Personalized Fitness For You is now offering individualized training on the Pilates reformer! Let’s talk about why this is exciting.
Why the Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates Foundation explains that the Pilates method “uses whole-body movement” to “re-educate movement patterns and rebalance the underlying muscular and structural systems in [the] body.” To put it simply, the Pilates method is a physical movement program designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body.
The Pilates reformer is a specific piece of Pilates equipment that is used for fitness and rehabilitative purposes. It is made up of a frame, a moveable platform called a carriage, and spring resistance. The equipment allows for a range of exercises, but workouts basically consist of moving the carriage against the resistance of the springs. Through workouts like this, the reformer offers an effective, low-impact, total body workout.
If you’ve never used the Pilates reformer, give your body something new to try. The reformer is a great method for cross-training. It is also a proven and effective way to sculpt lean muscle, so it is a great option for those who want to achieve a full-body workout without adding bulk.
Interested in an Individualized Pilates Reformer training session? Contact me, and let’s get started!
Try the Introductory Special / 6 sessions for $152
The History of the Pilates Method
Joseph Pilates invented the Pilates method towards the beginning of the 20th century. According to the Pilates Foundation, his equipment and his techniques were largely developed during WWI. Pilates, a German-born man who was living in England at the time, was sent to an internment camp on the Isle of Man. During his internment, Pilates taught his fitness techniques to other internees. He later worked as an orderly at one of the isle’s hospitals, modifying hospital beds to help patients who could not walk. These modifications led to the development of the first Pilates reformers.
In the early 1920s, after the war, Pilates immigrated to the US with his wife Clara. There, they opened a New York-based “body conditioning” gym where they developed and taught their method. The Pilates method became popular as a means of improving fitness and recovering from injury. It was especially popular among the dance community; Joe and Clara worked with a number of celebrity clients.
Traditionally, the Pilates reformer method is very hands-on. English was neither Joe nor Clara’s first language, so they relied on hands-on teaching. Clara Pilates played a particularly important role as a teacher. She ensured that the Pilates method was passed down to apprentices. She also emphasized adapting the method to meet individual clients’ needs. This individualized approach is a prevalent feature of the Pilates method.
Since its creation, the Pilates method has evolved to include modern biomechanical knowledge. Because of its effectiveness and adaptability, the method has become popular across the world.
Pilates Powerhouse Core
How does the Pilates method work?
The powerhouse muscles are the driving force of the Pilates method. Pilates exercises start in the powerhouse muscle group, working to develop these muscles in a balanced way.
What are the major muscles of the powerhouse core?
The core largely consists of the muscles found in the trunk of the body. Specifically, these muscles include the pelvic floor, transversus abdominis, multifidus, internal and external obliques, rectus abdominis, erector spinae (especially the longissimus thoracis), gluteals, and the diaphragm. There are so many muscles in our trunk, but these are a few to be excited about! Honestly, We don’t need to know all the names of the trunk but having the understanding that our deep core muscles are truly so important for our health.
Muscles are grouped according to their function. The deep muscles of the core assist our body’s movement and functionality. Some powerhouse muscles work to support and stabilize the trunk of the body, such as the transversus abdominis. Other powerhouse muscles work to support our body movements, such as the gluteus maximus.
Ultimately, Pilates works your powerhouse muscles. This not only sculpts them; it also helps you build strength, stability, and control in your body.
Feel the difference, see the difference, and love your results. Contact me.
5 Benefits of Using a Pilates Reformer
Whether you are looking to recover from an injury or improve your athletic performance, the reformer can help you reach your health and fitness goals. In general, the Pilates method can help you improve your posture, balance, strength, and flexibility. The Pilates reformer offers the same benefits, but it allows for a more versatile exercise experience.
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Workout for Your Whole Body
Pilates reformers largely focus on building core strength. However, depending on the exercises you do and the attachments you use, the reformer enables you to do a full-body workout. Certain exercises are more specific to your arms and your legs, for example. Regardless of the exercise you start with, one of the best parts of the reformer is the seamless movement flow it creates as you move from one exercise to another.
In addition to so many great benefits, the reformer can be a great method for building cardiovascular endurance. There is a special attachment added to the reformer that will get your heart pumping—increasing your heart rate with great low-impact benefits!
