When you feel a little out of shape and want to make some positive changes, it can be hard to find the motivation. But it’s not as hard as you might think. There are many benefits of pilates reformer exercises to jump-start a healthier lifestyle. It will help you look and feel better, as well as have more energy and confidence. It’s an excellent way to get in shape or for injury rehabilitation because it focuses on core strength. We will go through 7 benefits of why you should try pilates reformer today to help you make your decision about whether you should try this workout.
What is Pilates reformer?
Pilates reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth. It was invented by Joseph Pilates and used springs for assistance and resistance to achieve proper muscle length and strength in an organised way. The benefits of pilates reformer are its focus on core strength, body alignment, increase flexibility and range of movement; it helps you look better, feel better, has more energy and confidence, and injury rehabilitation.
The core is the most important muscle in terms of strength because it’s where your power comes from. The reformer is a fantastic method to work these muscles, especially squats, crunches, leg lifts, pushups (on one or two hands), and lunges (to extend legs), among others.
Breathing techniques are crucial, especially for the more difficult exercises. When you use your abdominal muscles to breathe, it uses diaphragmatic breathing.
Coordination between breathing and movements is critical because your muscles tend to relax, and when you inhale, they contract. You must learn to coordinate them so that the core muscles are always working. Whatever movement you do, you should take deep breaths. Your abdominal muscles contract as you exhale.
Following these techniques assists with body alignment, emphasising good posture with head, neck, and back aligning and improving balance and coordination.
Pilates reformer is low-impact and safe for nearly everyone
Pilates reformer is low-impact and safe for almost everyone. This makes it an excellent choice for people with injuries or those looking to increase their fitness level. It also helps you get in shape or rehabilitate from injuries because it builds a strong core.
It is an excellent form of exercise for people who have sore joints as it puts no impact on the joints. It is also great for pregnant women as it doesn’t pressure the stomach or abdomen.
The reformer exercises are suitable for people of all ages because they can be adjusted to anyone’s needs and levels. This makes pilates reformer easy for you to follow and achieve benefits at your own pace. Since there’s no jumping, running, or other high-impact exercises, there will be less impact on the knees, ankles, or spine negatively.
If you are looking for an aerobic workout, a pilates reformer will not get your heart rate up there like other exercises, like jogging or walking on the treadmill. But because it works on your body’s stabiliser muscles in ways that traditional cardio doesn’t, you may find that it’s more effective long term for losing weight and shaping up than just running on a treadmill or using an elliptical trainer three times a week.
7 Benefits of pilates reformer workout
#1 It can help rehabilitate injuries
It can help rehabilitate injuries because it focuses on core stability, core strength and control of the spine, emphasising good posture. Pilates reformers are also great for those with knee, ankle or back injuries, and they are a safer alternative to using a treadmill.
Since this machine uses your body weight, there’s no risk of injury from weights or resistance bands that many people cannot handle because they lack muscle mass. If you have any joint problems like arthritis, pilates reformer exercises are perfect as there’s little pressure on your joints which eventually reduces pain and stiffness.
#2 Increase flexibility and range of movement
Pilates reformers are excellent for increasing flexibility and range of movement as well. This type of exercise will strengthen your hips, glutes, hamstrings and abdominals while improving muscle tone in all major muscle groups, including arms, chest, back, shoulders and legs. All without putting added stress or pressure on joints like using free weights would.
So that means more mobility with less pain! Perfect! The machine is suitable for rehabilitative care because it allows you to monitor your progress better than with other exercises.
#3 It can improve posture and core strength
Posture is another issue addressed by pilates reformer workouts, as it helps you maintain proper alignment throughout the exercise session. If you have poor posture due to long hours at the office or sitting in front of your computer, these exercises will help correct that without using other forms of equipment that may damage your body if misused.
If you have a weak core, doing pilates will help strengthen the core muscles in your abdomen and pelvis. They include muscles that you may not think about too much, such as the muscles of your back and spine.
These muscles are essential for keeping your body stable and upright while you are standing and also provide your body with a strong axis for bending motions such as bending forward at the waist.
If you have a weak core, you will also find that you can’t do other types of exercise properly, like running or cycling.
#4 Pilates can help with weight loss
Pilates reformers are also excellent for burning calories and are effective long term in losing weight. This is especially true if used in combination with other forms of exercise or dieting. Think about all the calories that you burn just by doing regular daily activities such as walking to work or getting up to grab another cup of coffee!
If you do more cardio exercises like running, this will increase the number of calories burned. Pilates reformer workouts can help build muscle mass while burning fat, so they are two significant ways to stay healthy.
Pilates reformers can also help prevent weight gain if you constantly sit throughout the day, such as in an office or desk job.
#5 It can improve your balance
Another benefit of this machine is that it will help you become more balanced and centred due to how it moves in space. This makes a big difference if your body feels imbalanced like many people who have desk jobs or are not active with exercise throughout their day.
Pilates reformer exercises use the power of your muscles to move rather than relying on momentum from inertia, so you have to concentrate while doing the exercises!
If you find it hard to be focused throughout an exercise, this type of workout may be just what you need as it forces your mind and body into synchronicity, which improves balance!
#6 Improves muscle tone
Another benefit is that it tones muscles evenly throughout the entire body instead of focusing on primary muscle groups like machines do when engaged in other exercises. Working out all of the major muscles in your body helps burn more calories while still working on those smaller muscles that machines can’t reach.
#7 Great for mental wellbeing
It helps you look better, feel better, sleep better, and have more energy while speeding up your metabolism. It is a wonderful tool for one’s mental health.
Pilates may help you de-stress and unwind, providing an outlet for the everyday stress that can cause headaches, neck discomfort, and other issues. The breathing exercises in pilates may assist in relaxing the mind and body while promoting better sleep by combining them.
Some people will find that pilates can be pretty stimulating, while others find it more relaxing. If you are looking for a mentally and physically challenging workout, then pilates may be the perfect fit.
The best way to get started with pilates reformer
Starting pilates reformer workouts can be a little confusing at first, especially if you have never before done pilates or any strength training.
The best way to start is by going to classes where someone will show you proper techniques and how to use the machine properly.
After you feel comfortable with those movements, try doing them on your own, but always check with a health professional to ensure that it is safe for you to do so, as some conditions may make it unsafe for specific exercises.
Many online videos show people using this machine if you are still unsure about pilates reformer workouts, many online videos show people using this machine. With these videos and the help of friends or other people in the gym/studio who know what they’re doing, you can learn to use a pilates reformer.
Also, start slowly and only increase your repetitions if you feel comfortable enough with the current numbers. If something hurts, then stop immediately! Just because it’s not as easy on this machine, you should push yourself too hard if you start feeling pain in an area of your body where other exercises usually hurt.
Wrap up
Pilates is an excellent workout for all ages and people of any fitness level, so make sure to try it out if you have never tried pilates before! You will not regret it when you see all the results! You can improve your posture and core strength whilst increasing flexibility and range of movement to help your posture and create a long lean body.
Pilates reformer workout is also great for weight loss as it helps increase muscle strength, which increases metabolism and burns fat faster. It will help you feel better about yourself once you have achieved the goal of being slimmer. And as a bonus, it is great for mental wellbeing. Why not start today? Book for your first class and experience the benefits of pilates reformer for yourself!
