What exactly is Reformer Pilates, and what makes it a favorite among numerous celebrities?

Favored by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Margot Robbie for maintaining their fitness, Reformer Pilates is steadily gaining popularity among the general public.

Adored by celebrities such as Hailey and Justin Bieber, Kendall Jenner, and Margot Robbie, Reformer Pilates has long been a staple but has only recently gained widespread attention. It's no longer an exclusive activity for the elite; Google searches for Reformer Pilates have surged nearly fivefold since 2020, with the search volume skyrocketing by an astonishing 652%, indicating its growing popularity.

Reformer Pilates employs a machine equipped with springs and pulleys to engage the body, utilizing spring resistance to intensify the workout.

The advantages are significant, says Martyn Oakley, the head of fitness at Everlast Gyms (a division of Sports Direct). "Reformer Pilates includes many similar stretches found in mat Pilates, yet the reformer's advantage is that it enhances your exercise efficiency and focuses on specific body parts," he notes.

Forma Pilates stands as Hollywood's premier Pilates studio, celebrated by Vogue as "the most exclusive workout class in Los Angeles and New York" due to its referral-only access. It attracts top supermodels seeking to keep their runway figures in peak condition, including Bella Hadid, a notable enthusiast.

With more accessible studios emerging in the UK, discover if Reformer Pilates suits your fitness needs, exploring its advantages and its capacity to aid in weight loss.

What is Reformer Pilates?

Invented by Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a sophisticated machine resembling a rectangular frame with a cushioned platform that slides back and forth, similar to the combination of a rowing machine and a bed.

It features a foot bar and springs at one end, which can be adjusted to vary the resistance for the exercises. On the opposite end, there are two ropes attached to pulleys with handles that can be utilized with either hands or feet.

The ability of the carriage to move along with the springs facilitates a fluid Pilates experience, making it feel more akin to a dance than a workout.

While it may seem akin to an apparatus from the Middle Ages at first glance, the use of reformer equipment offers numerous advantages.

Reformer Pilates welcomes everyone, regardless of physical fitness or Pilates experience.

The springs on the reformer offer support to those recovering from injuries by easing muscle tension yet still engaging the muscles effectively. It's beneficial for pregnant individuals as well, aiding in maintaining proper alignment and reducing discomfort in the hips, shoulders, and back.

Although often associated with women, Reformer Pilates is embraced by individuals of all genders, including celebrities like Justin Bieber and TikTok influencer Jake Shane, who shares his Pilates routines online.

What sets Reformer Pilates apart from mat Pilates?

"Pilates matwork simply requires a mat and some space, while Reformer Pilates necessitates specialized equipment," states Pilates instructor Katie Kelly, highlighting the accessibility challenges of Reformer Pilates. Nonetheless, mat exercises originate from equipment-based routines, making them an adaptation by Pilates to make his methods more universally available.

"Pilates initially trained his clients on equipment, with matwork being his way of making these exercises accessible to more people," Katie elaborates.

Mat Pilates focuses on using bodyweight for resistance, encompassing a variety of floor and standing exercises.

Conversely, Reformer Pilates utilizes a specific machine and springs for resistance, which is especially beneficial for enhancing posture and assisting those with joint problems. According to Katie, the reformer is particularly suitable for those who find floor exercises challenging.

Using the reformer requires more concentration to avoid mishaps, Katie notes.

Abbey McLachlan, founder of the Pilates studio East of Eden, suggests that Reformer Pilates might be more suitable for beginners than mat Pilates, as the reformer allows for more creativity in exercises compared to the mat's reliance on gravity.

Can Reformer Pilates aid in weight reduction?

Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates, once famously remarked, "After 10 sessions, you'll feel a change, after 20 sessions you'll see a change, and after 30 sessions you'll have a completely new body."

Pilates is more than just a workout class; it's a lifestyle that not only enhances physical health but also encourages individuals to adopt healthier eating habits and become more physically active.

Abbey, a Pilates expert, acknowledges that attending classes alone may not directly lead to weight loss. However, they often motivate individuals to pursue healthier lifestyle choices. "By enhancing your posture, mobility, and strength, you're likely to boost your self-esteem, which can lead you to opt for healthier food options," she notes.

The Advantages of Reformer Pilates

"Pilates requires your full attention – it's mindful movement," says Pilates professional Katie. This practice helps individuals become conscious of their movements and engages numerous muscles, "including some you didn't even know existed."

Abbey further mentions that Pilates can correct years of bad posture and body misalignment. "Pilates focuses on strengthening the core postural muscles, increasing awareness of one's posture, and aligning the hips, spine, and head correctly," she adds, noting that regular Pilates practice can lower the risk of injuries in other physical activities.

Besides its physical benefits, Pilates offers advantages beyond the realm of fitness. "It can enhance your sex life at any age through pelvic floor strengthening, along with improved overall fitness and stamina!" she reveals. It's no surprise that its popularity is on the rise!

The founder of a Pilates studio also emphasizes the mental health benefits of the exercise, stating that it has been shown to positively affect self-esteem.

Source: hellomagazine