The Benefits of Using Pilates Machines for Your Workout
Interested to find out what fitness professionals say about the Pilates machines?
A Pilates machine works to level up your workout regimen to maximize results. How – for over 100 years, Pilates has remained an effective workout routine. Pilates strengthens and works to tone the body. The low-impact exercises by Joseph Pilates fuse flexibility, core stabilization, and strength. Proper alignment and balance with concepts of breathing techniques, mindfulness, and fluidity of movement.
Furthermore, if you know about the mat Pilates classes, you might be intrigued by the reformer machine collection at your local gym. A Pilates machine offers a massive variety of full-body workouts – all within minutes. How does a Pilates machine work, and is it worth investing in for your home gym?
We have created this one-stop guide to make your decision and choice more accessible.
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before committing to any new workout regimen.
What is a Pilates machine?
The reformer machine is a rather large piece of exercise equipment. It resembles a padded platform or table with ropes, springs, sliding carriage, and pulleys. These can be made from various materials, including aluminum and steel. The basic working and effectiveness of the reformer machines is their resistance. This resistance is provided by the springs attached to a moving platform/carriage in the wheels.
The springs facilitate variations in the resistance; thus, by pulling or pushing with your legs or arms, you can initiate the carriage movement right along the frame for achieving a whole body and strength-building workout. As your body moves against the pulley system, the reformer machine can assist in putting your body into better alignment. By doing so, your body can re-pattern the default movements efficiently.
Effectively Using a Pilates Machine
Most certified and accredited Pilates instructors recommend finding a local studio or even an online beginner's class if you use a Pilates machine for the first time. These sources are essential for beginners as they can help you guide through the entire working process of the exercises and the machines themselves.
Why do you need beginner's training?
Pilates machines come with many moving parts, and it is quite possible to hurt oneself if they are unfamiliar with making the necessary adjustments for varying exercises. A trained instructor also watches your form and offers hands-on adjustments for improved exercise efficiency.
Benefits of Using Pilates Machines for Your Workout
There are numerous health benefits of using Pilates reformers, including the following:
Toning of Muscles
The reformer Pilates offers a full-body workout that can help develop a stronger core. Additionally, Pilates exercises also help tone a variety of muscle groups.
Strength Building
By adding a few springs to specific movements on the Pilates reformer, you can increase the overall exercise resistance and even intensify exercises for building strength. You might not be using the heavier weights like in a gym, bu8t you will feel the inner strength after a Pilates workout.
Grows Flexibility
The reformer Pilates improves muscle strength and boosts flexibility along with joint mobility. This is because most exercises include dynamic stretching.
Develops Posture
Pilates can work to support a stronger core and encourage flexibility building in addition to realigning your spine and body. All of these combined can result in massive improvements in your postural alignment.
Correcting Muscle Balancing
Pilates works against the opposing muscle groups and starts by building a more balanced core. These exercises then strengthen all sides of the body evenly to fix muscle imbalances.
Stops Injuries
With more focus on posture, forming, and fixing muscle imbalances, a Pilates reformer builds greater balance and efficiency for preventing all types of injuries in the future.
Parts of a Pilates Machine
As a first-time user, it is important to learn about the important components of a Pilates machine and their use. Below are some of the major components that you should be familiar with:
Moving Carriage
The padded/cushioned surface is flat and moves to and fro. Some machines also have shoulder blocks for extra stability and comfort.
Front Platform
The stable part/area of the reformer machine usually houses the spring for adjusting the tension. It can also be used as a base for varying exercises. Some Pilates machine models also come with adjustable bars to facilitate more exercise variations.
Back Platform
It is yet another stable flat area of the machine housing shorter straps and adjustable bars and handles.
Springs
Spring mechanisms facilitate adjustable resistance for machines to allow varying forms of exercise. Springs are color-coded, and sometimes a light spring is not easier, as it may need increased levels of core stability.
Straps
It is essential to differentiate between the different types of straps. The long straps near the carriage are mainly for stability and balance exercises. In comparison, the shorter ones are for rather tension-driven exercises.
Some machines might also come with other unique parts, including boxes, jump boards, and more. These extra components offer an expandable variety of Pilates movements.
Final Word
Pilates is an all-person regimen, and anyone can take up regardless of age or prior injuries. What's more, these exercises are even adjustable for everybody. The reformer is a highly adjustable machine, making it ideal for advanced and beginners.
