Which Pilates Reformer is Right For Me
In a Pilates studio, you’ll likely find several pieces of equipment. These include reformers, CoreAlign machines, and more. If you’re new to the Pilates game, it can be difficult to decide which reformer is right for you.
A reformer is a piece of exercise equipment used in Pilates that utilizes spring tension and pulley systems to help aid movement. It helps improve core strength, flexibility, and balance and offers a low-impact, high-result workout.
“Reformer Pilates is a great tool for anyone who wants to strengthen and tone their muscles without impacting their joints,” says certified Pilates instructor Bianca Melas of Alo Moves. She notes that a reformer is particularly good for athletes because it improves core stabilization. “This is important for the prevention of injuries and to enhance performance in a variety of sports,” she explains.
Unlike mat Pilates, which relies on body weight to create resistance, the reformer provides a dynamic workout that’s suitable for all fitness levels, from novices to pros. It also offers a more targeted workout, with different attachments and props that help you work your muscles at a deeper level. “Reformers allow you to do movements that require eccentric motion, which stretches the muscle and allows your muscles to lengthen,” Calhoun explains. The equipment also makes it easier to do isometric exercises, or “hold-it-right-there” movements.
How Do I Know Which Pilates Reformer is Right For Me?
For those looking to take their at-home Pilates practice up a notch, the Lintry Reformer from Frame Fitness is a solid option. The sleek machine has a minimal footprint and comes 95% pre-assembled, making for quick and easy setup. It also has dual-spring technology and a color-coded system that allows you to adjust the springs for various degrees of resistance. The only downside to this otherwise impressive reformer is its relatively limited weight capacity of 200 pounds, which may be limiting for some users.
If you want to get the full Pilates experience, consider investing in a professional-grade Cadillac reformer from Sportline. It features a built-in sitting box and a jump board, as well as a roll-down bar, push-through bars, a vertical sliding bar, and a swing, all of which can be adjusted via the springs to increase or decrease resistance. This studio-grade machine has been a mainstay in Pilates studios for years, and its quality is evident.
As for what to wear for a pilates reformer equipment, you’ll want to opt for comfortable, well-fitting athletic attire. Breathable performance t-shirts, compression shorts or pants, and joggers are all good choices. You’ll want to avoid anything too baggy that could get in the way of your movements, and stick with socks with rubber soles that minimize slippage on the platform and carriage.
Advanced: Advanced practitioners typically use the heaviest springs for exercises that require more resistance, or they might combine multiple springs to achieve a challenging workout. For exercises like squats or leg presses, heavier resistance can help to strengthen the muscles effectively. Intermediate: As you progress, you can increase the resistance by adding more springs or switching to a heavier spring, such as blue or black, depending on your strength and the exercise you’re performing.
