Posted by Charles L Cory

by Charles L Cory

At first glance, the Pilates Reformer looks like a refugee from the medieval times. Something that might have been used to extract information from less than willing participants! A closer examination reveals that the Pilates Reformer is actually quite an elegant machine and something that has been well made for what it is designed to do.

I could try and explain what the Pilates Reformer actually does, but it wouldn’t make much sense without an understanding of Pilates itself. So in order to explain the former, I had best explain the latter.

The definition of Pilates is the balanced development of the deep and superficial muscles that stabilize, align, and move the trunk of the body, especially the abdominals and muscles of the back, which many fitness teachers might also refer to as core strength. core strength looks beyond the superficial, and sometimes cosmetic, outer appearance, and looks at the power of the internal muscles.

Pilates has developed some key principals around which the exercises have been developed. In order to understand Pilates, and thus the Pilates Reformer, you must understand these principles. So, it would make sense to discuss them first, namely centering, concentration, control, precision, breath, and flow.

Centering refers to bringing the focus of the exercise to the centre of the body between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Energetically, Pilates exercises are sourced from this centre.

As the name implies, concentration means giving your full attention to the matter in hand. As with any exercise or fitness program, 100% concentration on the exercise will give you better results.

The control element refers to the manner in which the exercises are undertaken. Every part of your body should be in control and doing only what the exercise requires.

Precision means carrying out the exercises exactly as outlined by the instructors without any deviation.

Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated thinking of the lungs as a bellows to pump the air in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises (as is common in a lot of exercise regimes) coordinate with the breath, and using the breath properly is an important part of Pilates exercise.

The flow means how you carry out the exercises. The requirement is for a smooth motion rather than any short or jerky movements.

In order to get the maximum benefit from your Pilates workout, it is imperative that you keep these six basic principles in mind at all times.

Now having read and understood the basic principles of Pilates, you will be better placed to understand how the Pilates Reformer can work for you. The Reformer provides finely tuned resistance to assist you with the technical principals of Pilates. The principals like the breath though are still down to you! Used correctly, the Pilates Reformer will help improve your core strength, which is the overriding design of Pilates.

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Discover how a Pilates Reformer exercise machine can radically improve your core strength and fitness, through a carefully structured and principled exercise program and fitness gym equipment.