Springs & Resistance

Welcome to the Reformer...this is another Joseph Pilates invention...it works with springs as resistance, you add them and remove them depending on which part of the body you are using or which Level of Pilates you are currently experiencing..or if you have a hangover and wish to take it easy today..

These are great bits of kit, theres so many moves from the Mat you can adapt for the Reformer, but the Mat is the place to start so you get used to the terminology...Neutral Spine, Lateral Thoracic Breathing, Powerhouse - what it is, where it is and how to use and activate it, strength..know your posture type, know your muscles..

If you know someone with a Reformer see if you can have a demo, and see what the benefits are. They arent cheap though, and you need a big room to put them in!
Ive got a cheaper end model which is OK, it compliments the Matwork, introduces you to leg work you can transfer to the matwork too.
No Reformer?? No Room? doesn't matter...get on the Mat..perfect your pilates routine, get stronger, aim to do the Teaser without any struggle and whilst breathing fluidly without tension, that should take you a while..get a Pilates Circle and a band to work with resistance..the Circle was created by JP as well for a good resistance workout on the Mat

I had a chat with someone yesterday who saw a Reformer on QVC and wishes to buy it...great!!!....but do some Mat classes first to introduce you to the Pilates world, as this isn't just another fad or exercise machine like a Treadmill or exercise bike..this should be used as often as possible and correctly, in Neutral Spine, with stability in your pelvis, activating your centre..your TA..if you dont know what the heck I'm going on about, check out a well trained pilates teacher for the answers..then get a Reformer or you may find it gets used as a clothes horse..just like your old exercise bike you sold on ebay...