Reformer Pilates Marylebone
It can be quite intimidating, walking into a Pilates studio with what at first glance seems to be a room full of unusual machines! You will see a mixture of reformers, the chair and the cadillac (or trapeze) Pilates. Whilst they look different they are incredibly efficient at ensuring a great workout or effective rehab session. At Wellthy Clinic, our instructors specialise in teaching studio Pilates in London. This includes the reformer, chair, barrel and Cadillac table equipment. The added value of having this equipment will assist us in challenging you throughout your sessions.
What is a Reformer in Pilates?
The reformer machine has a bed-like rectangular frame. On top of the frame sits a padded sliding platform called the carriage. The carriage is attached to hidden runners and can slide up and down the frame. The adjustable springs can add resistance to increase difficulty or help with movements. The variable spring tension gives multiple options to challenge your body.
Performing movements on the carriage's moving surface in combination with the spring resistance really targets your body’s deep postural muscles. Similarly, you get the added benefit of simultaneously increasing your balance and coordination. In addition, the adjustable spring tension means exercises can be adapted for anyone (people with injuries, beginners and pregnant women).
Is Pilates Reformer a Good Workout?
Yes, absolutely! It trains every muscle in your body. In particular, you will notice your abdominals, lower back, hips, and glutes working. The advantage of using the reformer is that you will work against the adjustable spring resistance, focusing on engaging the deeper muscles. In other words, the reformer helps you exercise correctly to maximise exercise benefits.
Performing the movements slowly and controlled will mean you are adopting the best technique, strengthening most effectively and minimising the risk of injury. You will also experience mental benefits as it reduces your physical tensions and relieves stress. In addition, it focuses on your mind-body connection through mindful, flowing movement.
How Often Should You Do Reformer Pilates?
Regular practice is essential to seeing results quicker. If you train three times per week, you will quickly see and feel the benefits. As with any muscular strengthening activity, it will take 4 to 6 weeks before you start to notice the benefits.
How Long After Starting will I see the Results?
The famous quote from the founder, Joseph Pilates, is ‘In ten sessions, you will feel the difference; in 20, you will see the difference; and in 30, you will have a whole new body’. It will support athletes as part of a wider training program. It will give you the foundation and deeper postural muscles to support higher-impact activities. In other words, it balances your overall training programs for injury prevention to increase your sports performance.
Can Beginners do Reformer Pilates?
Yes absolutely! At Wellthy Clinic, we deliver Beginners Reformer Pilates sessions (1:1 or 2:1) on the Cadillac, chair and reformer machines. Depending on which resistance is added, we will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises. You can choose to have a 1:1 or share the session with another person in a 2:1 session. All classes provide a more personalised exercise approach, ensuring the successful achievement of each client’s goals. Moreover, each client is unique, so the goals may differ, such as whether to increase their sports performance or recover from injury. Why take private Pilates classes? It will accelerate your progression and have a truly bespoke experience.
Is Reformer Better than Mat work?
Mat work will give you the foundation of Pilates. Most people start with a beginner’s class to become familiar with some of the exercises. Typically, you will experience improvements within a few months. However, if you want to speed up the process or enhance your experience, then we suggest trying studio classes. The advantage of using equipment is that you will work against the adjustable spring resistance, focusing on engaging the deeper muscles.
In other words, the reformer helps you exercise correctly to maximise your exercise benefits. Performing the movements slowly and controlled will mean you adopt the best technique, strengthen most effectively, and minimise the risk of injury.
What is Reformer Pilates Good For
Regular sessions help build a stronger core. They also improve posture, mood, body shape, and muscle tone. They take stress off joints and bones while providing a challenging overall body workout.
7 Pilates Reformer Tips
In the first instance, you need to go to classes or one-on-one sessions to learn the correct technique. Do not try to learn it from a book or video.
Pilates is all about the technique, so if you find it relatively easy, you are probably doing it incorrectly.
You may think you are strong and fit, but it will be difficult the first time you try the Pilates reformer. This is because you will probably be using muscles that you hardly ever use.
Slower is better; this way, you can keep the correct technique, and the exercise will be more effective. Also, you are less likely to sustain an injury.
Human contact: It is normal if the instructor places their hands on your back to help. This is the easiest way to help guide your body into the correct form and posture.
Consistency is the key; ideally, 3 times a week will give you excellent progress.
Know when to stop and understand your body. There is a difference between muscle ache and muscle strain. If you feel pain, stop immediately and discuss what you feel with your instructor.
Reformer Pilates Classes London
At Wellthy Clinic, we deliver bespoke sessions using the Cadillac, chair, and reformer machines. Depending on the resistance added, we will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises. You can choose to have a 1:1 reformer Pilates class or share the session with another person on a 2:1 basis.
All classes provide a more personalised exercise approach, ensuring the successful achievement of each client’s goals. Moreover, each client is unique, so the goals may differ, such as whether to help manage a condition, increase their sports performance, or recover from injury. We have worked with many clients and even developed Personalised Pilates for fibromyalgia and other conditions, making a positive difference. We will accelerate your progression and ensure you have a truly bespoke experience. We also offer private pregnancy Pilates classes to help support you through your pregnancy.
Pilates Plans
We offer 10 packs whereby you will save 10% for studio pilates (1:1 or 2:1) when you buy 10 sessions upfront. We can organise payment for these plans at the clinic. At Wellthy Clinic, we offer private Pilates classes where you can use the reformer, Cadillac and chair Pilates equipment. Bespoke classes will be delivered to ensure the achievement of each client’s goals, whether to increase their sports performance or recover from injury. Moreover, depending on which resistance is added, we will increase the difficulty or support you throughout the exercises. You can choose to have a 1:1 or share the session with another person on a 2:1 basis. All classes provide a more personalised approach to exercise.
Matthew Glithero
Matthew has extensive Pilates equipment instructor experience. He is passionate about working with clients to rehabilitate from injuries to feel stronger, more flexible and happier.