If you’ve been looking for a new way to improve your fitness, build strength or simply feel better in your body, you may have come across Reformer Pilates. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years, with dedicated studios appearing everywhere.
But what exactly is it, how does it differ from traditional mat-based Pilates, and is it suitable for everyone?
The good news is that Reformer Pilates isn’t just for experienced Pilates enthusiasts or people who are already particularly fit and flexible. It’s a versatile form of exercise that can be adapted to different abilities and fitness levels, making it an excellent option for people looking to improve their strength, mobility, balance and overall wellbeing.
At Bridge Health & Wellbeing in Christchurch, Dorset, as well as offering mat Pilates classes, we offer Reformer Pilates classes in our dedicated studio, providing a welcoming environment where you can develop your fitness with the support of experienced instructors.
Here are five reasons why you might want to give Reformer Pilates a try:
- Build strength without simply lifting heavier weights
One of the main benefits of Reformer Pilates is the opportunity to develop strength through controlled, purposeful movement. The resistance provided by the springs challenges your muscles throughout each exercise, helping you develop strength, stability and muscular endurance.
Unlike traditional weight training, where the emphasis may be on lifting progressively heavier loads, Reformer Pilates focuses on how your whole body moves, encouraging you to maintain control and good technique throughout each exercise.
It can be particularly useful for developing strength in the muscles that support your spine, pelvis and joints. Over time, this can help improve your ability to perform everyday movements, from bending and lifting to walking, climbing stairs and carrying shopping.
Exercises can be adapted to suit different abilities, so you don’t need to be particularly strong or fit before you start.
- Improve flexibility, mobility and movement
Strength is only one part of looking after your body. Being able to move comfortably and freely is equally important.
Reformer Pilates incorporates controlled movements that encourage you to work through different ranges of motion, helping improve flexibility and mobility. The equipment can also provide support during certain exercises, allowing you to explore movement in a controlled way.
This can be particularly beneficial if you spend much of your day sitting at a desk, feel stiff after long periods of inactivity or want to maintain your mobility as you get older.
Rather than simply stretching individual muscles, Reformer Pilates encourages you to move your body as a whole, developing better awareness of how different parts work together.
- Develop core strength and stability
Your core includes a group of muscles around your abdomen, back and pelvis that help stabilise your spine and support movement. These muscles work together whenever you bend, twist, reach, walk or lift something.
Reformer Pilates places considerable emphasis on developing control and coordination through this area. Exercises encourage you to maintain stability while moving your arms and legs, helping improve the way your body manages movement and transfers force.
A stronger, more coordinated core can support better movement patterns and make everyday activities feel easier.
- Improve balance, coordination and body awareness
As we get older, maintaining balance and coordination becomes increasingly important. Reformer Pilates challenges your ability to control movement, maintain alignment and coordinate different parts of your body.
Because the carriage moves and the springs provide changing levels of resistance, exercises encourage you to concentrate on what your body is doing rather than simply completing repetitions.
This develops body awareness, sometimes referred to as proprioception – your ability to understand where your body is positioned and how it is moving. Better body awareness can help you move more confidently, whether you’re exercising, playing sport or simply going about your daily routine.
- Enjoy a workout that can be adapted to you
Perhaps one of the biggest advantages of Reformer Pilates is that it can be adapted to suit different people and different goals.
You might be completely new to Pilates, looking to complement another form of exercise, wanting to improve your general fitness or hoping to maintain strength and mobility as you get older.
The adjustability and variety of exercises means instructors can modify movements to suit different abilities. For people who have previously struggled with traditional gym environments, this can provide a more structured and supportive way to exercise.
It’s also a great option for people who enjoy variety. Reformer Pilates offers plenty of different exercises and combinations, so you can continue to challenge yourself as your confidence and ability develop.
If you have an existing injury, medical condition or particular health concern, it’s important to discuss this with your instructor before joining a class. You may need an individual assessment or modifications to ensure the exercises are appropriate for you.
Reformer Pilates or mat-based Pilates: which should you choose?
Both forms of Pilates have plenty to offer, and neither is necessarily better than the other.
Mat Pilates focuses on controlling your body weight through a series of floor-based exercises. It develops strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness without requiring specialist equipment.
Reformer Pilates introduces adjustable resistance and support through the Reformer apparatus, providing more supported exercises.
Some people enjoy one style more than the other, while others like to combine both. The best option is the one you enjoy, feel comfortable doing and can incorporate into your regular routine.
Why choose Reformer Pilates at Bridge Health & Wellbeing?
At Bridge Health & Wellbeing, we believe exercise should be enjoyable, accessible and something you look forward to doing.
Our dedicated Reformer teachers have great experience, qualifying through teaching schools supported by the Society for the Pilates Method. Our Reformer Pilates studio in Christchurch provides a welcoming environment where you can develop your strength, mobility and confidence on the apparatus, with the support of our experienced team.
Alongside our Pilates classes, we offer physiotherapy, chiropractic, sports massage, rehabilitation, yoga and Strength & Conditioning, all within the same family-run clinic.
That means you can access professional advice and support if you have an injury or particular health concern, while also having opportunities to maintain your fitness and build strength.
Whether you’re completely new to Pilates or looking to add something different to your existing exercise routine, we’re here to help you find the right approach.
Ready to give Reformer Pilates a try?
You don’t need to be an expert, particularly flexible or incredibly fit to get started. You just need to be willing to try something new.
If you’re based in Christchurch, Dorset or the surrounding area and would like to discover the benefits of Reformer Pilates, we’d love to welcome you to Bridge Health & Wellbeing.
Get in touch on 01202 473800 or view our studio timetable online. We offer Beginners and Improvers classes, as well as Studio memberships.
