You’ve heard about the Pilates Reformer and perhaps you’ve even tried one out in your Pilates class at the gym. Then you decide to do some online research and- lo and behold- you find there are a number of different models to choose from. But which one is the right one for you?
Let’s face it. When it come to your health and being healthy, everyone knows how vital physical exercise is. Pilates is just one of those exercise systems, whether it is Winsor Pilates or Stott Pilates. Pilates instructors often try to get new people accustomed to these Pilates machines early on because of their tremendous value for physical fitness.
Exercise is important to staying healthy, avoiding disease, weight loss, and even improving mental states (stress reduction). You can just focus on one of these reasons if you like because you ARE going to get the benefit of all of them. Pilates has actually been around since the easy 1930s but it really is surging now in the 21st century.
A German man, Joe Pilates, invented the exercise system that bears his name. Joe realized the importance of core postural muscles for giving support to the spine and keeping your body well balanced. From these meager beginnings, Pilates studios have sprung up all over the United States to the tune of over 11 million practitioners!
While many of Joe’s exercises can be easily done on a yoga mat, the Pilates Reformer offers a unique method of resistance that further helps stimulate and strengthen your body’s core muscle groups. Since this is about which Pilates machine might be the right one for you, let me describe a few.
Let’s start with the Mack Daddy of Pilates machines- the Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 557 Reformer XP557. This is the epitome of style and workmanship. The Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 557 Reformer XP557 is for the serious practitioner who wants to take his or her workouts to the ultimate level. The Pro XP557 adds an intense cardio- module to the Pilates Reformer. Because it is the cream of the crop there is eight inches added to the length so that it really can accommodate all heights. With 4 springs, each one with a greater degree of resistance, you can make those small refinements to your workout for greater effectiveness. So you can lose a great deal of weight with the cardio- AND still keep that long sleek look that Pilates is so famous for.
The Pilates Premier Reformer is the old standby and perfect for the budget conscious. This Pilates machine is great for the beginner or someone needing to watch the pocketbook. It still gives you the opportunity to acquire greater balance, more coordination, and improved posture without having to ransom the farm to purchase it. The Premier will gently release and stretch your legs, arms, neck and back, shoulders, abs, and the all important core muscles of your torso.
Rounding out my top three is the STOTT PILATES Rehab Reformer Vertical Frame Rehab Reformer. I’d put this baby right in the middle of the other two. It is essentially the Stamina AeroPilates Pro XP 557
Reformer XP557 without the added cardio- equipment. Like the other two, the Pro XP556 is a superb machine. You really can’t go wrong with any of these models of Pilates Reformer.
Before I write about the Pilates Reformer, I want to make a brief mention of its inventor. There he was, Joseph Pilates, the future founder of one of the world’s most well-known systems of modern exercise, sitting in a detention center in England because of his German heritage. Joe had already started on his system he called “Contrology”. At that time he began experimenting with the springs in his prison bed to see how he could use them in strengthening his body. Thus began the evolution to what we now call the Pilates Reformer.
This Pilates machine can help define core strength through precise movements. The core essential muscle groups are worked so as to create lean muscle mass throughout the entire body. Pilates as an exercise system, is designed to take anyone, regardless of their fitness level, by using groups of exercise of low intensity, to perfect health. Not everyone wants or needs high velocity cardio workouts.
While much of the work developed by Joe Pilates can be done on a mat with no other equipment required, a Pilates Reformer is actually far more effective than any of the resistance exercises you may already be practicing with. In that the majority of Pilates are done lying on the back, the Reformer is the perfect device and is ingenious in its design. Let’s take a good look at this machine from the ground up. First we come to the:
Foot Bar- This can be adjusted to your own height and comfort level by using the notches and springs provided. Next,
The Springs themselves- These are what give you the resistance that you’re looking for and are color coded for easy usage. Next comes the main structure of the Pilates Reformer machine,
The Carriage- This is the part of the machine that “carries” your body. The foot bar, straps and springs move the carriage which in turn adds to the resistance factor. The whole machine is designed to allow you to sit, kneel, or lie on the carriage. This will show you the actual wide variety of exercises that can be introduced while using the machine.
The whole point of Pilates is to strengthen the muscles of the abdominals, lower back and pelvis amongst other muscle groups. Of course it is always suggested that you seek out an expert instructor whether you are working out with the floor exercises or with the Pilates Reformer itself.
8 Core Principles of Pilates Exercises (Part 2)
Date: Sunday March 29, 2009Posted in: Pilates Reformer, Pilates exercises
To continue, the next core principle is breathing. You should always use large full breaths using the entire thoracic cavity. Always try to completely fill your lungs with air. This does a number of things including:
Removing all toxins from your body
Relaxes and energizes you at the same time
Brings a sharp focus to your mind
It engages all the core muscles of your abdomen, and
Controls the speed of the exercises
Pilates uses thoracic/lateral breathing, enabling you to breathe fully, but still maintain that all important core contraction to stabilize the pelvis, support the lower back and keep the neutral position.
The next important core principle is co-ordination. It may seem darned near impossible to co-ordinate your breathing with your movements at first. But as with all things-practice does indeed, make perfect. I know that some beginners courses can seem tedious and slow, but this is the very thing that allows one to slowly build, layer upon layer, the complete co-ordination of mind, breath, and body, until you can everything all at once.
Precision is the next principle in ingrain into your practice. Obviously every movement is filled with purpose and each instruction you receive is vital to your success. Precise and perfect movement is what you are trying to achieve rather than just relying on listless repetition. It is in this way that you can develop a strong, safe, and effective practice.
Fluidity- Your body is perfectly formed for the movements Pilates teaches and every exercise in its repertoire is quite dynamic. And while some forms may hold the posture for a moment the final action certainly involves movement. Theses forms flow with your breath like a exquisitely executed dance, lengthening away from your strong center, controlled, free from tension and stress, and rhythmic.
The final principle brings us to the end of this article-
Stamina
Your deep core muscles need to be working gently, but continuously so that you can keep your body correctly aligned. In order for this to happen, they require stamina. All your supporting muscles need a huge amount of stamina so that your body can work as a whole. Some of your muscles will tire very easily without the support of the others and with practice. That said, an exercise that seemed difficult to perform one week will soon appear relatively easy. Stay tuned for more information about the new Pilates Reformer.
