Reformer Pilates Marylebone
It can be quite intimidating walking into a Pilates studio with what at first glance seems to be a room full of unusual machines! You will see a mixture of reformers, the chair and the cadillac (or trapeze) Pilates. Whilst they look different they are incredibly efficient at ensuring a great workout or effective rehab session. At Wellthy Clinic our instructors specialise in teaching studio Pilates. This includes the reformer, chair, barrel and Cadillac table equipment. The added value of having this equipment will assist us to challenge you throughout your sessions.
What is a Reformer in Pilates?
The reformer machine has a bed like rectangular frame. On top of the frame sits a padded sliding platform known as the carriage. The carriage is attached to hidden runners and so is able to slide up and down the frame. The adjustable springs can either add resistance to increase difficulty or help with movements. The variable spring tension gives multiple options to challenge your body.
By performing movements on the moving surface of the carriage in combination with the spring resistance really targets your body’s deep postural muscles. Similarly you are getting the added benefit of increasing your balance and coordination at the same time. In addition, the adjustable spring tension means exercises can be adapted for anyone (people with injuries, beginners and pregnant women).
Is Pilates Reformer a Good Workout?
Yes absolutely! it is superb exercise regime to train every muscle in your body. In particular you will notice your abdominals, lower back, hips and gluts working. The advantage of using the reformer will mean you will work against the adjustable spring resistance focusing on engaging the deeper muscles. In other words, the reformer helps you to exercise correctly to maximise exercise benefits.
Performing the movements slowly and controlled will mean you are adopting the best technique, strengthening most effectively and minimising the risk of injury. You will also experience mental benefits as it’s a great stress reliever by reducing your physical tensions. In addition, it focuses on your mind-body connection through mindful, flowing movement.
How Often Should You Do Reformer Pilates?
To see results quicker, regular practice is all important. If you train 3 times per week you will quickly see and feel the benefits. As with any muscular strengthening activity it will take 4 to 6 weeks before to start to notice the benefits.
How Long After Starting will I See the Results?
The famous quote from the founder Joseph Pilates is ‘In ten sessions, you will feel the difference; in 20 you will see the difference; and in 30 you will have a whole new body’. It will support athletes as part of a wider training program really well. It will give you the foundation and postural deeper muscles to support higher impact activities. In other words, it provides a balance to your overall training programs for injury prevention to increase your sports performance.
Can Beginners do Reformer Pilates?
Yes absolutely! At Wellthy Clinic we deliver Beginners Reformer Pilates sessions (1:1 or 2:1) on the cadillac, chair and reformer machines. We will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises depending on which resistance is added. You can choose to have a 1:1 or share the session with one other person on a 2:1 session. All classes provide a more personalised approach to exercise which ensures the successful achievement of each client’s goals. Moreover each client is unique so the goals may differ whether this is to increase their sports performance or recover from injury. Private sessions will accelerate your progression and have a truly bespoke experience.
Is Reformer Better than Mat work?
Mat work will give you the foundation of Pilates. The majority of the people start with a beginners class to become familiar with some of the exercises. Typically you will experience improvements within a few months. However if you wanted to speed up the process or enhance your experience then we suggest trying studio classes. The advantage of using equipment will mean you will work against the adjustable spring resistance focusing on engaging the deeper muscles.
In other words, the reformer helps you to exercise correctly to maximise exercise benefits. Performing the movements slowly and controlled will mean you are adopting the best technique, strengthening most effectively and minimising the risk of injury.
What is Reformer Pilates Good For
Regular sessions help build a stronger core. Also it improves posture, mood, body shape & muscle tone. It takes stress off joints and bones whilst providing a challenging overall body workout.
7 Pilates Reformer Tips
You need to go to classes or 1-1 sessions in the first instance to learn the correct technique. Do not try to learn it from a book or video.
Pilates is all about the technique, so if you are finding it quite easy then you are probably doing it wrong.
You may think that you are strong and fit but the first time you try the plates reformer it will be difficult. The reason being is because you will probably using muscles that you hardly ever use.
Slower is better, this way you can keep the correct technique and the exercise will be more effective. Also you are less likely to sustain an injury.
Human contact, this is normal if the instructor places there hands on you back to help. This is the easiest way to help guide your body into the correct form and posture.
Consistency is the key, ideally 3 times a week will give you excellent progress.
Know when to stop and understand your body. There is a difference between muscle ache and muscle strain. If there is pain stop immediately and discuss what you feel with your instructor.
Reformer Pilates Classes London
At Wellthy Clinic we deliver bespoke sessions using the cadillac, chair and reformer machines. We will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises depending on which resistance is added. You can choose to have a 1:1 reformer Pilates class or share the session with one other person on a 2:1 basis.
All classes provide a more personalised approach to exercise which ensures the successful achievement of each client’s goals. Moreover each client is unique so the goals may differ whether this is to increase their sports performance or recover from injury. We will accelerate your progression and ensure you have a truly bespoke experience. We also offer private pregnancy Pilates classes to help support you through your pregnancy.
10 Packs
We offer 10 packs whereby you will save 10% for studio pilates (1:1 or 2:1) when you buy 10 sessions upfront. We can organise payment for these plans at the clinic. At Wellthy Clinic we offer private Pilates classes where you can use the reformer, cadillac and chair Pilates equipment. Bespoke classes will be delivered to ensure successful achievement of each client’s goals. Whether this is to increase their sports performance or recover from injury. Moreover we will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises depending on which resistance is added. You can choose to have a 1:1 or share the session with one other person on a 2:1 basis. All classes provide a more personalised approach to exercise.
Matthew Glithero
Matthew has extensive Pilates equipment instructor experience. He is passionate about working with clients to rehabilitate from injuries to feel stronger, more flexible and happier.