Joseph Pilates & the origins of the Reformer
Joseph Pilates created the mat work first. But soon he realized our bodies needed extra support—especially when it comes to moving from our core.
Sure, many of us can easily move our shoulders, wrists, and elbows, but kicking off a movement right from the center? That’s a whole other story!
That’s where the reformer comes in—it’s one of Pilates’ must-have tools.
When you use a reformer, you get instant, real-life feedback on your form. It helps you really connect your mind and muscles and gently points out any imbalances, something that mat work alone might not do as well (especially if you’re just starting out).
And guess what? You can take that valuable insight and apply it to your mat practice, boosting your overall performance.
Because of the springs, the reformer actually does help us understand how to activate our muscles when we don’t have the springs.
And the springs can be very supportive so depending on where your level is you will use more springs or less springs from certain exercises and it will really help you find your centre.
Otherwise it can be like we’re doing choreography so when you have these springs it really helps you understand how to stretch your legs from the right muscle so when you don’t have springs, you know how to do it.
Enhance your wellness.
Reformers are not inexpensive. They demand a high price and often times we see people who are trying to find something that is only a few hundred dollars.
However this comes with drawbacks. The more things you take away from the reformer the less abilities you have in a reformer practice infact it will limit the exercises you can do and also create limitations for you
At Milaron, we ensure to cover the essentials that must be in a Pilates Reformer to ensure your purchase is investing in your health for the long-term
Your refomer must haves
First your reformer should be elevated from the ground because it is easier access for you to get down onto them and also some exercises require there to be space between the reformer and the ground.
For example your pulling straps exercise if your reformer is on the floor even if you’re on top of the box you will not be able to do that exercise. Your hands will hit the floor
So there is a lot of things that we lose when we get the reformer closer and closer to the floor.
You do need the box, oftentimes it is optional. But without the box you are missing out on a good 15 amazing exercises for all levels when you remove that box from the equipment.
Springs are essential, if you are picking a reformer that uses cables instead, it is going to take away the ability to resist the equipment coming home so you will be working on the way out but the equipment is going to work itself home.
You also want a footbar that lowers and lifts you do not want a footbar that is stationary.
In summary if you have don't have these features. When you take these things away. Yes the price gets lower but also it affects you getting the full benefits of a reformer practice