With its intricate system of pulleys, springs and cables, a Pilates reformer bed looks somewhat like an ancient torture device. And if you dislike Pilates, you might actually consider the equipment to be a form of torture. But if you enjoy the gentle stretches and invigorating movements of Pilates, the reformer bed can be a good addition to any Pilates practice. When combined with a balanced diet and additional exercise, a regular Pilates reformer bed workout can help you lose weight.
Identification
When Joseph Pilates created the practice of Pilates in the early 1900s, he also developed an innovative piece of exercise equipment to supplement the workout. Referred to as the Pilates Reformer, the equipment features a sliding platform and a complex system of cables, pulleys, straps and bars. Using spring-loaded resistance, the Pilates reformer allows for a more-challenging workout than traditional Pilates mat work. The Pilates reformer allows for a wider variety of exercises while sitting, standing, kneeling or lying on the equipment. A Pilates reformer workout typically involves exercises for the lower body, upper body and core muscles.
Weight Loss
Ending the week with a calorie deficit is the only way to successfully lose weight. One lb. of body weight equals 3,500 calories. To lose 1 lb. per week, you must have burned 3,500 calories more than you consumed by the end of the week. Calories are consumed through your diet; nearly all foods and beverages contain calories. Calories are burned through any type of activity, including both exercise and your body's internal activities of daily functioning. If you are trying to lose weight, monitor the number of calories you consume through diet and the number of calories you burn through exercise.
Calories Burned
When comparing a Pilates mat workout with a Pilates reformer workout, both exercises tend to burn a similar amount of calories. When estimating the calorie-burning power of your Pilates session, consider the intensity at which you work out. According to the HealthStatus website, a 150-lb. person can burn 126 calories during 30 minutes of beginner Pilates, 176 calories during 30 minutes of intermediate Pilates and 216 calories during 30 minutes of advanced Pilates. For a 175-lb. person, these calorie counts increase to 147 for beginner-, 205 for intermediate- and 252 for advanced-Pilates workouts.
Simple Answer
As with any type of exercise, a Pilates reformer workout will only help you lose weight if it contributes to a calorie deficit. For example, to lose 1 lb. per week, aim for a daily calorie deficit of 500 calories. If you consume 1,600 calories through diet and your body burns 1,500 calories simply by being alive, you must burn an additional 600 calories through physical activity to achieve this deficit. All types of simple daily activity, including walking, housework, gardening, climbing stairs and cooking dinner, burn calories. After 60 minutes of advanced Pilates, a 150-lb. person can burn 432 calories. If you are able to burn an additional 168 calories throughout the day, your deficit is achieved. If you cannot meet this deficit, it may be necessary to supplement your Pilates reformer workout with an additional cardiovascular or strength-training workout to burn extra calories.
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