Unlocking weight loss, back pain relief, strength training and more: Why Brisbane people of all sizes and fitness levels are flocking to Reformer Pilates classes
Pilates exercises, performed on a Pilates Reformer machine, are great for people of all sizes and fitness levels who are looking for low-impact recovery and injury rehabilitation or for those looking to improve their core strength.
Both the Pilates Reformer machine and the Pilates exercises can be modified to suit any body, making it perfect for those looking to tone up, rehabilitate from an injury, train for a hobby or sport, or for those looking for low-impact, full-body workouts.
Pilates Reformer is suitable for everyone including teenagers, new Mums, seniors, elite athletes and desk dwellers.
What is Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates Reformer machine was invented by Joseph Pilates and is a bed-like frame with a flat platform (carriage) that rolls back and forth. The carriage is attached to one end of the Reformer by a set of springs. The springs allow you to adjust the resistance to the carriage, which is pushed and pulled along the frame by your own body weight and strength. The Reformer machine has long straps with handles that your feet or hands can be placed in to. The springs can be adjusted to modify the workout for different skill levels and body types.
5 Reformer Pilates benefits:
1. Reformer Pilates can assist with weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle.
Reformer Pilates is not a silver bullet for weight loss and quite frankly, nothing is. However, if weight loss is your goal, Reformer Pilates classes can be an important part of a lifestyle that will help lead to burning fat. A lifestyle that results in a lean, strong body at any age, needs to incorporate exercise, eating an abundance of whole foods, stress management and meaningful connection with others. Increasing exercise of any kind will assist with weight loss and the best kind of exercise is the kind that you enjoy doing and will do consistently. The beauty of Reformer Pilates group classes is that they offer you a total-body workout, surrounded by like-minded people and lead by an experienced Pilates instructor who ensures that you are completing your Pilates exercises safely. Reformer Pilates also assists with breath-work, encouraging participants to breathe deeply, thereby lowering cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) which can assist with weight loss.
2. Reformer Pilates can provide back pain relief
Many Brisbane physiotherapists recommend Reformer Pilates for those who suffer from back pain because it strengthens core muscles and increases flexibility, reducing pressure on the spine. Reformer Pilates exercises work on the core postural muscles that help keep you balanced and are important for spinal support. Reformer Pilates also promotes mind-body connection, teaching you to connect mindfully to build up your core strength. Exercising on the Pilates Reformer machine requires proper form and technique, focussing on your core, abdomen and back muscles which helps to stabilise and align your spine. A strong, stable torso relieves and prevents stress on your back which is why Reformer Pilates is the best way to relieve back pain naturally.
3. Reformer Pilates is a safe, gentle form of strength training.
On a Pilates Reformer machine, you are pushing and pulling with your arms and legs against the resistance of the springs, carriage and your own bodyweight. This makes Pilates Reformer a unique, strength-building, full-body workout which targets your arms, legs and your core. Reformer Pilates exercises build longer, leaner muscles without bulking up. It’s great for building the smaller core muscles, and also stretching out the longer muscles in the body.
4. Reformer Pilates helps to improve balance in older adults.
According to one study, Pilates Reformer exercises performed once per week for 10 weeks resulted in reduced fall risk and significant improvements in static and dynamic balance and functional mobility in adults age 65 and older at risk for falling. Many of the exercises in such studies were done while participants were seated or lying down, which suggests that even non-standing Pilates exercises may help people improve balance. It was also noted that standing exercises may provide more of a balance challenge and could provide greater benefits in improving balance.
5. Pilates Reformer improves flexibility.
When starting an exercise regime, most people give little thought to improving their flexibility. But living within a flexible body is more important than what most people think. If you have good muscle and joint flexibility, your joints can handle their full range of movement, reducing the risk of injury. Using a Pilates Reformer machine allows you to stretch completely and supports your body through a full range of motion. When your flexibility is optimised, your muscle length and muscle contraction will also be optimised, meaning that your body will be performing at its peak. Finally, with a decreased risk of injury and pain during exercise, you’re move likely to enjoy the exercise and stick with it, enhancing your overall health and wellbeing.
Reformer Pilates is for EVERY body
Reformer Pilates can help with all stages of life, with an array of fitness and health goals, from weight loss and back pain relief to strength training and improving flexibility and balance.
Our small, authentic Pilates Reformer classes in Holland Park with our experienced and friendly Reformer Pilates instructors cater to all fitness and experience levels. We teach to the individual within the group; from helping beginners learn their way around a Reformer machine, right through to providing a challenging workout for those who have more experience.
We also offer a Mums and Bubs Reformer Pilates class which is a full-body workout conducted on the Pilates Reformer that offers Mums a safe return to exercise post-birth.
Our high-quality, professional-level Reformer machines are world-class so that you can experience the comfort and sheer joy of performing Pilates on solid, comfortable, well-padded and smooth moving Reformer machines.
All fitness and experience levels are welcome. Bookings essential.
