Why We Love Reformer Pilates

There is probably no piece of Pilates equipment more famous than the Pilates reformer. And don't take our word for it, you must try it!

The reformer makes a dramatic, often terrifying impression when you first see one, and an even more dramatic change in the body when you use it. Reformers are lined up in Pilates studios all over the world. And we hear from many of our clients that portable reformers continue to grow as a home exercise equipment trend. So why do we love the reformer so much?

First, let's get an idea of what a reformer is and how it works, then we'll look at the benefits a reformer might have for your body.

What Is The Reformer?

Invented by Joseph Pilates, the reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage, which slides back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs, which can be of different colours, provide choices of differing levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The carriage has shoulder rests on it that keep a practitioner from sliding off the end of the reformer as they push or pull the carriage.

At the spring end of the reformer there is an adjustable bar called a footbar. The footbar can be used by the feet or hands as a practitioner moves the carriage. The reformer also has long straps with handles on them that are attached to the top end of the frame. They can be pulled with legs or arms to move the carriage as well. Body weight and resistance of the springs are what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. 

How Is a Reformer Used?

One of the best things about the reformer is its versatility. Exercises can be done lying down! Yes that's right! Lying down!!!... sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, perched on the footbar, perched on the shoulder blocks, with additional equipment, upside down, sideways and all kinds of variations thereof. In other words, the reformer can train many parts and dynamics of the body in so many different ways with just one relatively sleek piece of equipment.

All kinds of exercises are done on the reformer to promote length, strength, flexibility, and balance. Most Pilates reformer exercises have to do with pushing or pulling the carriage, or holding the carriage steady during an exercise as it is pulled on by the springs.

What Are the Benefits of Pilates Reformer Exercises?

The reformer offers all the famous benefits of Pilates including strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance. These things in turn lead to daily life improvements like better posture, graceful, efficient movement, and for many, relief from pain associated with physical imbalances such as back pain. When we talk about strength building and Pilates the Pilates powerhouse muscles, the muscles of the core, are paramount. Flat abs, strong backs, toned buttock and thighs are all results of this emphasis. Other equipment and Pilates mat exercises do that too, but the reformer creates a unique and varied exercise environment.

The reformer accommodates full-range motion which is wonderful for increasing flexibility while building strength. It most certainly promotes the length we want to create in the body. And it trains the body to sustain that length. Pushing and pulling with legs or arms against the resistance of the springs, carriage, and body weight is generally strength building. The exercises provide enough resistance and movement variety to help build strong bones. However the most amazing feature of the reformer is that it develops eccentric muscle contractions. This occurs when a muscle lengthens as it resists a force and it is key to achieving the long, strong muscles without bulk that Pilates is known for.

The instability of the sliding carriage with the springs set at different levels of resistance provides all kinds of stability challenges that develop core strength and promote better balance. When the springs are set on a lighter setting some exercises are more challenging for the core because it has to work harder to control and stabilize the movement. The stronger core, the better the balance, posture, and overall well-being.

Exercising with the reformer is possible for anyone, at any level of fitness.

The Klinik & Pilates K offers the first session free, so that you can experience the fabulousity of this machine!

Check our website www.theklinik.co.uk

Yoga and Men

I love Yoga and I often wonder why so few men share my passion?

I think that when we speak to men about yoga, they almost immediately have images of Lycra bound women chanting verses of Sanskrit while bending their bodies into impossible positions! For most sports-obsessed male species, the practice of yoga is about as appealing as watching a romcom!

However, times -- and old-standing stereotypes -- are changing, thanks, to sports men like Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and more . . .  talking and showing the benefits of yoga!

So Men, read on . . . here is how Yoga works for you!

1. Yoga works the entire body 

In sports such as football, tennis, golf ,you tend to utilize only 10 to 15 per cent of the body, whereas yoga provides a workout that covers every muscle, joint and organ. The practice oxygenates the blood, creating more energy when you finish the exercise as opposed to depleting the body of it. You work every system: cardiovascular, skeletal, muscular and endocrine.

2. Yoga has benefits in the bedroom 
Guarasana, or Eagle Pose, is a posture that sends fresh blood and oxygen to the sexual organs, so this is a particularly beneficial exercise for men in revitalizing their performance in the bedroom !  Not only does this posture increase cardiovascular endurance, but it is also the only known yoga posture that utilizes every organ, muscle and joint in the body.

3. Yoga works for every size 
It does not matter how you look when you practice yoga. Whether you're a 250-pound rugby player or a 150-pound triathlete, yoga will push your personal boundaries by increasing your own flexibility, endurance and muscle strength.

4. Yoga decreases muscle soreness 
Yoga is hugely beneficial in working out stiffness from other sports. When muscles are fatigued, they build with lactic acid, and yoga, which stretches and releases tension, helps flush that away. Runners and cyclists in particular find yoga the best activity after endurance run/rides .

5. Yoga restores energy levels 
Yoga practice doesn't deplete your body of all of your energy after a class -- like, say, a gym workout, where your body is entirely fatigued after your session. Instead, it actually increases your vigor, making you feel more aware and revitalized!.

6. Yoga trains your focus 
Athletes like Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and John McEnroe have heightened their performance levels through practicing yoga. By combining mental, physical and emotional strength, they became better athletes at their chosen sport. 

Men . . . this an appeal to all of you . .  sign up for yoga classes . . . you will be hooked!