Close

What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?

Date: Sep 09, 2021    By: Genesis Fitness

Whether you're a health fanatic or just beginning your fitness journey, there's no doubt you've heard of Reformer Pilates. This low-impact, dynamic workout style has a range of benefits, from improving your mental health to helping you workout your entire body. So, we've compiled some of the best, including the fact:

1) It's the most inclusive exercise on the block

The beauty of Reformer Pilates is that it features a series of low-impact movements that are perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of a high-intensity workout without putting any pressure on their joints or the rest of their body. This means our classes are perfect for members of all ages and fitness levels. All of the exercises are completed on our Reformer beds, which include adjustable springs so that each exercise can be adapted to suit your needs. Whether that's intensifying the movement or increasing support – the choice is yours.

2) It's the definition of a whole-body workout

When we first learnt about Reformer Pilates (all those years ago), we were blown away by its ability to engage the entire body in a balanced and integrated way that promotes strength, flexibility, and coordination across multiple muscle groups. We're big believers that this is one of the main reasons our Reformer Pilates classes are filled with happy members who can enjoy a solid body workout in just 45 minutes. Our Reformer Pilates beds engage the entire body using springs of varying resistance levels to provide continuous tension throughout various exercises. Our classes (and beds) are designed to engage different muscle groups simultaneously to build fitter and leaner muscles.

3) It's great for posture and injury prevention

Apart from being incredibly inclusive and rewarding, Reformer Pilates emphasises proper alignment and posture through exercise. It does this by helping to correct imbalances and alignment issues, which can alleviate neck and back pain. Interestingly, a lot of Reformer Pilates exercises mimic everyday movement patterns, including bending, reaching, twisting and lifting. So, these exercises are incredibly relevant for day-to-day life. Training the body to move functionally and efficiently improves your overall ability to move and reduces your risk of injury when doing things like carrying a little one or picking up a heavy gym bag.

It wouldn't be a Reformer Pilates blog without mentioning balance. The movements in our classes are designed to feature elements of balance and stability that activate small stabilising muscles and larger primary muscle groups. The emphasis on stability is perfect for improving body awareness (AKA your ability to focus on sensations inside and outside your body), enhancing joint stability and reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Studies have also shown Reformer Pilates to increase quality of life, relieve pain, and increase bone density. Essentially, what we're trying to say is that Reformer Pilates is the class that ticks all of the boxes.

4) It gives you a spring in your step

One step into a Reformer Pilates class, and you'll be met with a combination of rhythmic movements, controlled breathing and mindful focus. These exercises aren't only great for relaxation; they also stimulate feel-good hormones and reduce cortisol levels. This reduction in cortisol helps switch off your body's flight or fight response and reduce stress by down-regulating the nervous system. These exercises also stimulate blood flow and oxygen to be circulated around the body, which results in everyone's favourite chemical being released - endorphins. Want to leave the Reformer Pilates studio on a mental AND physical high? Sign up here.

5) It's a balanced approach to weight loss

We love Reformer Pilates because it promotes long-term health and well-being that isn't hard on the body. Research has found that chronic stress and cortisol levels can contribute to weight gain and lessen your ability to tone down. So, Reformer Pilates is an excellent way to 1) start relaxing and 2) kickstart your fitness journey on a positive note. Plus, it is renowned for engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, so it's a great way to get a full-body workout. Research has shown that attending regular Reformer Pilates can improve your metabolic rate during and after exercise. Although the immediate calorie burn during a class may be minor, the metabolic benefits of strength training and muscle building can have a long-lasting effect on your overall energy and support your weight loss goals.

6) It's not afraid to get deep

Our safe and supportive classes provide an accessible and enjoyable place to strengthen your pelvic floor, core and improve your physical health and well-being. Reformer Pilates targets your core's deep, stabilising muscles, including all the muscles that support and stabilise your body. These muscles work together to support the spine, pelvis, and internal organs. Reformer Pilates exercises often involve dynamic movements that require core engagement to maintain stability and control. These exercises have been shown to strengthen pelvic floor muscles, improve core strength and boost athletic performance.

Reformer Pilates is a whole-body workout that promotes strength, flexibility, balance, and SO much more. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness fanatic, Reformer Pilates offers a rewarding and inclusive way to enhance your health and well-being.

Want to experience Reformer Pilates for yourself?

Register now.

Tag List

Tag Cloud