The Reformer is a traditional piece of Pilates equipment invented by Pilates founder Joseph Pilates. It has a bed-like frame with a flat carriage attached by a series of springs and pulleys. The springs provide differing levels of resistance to increase the intensity of an exercise or to support the position and aid correct execution of the movement.
Reformer training brings a range of benefits, including improvements in muscle strength, flexibility and posture. At an introductory level the exercises are performed slowly with precision and control, many whilst lying down on the carriage. This reduces impact and prevents excessive force moving through vulnerable knee and hip joints.
More experienced participants may progress to standing work or even cardiovascular training using the tramp or springboard as part of an athletic conditioning programme.
The basic Pilates principles of precision, control, breathing and focus are still applied to all of the movements but the repertoire of exercises available are limited only by your instructors creativity. Group Reformer classes are small in size and your specialist instructor will guide you through every part of the class from how to get onto the Reformer to how to alter the springs and even work with your feet in the straps.
Exercising on the Reformer adds a new level of intensity to Matwork exercises that will help lengthen, define and reshape your muscles, you can expect to see improvements in body shape, tone and strength.
Beginners
You must have completed an Introduction to Reformer Session and a Health Screening Form.
You will be guided through a basic set of exercises in Supine, Seated, Prone and in All Fours both on and off the Reformer. You will be taught how to find neutral posture and connect your abdominal muscles correctly. You will be taught how to correctly stabilise the shoulders, spine, neck, and pelvis. There will be some standing work on the floor, not on the Reformer. Your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move up to Intermediate 1.
Intermediate 1
Classes will include more complex exercises but will not yet include standing on the Reformer unaided. You should be able to work in neutral posture in all positions without correction or assistance. You should be able to correctly perform a half plank, squats, lunges, and work with both legs in tabletop. Your instructor will advise you when you are ready to move on.
Intermediate 2
You will be able to safely work in standing on the reformer without support, hold a full plank and be working towards plank and pike with your feet on the bar. Trampoline work with good core control, dynamic squats, lunges, balances, and combined movements are all a feature at this level.
Please note
If you attend a class that is not the appropriate level, your instructor has the right to ask you to sit out any exercises that they feel are unsafe for you or to leave the class.
