Los Altos, CA
Sessions Start Aug 29th!
Call today to sign up. Perhaps you have caught a glimpse of the curious contraption that takes center stage at every Pilates gym – the Reformer. Have you wondered what this equipment is? The truth is that Reformer-based exercise is one of the most sought-after choices at Pilates studios around the world.
So what is it?
The Reformer’s unique design allows one to effectively improve strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and concentration all in one short workout. All of these impacts make the Reformer’s growing popularity well-earned. After all, who would not want to reap those benefits? However, there are additional, less-known effects of a Reformer exercise program that make it incredibly beneficial for athletes, injured patients, and seniors.
The Reformer’s Benefits
For athletes, the increased body awareness of a Pilates Reformer program makes other forms of exercise go further. Because every Pilates exercise engages many muscle groups and requires a heightened awareness of movement and positioning, it helps to solidify the connection between mind and body, allowing one to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the movement in other exercise regimens.
Pilates Reformer exercises can be done in many different positions, including standing, sitting, kneeling, quadruped, or lying on your back, stomach, or side. This variety of options expands the opportunities to work on countless functional movements that can be translated into other exercises.
When someone is susceptible to injury, the increased level of body awareness and strengthening from a Reformer regimen does wonders for injury prevention. It can also expedite recovery when there is an injury because a strengthened body rebuilds itself more quickly.
Injury prevention and rehabilitation are all about building strength in the right muscles and increasing awareness of movement. Pilates Reformer exercises accomplish this by improving posture through stabilization of the deep abdominals, back, and pelvic girdle region. Consequently, a Reformer program is especially helpful for those with lower-back pain, neck pain, and hip injuries and for women who have recently given birth. I had four very easy pregnancies and deliveries, thanks to my dedication to a Pilates Reformer regimen during that stage of life.
Fit for All Ages
One of the most amazing benefits I find in Pilates is that one can continue this exercise form at any age and enjoy the results. I have seen many people give up exercises such as aerobics and running because high-impact activities are less tolerable with age. However, I have also seen people successfully return to such fitness programs when they cross-train with a good Pilates Reformer routine.
It is refreshing to know that we do not have to settle for a life of stiffness, pain, and movement limitations as we get older. The Reformer program opens the door to healthful body mechanics and fitness, no matter what stage of life we are in.
I am so passionate about Pilates because I see how effective it can be for helping all kinds of people. Whether one strives to improve athletic form, prevent injury, or maintain fitness; the Pilates Reformer serves as an effective complement to reaching these goals.
The best way to learn more about Pilates is to take an introductory Reformer series geared toward teaching the basic principles of the approach. Through such a series, you will quickly learn how this revolutionary equipment can positively affect overall body health as well as inspire a lifetime of fitness.
FREE GUIDE: “PILATES BODY – 10 Reasons Why Pilates Will Ease Your Pain And Reshape Your Life.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kim Gladfelter, MPT, OCS, FAAOMPT
Women's Health Physical Therapy Specialist at PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness
Kim Gladfelter is a physical therapist, Pilates instructor, educator, author, and co-founder of PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness. She is known as a keen, well-rounded expert of healing through movement and women’s health specialist in the Silicon Valley area.
Kim has helped men and women of all ages to stay active and feel their best. She also writes about managing pain in her health columns, blogs and the local Los Altos Town Crier newspaper as well as reaches out to the local community, support groups, schools, libraries, and sports centers to advise and educate on body awareness and therapeutic exercise.