The reformer ultimately allows you to work on your core, your arms, your legs, and your endurance—all with one piece of equipment. You can vary the exercises based on the fitness goals you want to achieve. Does this sound like something you’d be interested in? Contact me, and let’s get started!
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Good for the Mind
The reformer assists in a mindful approach of relieving stress and tension. It helps you release endorphins in the brain, thereby enhancing your well-being. Endorphins improve your mood, encourage your outlook of life and declutter the mind of worry.
Additionally, the reformer gives your mind the opportunity to focus on a positive movement pattern. By focusing on a movement pattern, you are taken away from the everyday hustle and bustle of life, and your mind receives the rest it needs. This benefits your overall mental health.
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Adaptable and Versatile
Because of its adaptable design, the Pilates reformer allows for different types of body movement. For example, exercises can be done sitting, standing, or laying down. Exercises can also be adjusted by adding props or attachments. It all depends on the needs of the person.
The versatility of the reformer makes it possible for people of all fitness levels to benefit from the equipment. Whether you’re rehabilitating an injury or you’re looking for a challenge, the Pilates reformer can help you meet your goals.
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Adjustable Resistance
The reformer uses springs to create resistance while you exercise. These springs can be attached or detached according to your needs, providing you with an exercise experience that is tailored to you. If you need to take it easy because you are recovering from illness or injury, the spring resistance can be lowered to accommodate that. If you have an athletic body and want to push yourself, the springs can be adjusted for that, too.
Spring resistance may also be adjusted over the course of your workout. It can be increased during exercises where you excel, and it can be decreased during exercises where the challenge becomes too great. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to exercise, and the reformer accommodates that. Ultimately, the springs allow for a custom workout experience for people at all levels of fitness. Whether you are an athlete or new to exercise, the reformer will suit your needs.
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Easy on the Joints
Because of its clever design, the Pilates reformer will not have a significant impact on your joints. This makes it ideal for people whose bodies cannot handle high-impact exercises.
Specifically, the reformer is a great option for people who are recovering from injury or who struggle with conditions like arthritis, which can make workouts painful. It is also a great option for cross-training.
Rehabilitative Benefits of Strengthening Your Back
Looking for back benefits?
Muscles play an important role in supporting our spine, our posture, and our body movements. This is true both in daily life and in sports. Back workouts stretch and strengthen these important muscles, making you less susceptible to back pain and dysfunction. Back exercises are especially recommended for people who spend a lot of time sitting (i.e. if you work at a desk). Sedentary lifestyles may increase your risk for ongoing pain or injury.
Back exercise may help ease your pain while also helping you improve postural function. Pilates reformers are a great option for back exercises.
Getting Started
Are you interested in trying the Pilates reformer method?
The best way to start is by taking a private reformer class with a trainer. Private instruction will equip you with the exercises and foundational knowledge you need to maximize your workouts.
With private classes, your instructor can also address your individual needs. Here are just a few of the benefits you can look forward to—your trainer can:
- Help with correcting your form
- Offer customized training
- Create options for an individual’s body needs
Contact Joy to learn more about Personalized Fitness For You’s approach to private Pilates reformer training. Joy offers virtual personal training, too.
Final Thoughts
The Pilates reformer method will provide the effective, low-impact, total body workout that you’ve been looking for. Try it out today!
Interested in starting your own personal fitness journey? Need a personal trainer or health coach?
Joy Grout, the owner of Personalized Fitness For You, has more than 30 years of fitness and health experience, supported by a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. She has worked with a variety of populations in clinical and community-based settings, and she possesses various certifications from national fitness organizations. Her diverse set of experiences allows her to focus on your individual needs and design a program specifically for you. Joy offers effective virtual training sessions as well as in-person training sessions in Winona Lake, Indiana. Joy meets women wherever they are in their journey or stage of life, and she helps them dig deep to find their inner strengths and skills.
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:14)
Sources:
Ace Fitness “Core Anatomy”
Livestrong “7 Benefits of Pilates Reformers for Every Body and Workout Goal” and “What Are the Benefits of Back Exercises?”
Pilates Foundation “The History of Pilates” and “The Benefits”
Verywell Fit “The Amazing Pilates Reformer”
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