Are you tired of uninspiring workouts that leave you feeling disconnected from your own fitness journey?
Imagine a space where you're not just a number, but an integral part of a community that cares about your progress. With seasoned qualified Pilates instructors that are in tune with you and your body.
Hello Brunna and Kelly here, owners and pilates Instructors at Ambition Studios. We’ve been studying health and fitness and teaching Pilates for over 20 years. We work with clients every day to achieve their health and fitness goals.
The world of Reformer Pilates is a workout that goes beyond the physical, improving both body and mind. It's a low-impact, high-intensity workout that calls for you to be in the moment to practice effectively. Those that have tried it know well that it's time carved out of your day to focus on YOU.
We’ll explain the mind-body connection that Reformer offers further on.
People of all ages and fitness backgrounds can enjoy the benefits of Reformers Pilates. Women and men particularly those aged between 50-75 are noticing the positive differences regular Reformer classes make to their bodies. It allows them to move more freely and be more mobile than they have been in years.
Aging doesn’t need to mean less mobility!
At Ambition Studios, we offer a small boutique welcoming space with the latest equipment, where you're not just another face in the crowd. Unlike fitness giants that often prioritise quantity over quality. Our focus is on providing a comfortable environment that fosters personalised transformation.
We’ll get to know you and how your body moves – Its nuances.
Stay till the end to realise how you can become a part of a Reformer Pilates studio that gives a tailored perspective. To ensure you are developing and improving in each session.
By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of,
What Reformer Pilates is.
The physical and mental benefits it brings.
How it provides aligned posture and an energised focus mindset.
Understanding Reformer Pilates
Reformer Pilates might sound like a foreign concept to beginners. But it's a hidden secret that's gaining traction for all the right reasons.
Originally developed in the 1900s by Joe Pilates, it's a modality that focuses on core strength, poor posture and flexibility. Not to mention it increases muscle and pelvic floor strength.
At its centre, Reformer Pilates is a form of exercise that utilises a specially designed machine to enhance your workout experience. The Reformer machine might seem intimidating, but don't let its appearance fool you – it's a **versatile** tool that can be adjusted to accommodate various fitness levels. It includes a system of pulleys, springs, straps, cables and bars, which are integrated with a moving carriage. The carriage also has a headrest and shoulder blocks. Perfect for alignment and posture.
What’s great about Reformer Pilates is that you’re functionally working your muscle. This means you work your muscles both eccentrically and concentrically.
Eccentrically means the muscle is activated and lengthened. Like in a bicep curl when you lower the weight back toward your waistline. Whereas concentrical movements occur when your muscle fibres shorten. Again like in a bicep curl but when you curl your arm back up toward your shoulder.
Ok but what’s the difference between Reformer and other types of Pilates?
Let’s put it into context.
How Reformer Pilates Differs From Traditional Mat Pilates
Mat Pilates is the foundation of the Pilates system. It entails a sequence of 34 exercises performed in a specific order on the mat. During a typical mat class, you’ll work on your legs, stomach and upper back. Body weight and gravity will provide the resistance that’ll make the workout a challenge.
A primary difference between mat and Reformer Pilates is that working against resistance is an essential element in Reformer Pilates. It’s not just working against body weight and gravity like mat pilates.
The Reformer machine lets you regulate the amount of resistance used in the workout. You do this by adjusting the straps, springs and cables. This means that each exercise can be modified to suit each person’s current capabilities. This can be done in mat pilates with the use of equipment but is limited.
In my experience, I’ve found that beginners can often perform certain exercises that otherwise they wouldn’t ordinarily be able to do without the Reformer machine. Also, more advanced students can increase the intensity of their practice by adding or decreasing the resistance.
Reformer Pilates has remarkable physical benefits!
The Physical Benefits of Reformer Pilates
Say **goodbye** to those days of dreading your workout. Reformer Pilates keeps you engaged and excited about your fitness journey.
Through a series of controlled, precise movements, this workout targets your core, enhances flexibility, and builds lean muscles. Unlike traditional exercises that often leave you feeling drained, Reformer Pilates leaves you invigorated and energized.
As you progress, you'll notice,
Improved posture and alignment.
Reduced tension in your muscles.
Increased joint mobility.
You’ll often, if not during most sessions, complete exercises laying flat on your back on the spring-loaded carriage. This helps calms the nervous system because it's not the typical posture you do when you exercise. Your brain relaxes and your body becomes curious.
The spring resistance still allows you to receive the same benefits you’d get from similar standing exercises. You’re still VERY much working your abdominals, glutes and the muscles that help you stay straight.
How Reformer Pilates Forges Your Mind-Body Connection
At Ambition Studios, we believe that a holistic approach to wellness encompasses both physical and mental well-being. Reformer Pilates isn't just about toning your muscles; it's a practice that encourages mindfulness and self-awareness.
It can be and is often referred to as physical therapy.
For GOOD reason too.
To really drop in and feel the benefits you need to quiet your mind and focused on the controlled movements. Each exercise requires concentration and precise execution, allowing you to tune out the noise of daily life and be present in the moment.
The 6 principles of Pilates are what give Reformer its undoubtedly triple threat status– physical therapy, mindfulness and muscle-building practice. The pilates method moves with a combination of centring, control, precision, flow, concentration and breath.
What other exercise do you know packs this combo?
Maybe yoga but the sophistication of the Reformer machine certainly gives it an edge.
As you flow through each movement, you'll discover an enhanced mind-body connection that not only benefits your workouts but permeates every aspect of your life.
Can Reformer Pilates Improve Posture and Alignment?
In a world dominated by screens and sedentary lifestyles, poor posture has become a ubiquitous issue. Reformer Pilates comes to the rescue with its focus on strengthening your core and aligning your spine.
There are a lot of reasons why Reformer Pilates is a fantastic practice for improving posture and alignment. Too many to go over today. We’ll focus on some of the obvious ones for now.
When you are laying down on the carriage the shoulder block and headrest work to help you align yourself correctly. You press your shoulders against the blocks to gauge if you a positioned evenly on both sides.
A major perk to having a smaller studio is that the instructor can keep a constant eye on each student. They can easily keep instructing and correct people’s alignment to ensure they’re doing the exercise properly. With larger studios, it can be near impossible for instructors to do this.
Many of the exercises you’ll work through in each class have been tailored to mitigate posture and alignment issues like forward shoulders, flared ribs and a forward head. For instance when you are engaging in exercises using the straps.
As you engage in each exercise, you'll find yourself becoming more mindful of your body's alignment. Over time, this mindfulness transcends the studio, leading to improved posture in your everyday activities. Stand taller, walk confidently, and say goodbye to discomfort caused by slouching.
Reformer Pilates empowers you to embrace a more aligned and balanced life.
Your Reformer Pilates Journey Begins With Ambition Studios
Reformer Pilates isn't just a workout; it's an invitation to transform your body and mind in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Experience the benefits of improved flexibility, enhanced mind-body connection, and better posture as you embark on this empowering journey. Once you try it you’ll see how effective and versatile it is.
You’ll leave with every muscle hurting in the best way possible!
Take the leap and join Ambition for a Reformer Pilates class. Discover the transformative power that awaits. A healthier, more vibrant you is closer than you think.
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