A comprehensive guide to Pilates Reformer machines
Pilates is one of the most trending and popular exercise styles, having traction with over 12 million people worldwide. The best part of a Pilates reformer machine is that people of different abilities, ages, and backgrounds can use it. Once, the machine and the Pilates exercises were only reserved for the elitist elite dancers and Hollywood stars; however, now, Pilates has become a household name.
Pilates Reformer Machine & Exercises
Pilates is now practiced daily by people for varying fitness, health, and medical reasons. Furthermore, the exercise itself takes its name from its founder, Joseph Pilates. Joseph originally termed his approach as "Contrology." The same is the title of his legendary book Return to Life through Contrology.
Types of Pilates Exercises
There are many varying styles of Pilates in practice today. The method and the exercises have considerably evolved with the advancement of physiological, anatomical, and medical sciences. Nevertheless, the center of all exercise styles and schools of Pilates still value the core principles of over 90 years ago – taught by Joseph himself.
If you want to find everything about the Pilates reformer machine – which is, without a doubt, a versatile piece of fitness equipment- then you have landed in the right place.
Key Features of a Pilates Reformer Machine
Pilates reformer machine is the next level suite of home gym fitness devices, which look like a rowing machine with a frame and carriage to roll back and forth. The machine comes with an array of springs, pulleys, and ropes, which offer the required resistance. Such resistance is vital for achieving a full-body workout. By adjusting the spring according to your fitness level, the ideal amount of resistance and tension can be achieved.
Ideally, the frames of a Pilates reformer machine must be stable and sturdy to ensure that these do not wobble or creak while in use. The top advantage of a reformer is that its frames are foldable when the machine is not in use. This offers a better organization of space in your home gym for other equipment.
Buying Tips
The Pilates reformer machine comes in various options of varying sizes and heights. Therefore, it is essential to check/analyze your body size, type, and exercise/fitness goals.
The price of a reformer machine from a reputable online seller mainly aligns with the manufacturer's recommended retail prices; thus, you can easily choose a seller with excellent customer service.
Before investing in a Pilates machine, checking into a professional Pilates studio is a good idea. A trained instructor can help you choose specific exercises that complement your body size and health levels.
Consider a few home sessions with a personal Pilates trainer, as it can help you learn some essential principles of a reformer.
How Pilates Reformer Machines are Used
A Pilates reformer offers a massive range of exercises to promote flexibility, strength, balance, and full-body conditioning. Most Pilates exercises involve pushing or pulling the carriage and keeping it steady during the workout while the springs draw the carriage.
The standout feature of a Pilates machine is its versatility, facilitating exercises in various positions. These include lying down, standing, sitting, pushing the foot bar, pulling straps, etc.
Advantages of a Pilates Reformer
A Pilates reformer machine offers many benefits, including the following:
Complete Muscle Workout
The Pilates reformer exercises work and significantly engage your powerhouse (core muscles). It improves overall strength in the back, abdominals, buttocks, and thighs.
Better Flexibility
The machines' design facilitates a full range of motion, increasing flexibility while building strength.
Variety and Resistance
Pulling and pushing against the spring resistance and the carriages assists in building strength along with bone density. Furthermore, unconventional muscle contractions during Pilates exercises further enhance the results.
Improved Stability and Balance
The rolling carriage of the machine and the varying resistance levels challenge your stability and lead to improving core balance in addition to core strength.
Posture Progress
By engaging postural muscles and focusing on body alignment, the reformer corrects poor posture, ultimately reducing any associated pain or discomfort.
Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
Balance in muscle development and the low-impact nature of the Pilates exercises make them suitable for rehabilitation from injuries and prevention of any associated injuries.
Improved Energy and Lesser Stress
The incorporation of breath work and fusion of cardiorespiratory capacity works to boost energy levels and can decrease stress levels over time.
Price Range of a Reformer Machine
A Pilates machine can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to $10,000. The price depends on the machine's features, functionality, add-on, warranty, and accessories. When buying a Pilates machine, it is best practice to invest in a versatile product, regardless of its price. Furthermore, one must go for a product with durable and sturdy components, top-quality craftsmanship, manufacturing, and comprehensive warranties.
Please ensure that your warranties cover the mechanisms, components, fabric, welding, upholstery, and routine wear and tear.
