What is a Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates Reformer is an exercise machine used to incorporate the Pilates exercise technique to aid recovery from injury or an operation, or for a challenging and intense workout.
How it works
Springs, leverage and body weight are used as resistance while you perform movements that target specific muscle groups.
One of the most unique aspects of the reformer is the range of positions available when using it. Exercises are taught in supine lying, kneeling, sitting, standing on the reformer, standing to the side of the reformer and much more. This ability to alter the positioning of the exercise to a significantly more functional and upright approach, leads to excellent results.
How it helps
Reformer Pilates classes are designed to improve tone, muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance, coordination, flexibility, mobility and posture.
It can be used to asses a clients performance of a movement, noting any dysfunction that we may see and giving a focus to help lead back to full health and wellness.
It also allows for a faster progression through the matwork exercises and with the addition of props or jump board can even be used to improve cardio health and fitness.
What to expect
If you’re used to Pilates on the mat then you will recognise many of the movements that we can do on the reformer.
The main difference is that on the mat you use your body weight or small equipment to add more challenge, whilst the Reformer uses resistance via the springs, pulleys and movement on the carriage.
The springs allow you to adjust resistance to the carriage, which will be pushed and pulled along the frame by your own body weight and strength. Depending on abilities, injuries, or first-time sessions to advanced – sessions are adapted to suit your individual needs
Using a reformer gives you greater feedback about your alignment through movement, improving your self awareness and creating more accurate movements. You can then use all of this to enhance enhance your matwork practise.
What to wear
Socks are essential and we would recommend buying some grippy socks if your’e coming more regularly. Wear clothes that you are able to move freely in but avoid zips on your leg wear to make it more comfortable!
Injuries
The Reformer lends itself to rehabilitation as the springs on the Reformer can assist with movements aswell as providing challenge. This helps to get out of bad or incorrect movement patterns that develop, which may have led to the injury in the first place or to help create new and safe movement patterns following an injury or operation. As you progress these movements can be transferred the mat for home exercises to continue rehabilitation, strengthen muscles and prevent further injury.
1:1 Appointment times
Tuesday 8.30am (30min or 45min)
Wednesday 12.15pm – 3.00pm
Friday 12.00pm – 3.00pm
1:1 Prices:
60 mins Initial assessment : £55
40 mins individual session : £45 Block booking of 6 sessions: £258
30 mins individual session: £35 Block booking of 6 sessions: £198
How to book
Please email Helen at helen@andoverpilates.co.uk