to engage them prior to getting down to work.
What I liked: challenging, precise movements, feeling stabilizer muscle working overtime, seeing quickly what areas need strengthening
What I didn’t like: some movements can feel awkward if you’re not in correct alignment on the reformer. Be sure to ask the instructor for help to get the most out of your session – and to avoid injury.
What do I rate this fitness workout out of five?
Fitness: 4/5 Strength and toning: 5/5
Weight loss: 5/5 Wellness (mind, body, soul connection): 5/5
What song would be on your playlist in this fitness workout?
A big shout-out to Linda and the team at Fabulous Pilates and Yoga at Newstead who run free introductory reformer classes on Saturday mornings! Direct message them on Instagram for the details.
If this review has inspired you to hit an intro session, let me know in the comments box below! If there’s a workout you’d like me to review, just post it on my Facebook page or email hello@askthatfitgirl.com.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram.
Until next time,
Maryanne K
Photo credit: courtesy of Fabulous Pilates and Yoga
