The most widely used piece of equipment in Pilates is the Reformer. Mentioned time and time again, this machine works on extreme flexibility, strength of the core, and body alignment that is out of this world. Being one of the most renowned pieces of equipment, the reformer provides effective, no-impact stretching and toning, which makes the reformer incredibly gracious to your joints. With more than 100 exercises possible, muscles are engaged, lengthened, and strengthened, some muscles you never knew existed.
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There is a vast variety of types of Reformers, some made of wood, some created out of metal, some with straps or perhaps with ropes. With easy to clean surfaces and easy adjustments to accommodate a variety of body sizes and ability levels, it’s easy to see why the Reformer is in such high demand. Some Reformers are built with legs while some are not. This makes choosing one incredibly difficult, but that just means that you find the one that works best for you. While the structure and look of the Reformer are diverse, it is impertinent to first understand the mechanics of this machine, and the ways in which it can be overtly useful. The springs, and the foot-bar and gears system are one of the pivotal parts of the Reformer. The Foot-bar can be raised or lowered depending on the level that is right for you. The springs help to provide resistance, and the rest of resistance is provided by your own body weight. Your teacher will help in assisting you in determining which height and resistance is right for you, as most beginners aren’t in tuned with how to utilize the machine to turn out the maximum results. The Next part of the Reformer is the carriage, the piece which you lay down on.

It glides back and forth on the inside of the frame of the machine, and this occurs as you push off of the foot-bar. Other exercises on the carriage can be performed by switching up your position, either by being on your knees, sitting, standing or laying down, whichever you prefer! The Head Rest and Shoulder Blocks are in place for stability and comfort for your body, the Head Rest capable of either being propped up or down flat, depending on what is most comfortable for your neck. It is important to remember, though, that when bringing your feet or legs over your head, the Head Rest should be in the flat position. The Shoulder Blocks are also used as “props” for your knees, feet or hands. The straps or ropes, depending on what type of Reformer you are working out on, are connected to pulleys at the end of the carriage, with handles that you can push or pull on using the resistance of the springs and your body weight, dependent upon what kind of exercise you are performing.

By using the Reformer you can develop amazing postural alignment, flexibility and torso stability, and core strength in a comfortable yet effective manner. With progressive resistance, your limbs are also worked in a range of motions. For beginners, it is probably best to get used to this type of machine in a Pilates studio, but the advanced Pilates people may choose to own their own Reformer, which can be found very readily. reformerMost importantly, the holistic aspects of the reformer, in relation to the physical prosperity are vital, in that the mind, body and spirit are constantly connected. While working out your physical body through lengthening and producing optimal alignment, you will feel better, walk taller, more confident finding inner strength and security in who you are. Becoming aware of how specific movements and exercises affect your form, your mental awareness expands and infiltrates into your mind and spirit as well.

The mind and the thoughts are directly connected to the well being of the body, and as the bodily form strengthens, so does one’s mind. Your spiritual sense of being is the next domino, so to speak, to fall in this inevitable chain of events. Your soul will feel the sense of awareness that builds through practice; a result in which one’s spirituality and connectedness will not only feed further into your inner being but to a higher sense of self as well.