This blog post is used on this web with permission from NataliaCoreTraining.com. I found this blog very useful so I wanted to share it with everyone. It has great advice on
pilates reformers. Hope that you will find it useful too!
Many people prefer taking reformer pilates classes because they enjoy using the machines much more than doing basic matwork. Some people say it's more challenging, others say it's just fun. Since I have experience in teaching both reformer pilates and mat pilates classes, I want to share it with you by describing similarities and differences between pilates reformer exercises and pilates mat routine.
Lets start with similarities. Firstly, all pilates principles (breathing, centering, concentration, control, flow, precision) must be maintained regardless the equipment used (reformer, magic circle, bodyweight). Otherwise the routine itself cannot be called Pilates, right? Secondly, most of the mat exercises can be easily transferred and performed on the reformer machine. At the same time, many pilates reformer exercises are very specific and cannot be done on the mat, which brings us to the main topic of discussion: differences between refomer and matwork.
Pilates reformer exercises are provided by the unique structure of the machine, which I’m going to describe in one of my future articles. To make the long story short, reformer can make a certain mat exercise more challenging by giving extra resistance to it. For example, hundreds performed on the mat are easier than hundreds performed in reformer series “arms in straps”. The resistance created by the straps make core muscles and lats to work harder in order to maintain the shape.
Reformer can do the opposite work too: it can assist you and make a very strenuous mat exercise more doable and accessible, therefore people who are not strong enough to do a mat version of it can do its reformer version and gradually build up the strength. One of the best examples is the exercise called Long Spine. It is an advanced mat exercise but can be done easier and safer on the reformer, allowing to support feet in straps.
I want to point out that there are myriads of pilates reformer exercises which are extremely beneficial and diverse in terms of working out core muscles as well as the muscles of the extremities. Moreover, there are multiple ways of stretches done specifically on the reformer, especially for those people whose flexibility is below average. The machine provides lots of support and helps to isolate and stretch out a specific muscle group. For example, have a look at these reformer pilates stretches: Knee Stretch (stretches the abdominal muscles) and Side-over Stretch (mainly stretches intercostal muscles, back muscles, lats)
In my point of view pilates reformer exercises are easy to modify and adjust to clients of different levels by changing the resistance and, if necessary, the body position on the reformer (standing, seating, lying). The variety of exercises is determined by knowledge and creativity of the instructor. I’ve been using this machine for a little bit over a year and already came up with plenty of variations of well-known exercises, and I believe that creating of new modifications is a never ending process!
If you are you looking for more on
pilates machines review actingalert.com/index.php
