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The reformer is only 10 per cent of Pilates - don't you want the rest?
You've probably heard of them: The Reformer studies. ”Transform your body, lose weight with machine training. Fast, effective and hard!”
Over the past few years, reformer Pilates has become the new black in training, the ”machines” have proliferated in gyms across the country. The centres are filled with sweat-dripping women and men happily and eagerly ”loading” their reformer with lots of resisting springs while snorting and pulling on the straps.
But when it comes to PILATES, training and exercises on reformer is actually only 10% of it. And at Pilates Cph, we think it's important - and SO much more fun - to get the rest of the package. Why settle for so little when you can have it all?
So today we'll tell you what the latest 90%s are. AND of course, why you should remember them as part of your training.
Pilates is a complete system
A system is defined as small individual parts working together or an organised method consisting of blocks. In Pilates terms, this means that a good class is built around different parts and consists of at least matwork, reformer and two smaller blocks of exercises customised to your individual needs.
You can't leave out one part of the system and ”overwork” another if you want to achieve your goals and see the results you want. The best session therefore works the body in all possible positions (i.e. back, abdominal, seated, standing) and touches all planes via the different exercises and tools
So what might that look like?
The complete Pilates workout includes Matwork, Reformer, Cadillac/Tower, and typically other types of equipment such as Chair, Barrels, Ped-o-pull/Pedi-pole, as well as the smaller ones like Foam Rollers, dumbbells and Magic Circle.
You can't get it all just by working on one piece of equipment. A single session may work, but in the long run you'll get SO much more quality for your money - and a stronger, more flexible body. And as a bonus: you'll get results even faster!
When you train with us, we always make sure you get the whole picture. Even if you choose mat training, our skilled instructors are happy to spice up the classes with various equipment.
Can't I just do reformer training?
Joseph Pilates actually developed the reformer as a support for injured and wounded soldiers after World War I, so they could exercise even if they were bedridden. In other words, it was actually a system for rehabilitation. It still is today. Although you can easily use it for a killer workout. In reality, Pilates was developed as a bodyweight system, that is, without any equipment other than your mat on the floor.
Why is that? Because here you are working alone with/against gravity. And you have to use all your muscles and your whole body to do the work. In other words, you have to create and generate your own resistance. And THAT is hard!
When you train on the reformer, you are supported at all times by the springs. Yes, you can increase or decrease the resistance by adjusting the number or hardness of the springs, but you will always be in a ”locked” system. You are not on the mat.
It also means that for each exercise/block during the workout you have to adjust and correct settings as your arms and legs can handle different strength. This provides a (natural) break in the workout.
On the Pilates mat, on the other hand, the workout is structured in such a way that you don't actually have a break at all. Instead, the exercises flow easily (and... the elegance comes with time!) without stopping and the workout is therefore more intense as your brain, muscles and body must constantly adapt, focus and change position. And all within a very short period of time. As we only do 6-8 repetitions of each exercise before moving on in the system.
So what do I do next?
If you're enjoying your weekly reformer workout, don't stop. That's not what we're saying. With any workout, the most important thing is that you're doing what you enjoy.
However, we suggest that you supplement at least the other days with Pilates mat training. Just 15-30 minutes a day can take your body, strength and flexibility to an even higher level. And at the same time ensure that you don't only focus on the ”hard” training, as many of the reformer studies - unfortunately - tend to do.
Sure it's important, but Pilates is SO much more than reformer.
Learn more about our Reformer/tower teams here