What Can You Expect From Using The Pilates Reformer?

When Joseph Pilates immigrated to New York from Germany in the 1920s, he had already achieved success with his physical training and rehabilitation methods in Europe. In his 1945 book "Return to Life Through Contrology," Pilates claimed that physical fitness was "the first prerequisite to happiness" and stated that only the body and regular effort at proper movement were required for such fitness.

History

Pilates invented the Reformer more than 80 years ago. He was known for his ingenuity in exercise and related apparatus as far back as the 1910s, during World War I, when he helped rehabilitate soldiers in Europe with therapeutic conditioning using springs attached to hospital beds. According to records discovered by "Chasing Joe Pilates" author Stacey Redfield-Dreisbach, the original United States patent application for the Reformer was filed was in 1925.

Mechanics

The Reformer consists of a flat leather-padded platform that glides along two rails suspended on a raised wooden frame. An adjustable bar at the bottom end gives your feet a place to rest and push against while you're on your back performing exercises. The same bar serves as a place for your hands to balance and press against during downward-facing exercises, in which you move the platform with your knees or feet. Two cords at the top of the machine are attached to loops for your feet and hands, again to glide the carriage on the rails as you extend your arms and legs.

Principles

The principle of using variable resistance to build strength in a full range of motion comes into play when you're using a Pilates Reformer. The five springs of the reformer vary in strength, or in pounds per square inch of pressure. Lighter springs require deep core muscles to control the smooth-gliding carriage, seriously challenging the abdominal muscles. Heavier springs increase the load of the exercises or intensify the stretch, creating gentle but strenuous work. Pilates requires precision and concentration, according the main movement principles described by master instructor Brooke Siler in her book "The Pilates Body." Beginners need patience, because learning the language, control and flow of the method takes time.

Benefits

The benefits of working out on a Pilates Reformer include access to hundreds of exercises for small and large muscle groups alike, plus the ability to keep workouts varied and modified according to your fitness goals or physical needs. A consistent Pilates practice delivers fitness improvements ranging from stronger muscles built by resistance work to deep core control built through stabilization exercises. Expect little to moderate perspiration and heart rate increases from your Reformer workouts. Pilates is not aerobic exercise and does not work your muscles to failure.

Fun Facts

Many of the dozens of classic Reformer exercises are named for animals and whimsical creatures, such as Jackrabbit, Elephant, Hug a Tree, Mermaid and Monkey. Celebrity and sports stars alike do Pilates Reformer workouts, including Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Lee Curtis and NBA All-Star Jason Kidd. You can expect to build strength and grace with the Reformer without necessarily growing much larger muscles. You'll get the most out of your Reformer practice by keeping an open mind about nontraditional forms of exercise.