Joseph Pilates created his "contrology" workout during World War I. While imprisoned in a camp, he used the materials available to create an exercise apparatus from bed-frames, mattress springs, ropes and pulleys. His "bednasium" was ideal for rehabilitating injured internees, allowing them to remain supported while exercising muscles that are difficult to engage in a standing position. The Pilates Reformer still shows a resemblance to its predecessor.
Private Pilates Lessons on Reformer
Pilates studios offer private one-hour lessons, or privates, where you work one-on-one with an instructor. Your lesson may take place in a room with several Reformers, each with a student and an instructor. Most studios require you to start with privates, because they allow your instructor to closely monitor your alignment while you learn the exercises. Your instructor will teach to engage and isolate your lower abdominal muscles while keeping your shoulders, chest and thigh muscles relaxed. Once you learn how to access your deep core muscles, group workouts will be more effective. If you have an injury, private lessons are an ideal way to learn a workout modified for your needs. Privates can be expensive, but most studios offer discounts if you buy a package of several lessons. A certified Pilates instructor can ensure a safe workout.
Duet Reformer Lessons
After you have learned the basic moves on the Reformer, you may qualify to take duet Refomer lessons, or duets. With duets, two students with comparable abilities workout simultaneously on Reformers with one instructor. Your Pilates studio can help match you with a partner. Duets are less expensive than private sessions, plus you have the camaraderie of working with a fellow student. Do not expect to use your lesson time for conversation. You will both need to concentrate to complete the Pilates exercises with intention.
Reformer Lessons at Home
You may chose to have a Reformer at home. Keep in mind, without in-person instruction, it would be difficult to learn the subtleties of the Pilates exercises. For example, if you did not know how to engage your transverse abdominus the Pilates workout would be ineffective. A videotape or book would be unable to correct your alignment. At-home Reformer workouts might make sense after you have had several privates. Alternately, you could take private mat Pilates lessons occasionally in place of Reformer lessons. Once you have the mat workout mastered, you can do your mat workout at home without having to buy a Reformer.
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