Chances are, you’ve been hearing a lot about reformer pilates lately if you’re interested in fitness. Unlike mat pilates, reformer pilates centers around an amazing piece of equipment that creates an extremely dramatic impression and generates even more impressive changes to your body when used. At Phitosophy, reformer pilates machines are some of our most important equipment, and they form the core of our pilates classes.

The pilates reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform called the carriage. You can roll back and forth on the carriage using the wheels on the frame. The carriage is attached to the reformer using springs that allow you to have differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pulled and pushed along the frame, making the machine essentially of adjustable difficulty. To keep you from sliding off the end of the reformer, the carriage has shoulder blocks.

The main question most people ask is: what are the benefits of reformer pilates? What will you gain by using the reformer machine over the mat?

Versatility

The best thing about reformers is their versatile nature. The mat allows you to exercise while sitting or lying on the floor. However, with a reformer, you can easily work out while sitting, lying down, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, perched on the shoulder blocks, upside down, with any additional equipment, and sideways. Because of this versatility, you get to work out in any way that you feel most comfortable. You also get to train almost all muscles in your body with only one piece of equipment. You, therefore, get to work out all areas of your body at the same time without having to move from one machine to another.

Endurance Boost

One of the most difficult parts of exercising is finding ways to consistently boost your endurance. If you cannot adequately boost your endurance, it is difficult for you to get the strength and body toning goals you are looking for. It will also be difficult for you to lose weight and keep it going. The mounting resistance that comes from using the workout machine helps to stimulate your muscles and allows your tissues to exert force and overcome the resistance created. With the reformer, you can get a well-toned physique to complement your strong muscles. With the increased endurance, you can engage in more intense workouts for longer periods than you thought possible. In essence, you will end up stronger, without looking extremely bulky.

Stronger Core

The machine allows you to work on the main muscles of your body, and that includes your core. If you have been struggling to get a flat tummy, this machine will allow you to get a stronger core. A strong core is critical when you have to engage in rigorous activities as it will allow you to get the strength you need. The core is composed of the lower back and abdominal muscles and is helpful in keeping the spine aligned. This ensures that the body is aligned properly. The pilates reformer naturally encourages good posture and usage of these critical core muscles during your workouts, which will help you generate enough power with your core to support yourself and avoid injuries in everyday life.

Flexibility

Pilates is meant to help tone your muscles and your connective tissues, and with that training inevitably comes improvements to your overall flexibility. The machine engages several muscle groups in your body in a wide range of motion. These motions give each muscle fiber a great stretch, steadily improving your flexibility. Interestingly, the constant stretching of these muscles helps to decrease the stress in the joints and decreases the strains. As your muscles gain more strength, they also gain resistance to stress. If you engage in workouts, they are even more effective if your muscles are flexible. The muscles also become resistant to soreness and stiffness. This helps to make sure you don’t feel pain after intense workouts no matter how long they are. Therefore, you get to enjoy shorter recovery periods.

Great Posture

A great posture is of paramount importance in your life. Pilates is meant to improve it by keeping your spine aligned correctly. The movements of these workouts are designed to keep your spine in its right place and make movement and your posture during the day better. The machine, like all pilates workouts, help keep your body stabilized and prevent spinal injuries during the exercises. If you have back issues, these workouts are great because they help keep your back straight and elevate any pain you might have.

Fight Disease

According to research, regular workouts allow your body’s immune system to fight oncoming diseases such as the flu and conditions such as sclerosis and heart diseases. It helps in the absorption of other minerals in the body such as calcium. Without working out, you are predisposed to heart diseases and bone issues because your body is not burning as much fat as it should. The accumulation of calories will cause you to have heart-related issues. By incorporating a routine like reformer pilates into your everyday life, you’re helping your body stay strong and ward off disease.

Stay Happy

Studies have found that weight issues are more common in people who suffer from depression than those who do not. Also, when given a chance to work out, depressed individuals show significant instances of improvement and are able to recover faster than people who don’t. Exercises help in the production of serotonin, which is also known as the “happy hormone”. This hormone is responsible for making you feel happier and more contented. If you have a stressful job, consider high-intensity workouts or taking a walk out in the sun once in a while. Healthy diets can further boost serotonin levels as well. When you exercise, you have lower chances of being depressed. It’s all a positive feedback loop: exercise makes you feel better physically, which makes you feel better mentally, which encourages you to keep going back and getting stronger.

Reformer Pilates And Reduced Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

It is widely known that diabetes is a genetic disease, so it’s too much of a stretch to say that exercise can totally prevent diabetes. However, there is a higher chance of developing Type 2 diabetes if you have abdominal fat and an unhealthy BMI (body mass index). Scientists found that there is an increased risk of insulin resistance amongst people with abdominal obesity. Lack of exercises is associated with the high BMI, as you might expect. Therefore, you can certainly reduce your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes if you treat your body right and stay within a healthy BMI.

There are numerous benefits of Reformer Pilates, and they help not only keep your body in shape but your mind and your emotions too. Come in and try one of our reformer pilates classes today, and see the results for yourself!