5 Reasons to Try Reformer Pilates
We all know Reformer is the health trend of the moment and rightfully so. There are so many amazing benefits to reformer and while the big class groups bring an undeniable energy, we have chosen to keep our classes small to focus on very specific outcomes. Here are the reasons why we believe in infusing 1 or 2 classes a week to your existing yoga practice.
Neuromuscular repatterning - over time and for many reasons, our bodies learn a specific muscle firing sequence when moving. Although it might work, it might not be the most efficient way to move. With our small group classes, the teacher can palpate and help you feel your way into more efficient sequences.
Posture - many of the exercises we do on the reformer help to strengthen our postural muscles, muscles which often become shortened or elongated and weak while seated. Reformer helps to correct these imbalances.
Stability - The beauty of reformer is that it works our deep stabiliser muscles, opposed to our bigger, global muscles (although it can do that too!). Although yoga is GREAT for creating stability as well, with the reformer we get the opportunity to work them in a neutral position as it’s easier to see if you are in the correct posture with the reformer carriage. For example, you can get into bridge fairly sloppy in yoga if you wanted to, but that’s much harder to do on the reformer.
Working end ranges - Working muscles and joints at end ranges is incredibly important. Again, this can be done in yoga but it’s much easier to lean into flexibility instead of stability in yoga (think of the splits!). With the reformer we can practice strengthening with a light load at these end ranges. Splits on the reformer will be a whole new experience!
Accessiblity for different body types - Reformer places a gentle load on the body in specific shapes, which can be helpful for different reasons from yoga. For example, someone who has osteoporosis, arthritis, joint pain, hypermobility etc can find ways to load the body and move in a way that might be challenging in other forms of exercises.