Reformer Pilates and Mat Pilates are two styles of Pilates that have seen a real growth of interest. But there are many other styles there too, including classical, clinical and contemporary.

The surge in popularity of Pilates developed during the 1990s. According to a Newsweek article from the year 2000, participation grew from roughly 5,000 in 1990 to 5 million a decade later. (And that was in the US alone).

Of course, celebrity involvement always peaks interest and the likes of Julia Roberts, Sharon Stone and Madonna had all given it a try.

However, almost two decades later and Pilates is still very much on the radar, and its enduring popularity supersedes celebrity!

We take a look at the two most popular classes and see how they can benefit you.

What is so unique about Pilates?

Part of what makes any form of Pilates so unique is its unusual origins. Its founder, Joseph Pilates, developed many of the basic principles out of sheer necessity.

Interned in the early stages of World War 1, he developed methods to help his fellow captives with sickness and injury.

Not only were his methods developed through compassion for his colleagues, but they had to be effective. He was driven by the desire to rehabilitate those in need, not by some commercial imperative.

And although he was self-taught, he called on a broad spectrum of knowledge of gymnastics, martial arts, yoga, body-building, and boxing.

His methodology helped pave the transition between some of the more esoteric ancient practices and more modern holistic exercise principles.

Reformer Pilates – and its benefits

On first encountering Pilates equipment it can look somewhat daunting. The machines can have more of an appearance of torture devices than exercise aids. The Pilates Reformer and other Pilates equipment are however incredibly helpful.

There are principles of exercise that are central to the original philosophy of Joseph Pilates. Unlike some gym based activities that can be rapid and explosive, Pilates often emphasise movements that are fluid and precise.

Reformer (or equipment based) Pilates can help to enhance this precision and fluidity of movement. In addition, it can help with aspects of body control and concentration.

The aim of Pilates is to encourage a mind-body connection. With the body being guided by the equipment, the participant is able to focus more fully. They can also concentrate on correct breathing which is instrumental in bringing the mind-body connection into play.

Joseph Pilates intended that the machine-based exercises should be a pre-cursor to the free-form or mat-based exercises. For many people, reformer Pilates is a good starting point to get to grips with the exercise modality.  There tends to be more specialised attention from the instructor in these sessions, so it is a great way to accelerate your learning.

Furthermore, the support that the machines offer often make it a more suitable option if you are injured and looking to rehabilitate.

Mat-based Pilates – A second option

On the mat, your body weight provides resistance against gravity, making the workout more challenging in many cases.

You won’t be able to rely on the assistance of cables and springs to aid your movement. As such, there is a strong emphasis on being able to control your own body movement.

The benefits of both forms are numerous, so there is no need to agonise over the decision. In fact, it is worth giving both a try to see which feels most suitable for you.

We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!

We are always happy to help.

The post Should I try Reformer Pilates? – What does it involve? appeared first on Perea Clinic.

Reformer Pilates is growing in popularity. Recently we discussed Pilates in general and explained that there are two main types. There is the Pilates that is performed only on a mat, but there is also a version that involves the use of specialist equipment and machines.

The name of one of these specialised machines is the reformer. The history of the modern day reformer is an unusual one. The basic idea was developed a hundred years ago during World War 1. It was developed to help injured soldiers to exercise and build strength and flexibility whilst they were still bed bound. But today, the modern machines are incredibly well designed.

Background to Pilates

Its founder was a dedicated student of a wide variety of exercises. Joseph Pilates combined Western and Eastern ideas about health and physical fitness and was one of the first to do so. He was influenced by Greek and Roman ideas on exercise as well as body-building.  He also looked at gymnastics, tai chi, martial arts and Zen meditation in his work too. That all makes it sound very complicated but with proper instruction, anyone can do Pilates.

What exercises are performed on a Pilates reformer?

Pilates has not always been known by that name. Originally it was called Contrology. This gives us a useful insight into how the exercises are performed. There is a real emphasis on precision, as you will see in this short video.

The reformer is one of the most versatile pieces of exercise equipment you can find. It can be used to strengthen a variety of different muscle groups and has also been shown to improve low back pain, increase flexibility and restore balance. You can target virtually any muscle group in the body, including many that tend to get overlooked.

What are the benefits of reformer Pilates?

Because of the added resistance of the springs, this is a type of exercise that is high-intensity but low impact. Among other things, it is of great use during pregnancy.

The low impact nature is perfect for swollen joints, the pelvic floor exercises will help during childbirth and core work will help ease back pain. Exercising during your pregnancy will maintain a base level of tone and fitness, helping your body to snap back more easily after pregnancy.

It is also great for posture. Engaging your core isn’t just about getting great abs; it does wonders for your posture too. Your muscles contract to keep you balanced throughout the movements, thus improving your stability and creating better posture and alignment.

It can also be beneficial for strengthening and weight loss. And something that is often overlooked is the positive impact it can have on mood. Controlled and relaxed movements and controlled breathing can have a meditative effect on the mind.

Give it a try!

We hope this information was useful for you. If you have any questions about it or about our treatments, please contact us.  We are in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help.

The post Reformer Pilates – An introduction to this excellent form of exercise appeared first on Perea Clinic.