Is a Pilates Reformer Class Right for You?

Is a Pilates Reformer Class Right for You?

The Pilates Reformer is an amazing and elegant machine designed by Joseph Pilates as a new approach to exercise and body conditioning. It provides finely tuned exercise resistance, allowing one to work precisely to develop great alignment, balanced core strength, and terrific flexibility. The Reformer works your muscles in lengthened positions, creating a lean and toned appearance.

What does the Pilates Reformer do?

When performing Pilates, we focus on key principles such as core control, fluid motion and coordination. With the use of springs on the Reformer machine, we can challenge these principle exercises. We work on different muscle groups in lengthened positions in order to shape and sculpt long lean muscles.

What are the benefits?

With thirty minutes of daily practice, benefits of a Pilates Reformer class at VillaSport include:

• Circulation. The work of the muscles will stimulate blood circulation and disable the emergence of poor circulation related diseases.
• Increased Muscular Endurance. Training results include increased muscle fiber endurance, size and strength along with increased connective tissue strength. With increased muscular endurance, your muscles are able to exert force for extended periods. Increased endurance enables you to perform everyday tasks without fatigue.
• Increased Core Strength. Exercising on the Pilates Reformer requires proper form and technique. The focus of proper positioning is within the core, your abdomen and lower back muscles. By conditioning the core muscles, they will contract with all movements to stabilize and align your spine. A strong core will increase the effectiveness of all exercises due to your ability to maintain proper alignment. Core strength increases your ability to generate power to your muscles and decreases the risk of injury.
• Improved Posture. Workouts on a Pilates Reformer will improve your spinal alignment. With improved alignment, your muscles will strengthen to improve spinal support and stability. Improved posture will lengthen your joints, giving you a taller appearance. Muscular imbalances will be corrected and will decrease the risk of injury, especially to the lower back. Awareness of proper posture during exercise will carry over to awareness of proper posture when performing everyday movements.
• Increased Flexibility.  Flexibility is the range of motion of your muscles and connective tissue. Workouts on a Pilates Reformer require your muscle groups to move through a full range of motion. Improved flexibility decreases strain and stress on your joints and muscles. Muscles contract with increased efficiency and workouts are more effective. Improved flexibility reduces stiffness, soreness and the chance of injury. You can perform everyday movements with less strain.
• Improved Breathing. Pilates workouts emphasize proper breathing. Breathing becomes deeper and less frequent, resulting in improved relaxation. Benefits include increased lung capacity and breathing efficiency during workouts and at rest. Your lungs are better equipped to supply your body with increased oxygen during workouts. Energy levels increase during exercise and at rest.
• Reduced Body Fat. Exercise increases your metabolism, or your body’s ability to burn calories. Increased muscle mass increases the number of calories burned. When the amount of calories burned is more than the amount of calories eaten, excess body fat is burned and used for energy to meet the increased demand.

Pilates Reformer can definitely be for you. At VillaSport, we offer private and small-group Pilates Reformer classes. Your first try is complimentary. Check out our schedule and register today for your Pilates Reformer class!

Sources include:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/pilates-for-beginners/art-20047673

http://www.livestrong.com/article/261676-benefits-pilates-reformer-exercise/#ixzz18L01h4xr