Yahoo Movies How reformer Pilates can work for you
The famous and influential – from Margot Robbie to Meghan Markle – swear by the body conditioning benefits of reformer Pilates (where the low-impact, mind-body discipline is performed on specialist equipment, allowing for a more dynamic, supportive, and/or targeted workout). But the practice is for all.
"The reformer machine was originally designed by Joseph Pilates using rudimentary materials such as bed springs to help add a level of resistance to exercises," explains Hollie Grant, founder of Pilates PT – but the reformer was also designed to support those who needed help during certain exercises, she notes. "Many of the reformer exercises are simply mat Pilates exercises that use the machine to either make the exercise more challenging or make it easier. This is the beauty of the reformer – it can help intensify exercises (by increasing resistance), but it can also ease exercises (by providing support through resistance)."
Indeed, "that you need to be 'in shape' to do reformer Pilates is not true," says James Shaw, who has taught reformer Pilates at Equinox St James, Frame and Third Space. Ergo, reformer Pilates a great place to start in the world of studio workouts, he explains. “All the exercises can be progressed and regressed to the individual being taught. This will enable you to be challenged, thus strengthening you in multiple ways and setting you up to achieve your fitness goals.” It’s even ideal for those who are injured, Grant adds, as the machine can support you and help ensure correct positioning.
But regardless of abilities, Grant adds that reformer Pilates classes can be more engaging than mat-based ones. "Reformer machines offer so many options, and alternatives to exercises that a mat simply wouldn’t allow. This is why people become addicted to the method and continue to practice it for decades!"
Here Shaw tells Bazaar all you need to know about reformer Pilates, plus we share our favourite spots to practice the discipline in the capital.
The unique benefits of reformer Pilates
"The Pilates reformer is an amazing piece of apparatus like no other, which helps you to find length and space in the body while under spring tension. Far from just a workout for your core, this piece of apparatus helps create internal pressure to elongate the spine, joints and muscles which then leads to greater flexibility, strength, stamina and a more balanced posture. This type of physical and mental workout is even more relevant now due to lifestyle factors such as long working days, being seated for long periods of time, and mental health aspects, to name just a few."
Practice means progress with reformer Pilates
"Like any other sport or discipline, to become better at Pilates you must practice. I’d say to start twice a week to get to grips with the apparatus and get oriented with the workings of the reformer machine. But then, the more you can practice the better you will become.
"Pilates is laced with technical term and movement choreography which at the start can seem daunting. But in time, as you become more familiar with the Pilates method, you'll be moving using the deepest muscles of the mind and body that you didn’t even know you had."
Breathwork is a priority in reformer Pilates
"Holding the breath is a common mistake. Breath is one of the six Pilates core principles and we encourage breath with the movement. Breathing is proven to lower blood pressure, helps to bring one's focus from the mind to the body and help engage the deeper abdominal muscles.
"The Pilates philosophy is to build a strong powerhouse or core and then progress outwards."
Reformer Pilates is suitable for all
"Pilates is for anybody and everybody – and the reformer doesn’t discriminate; it's there to help us all.
"From rehab clients that need the support of the springs to enhance their recovery, to desk workers that sit too much, pro athletes and anyone on a pre- or postnatal fitness journey. Reformer pilates is complementary to all lifestyle."
The best reformer Pilates classes in London
Reformcore
From the experts behind the revolutionary Barrecore, Reformcore is a dynamic, challenging fitness concept that blends the deep burn of barre with the coordination of the reformer carriage. The classes may be testing, but the experience is meditative and (for a fleeting moment, at least) rather relaxing, with guided meditation bookending the fifty minutes of strength work and stretching. Find a class at four locations across London.
Frame
Frame, London’s original pay-as-you-go boutique fitness studio, offers various reformer Pilates classes at its multiple London locations. Anyone pre- or postnatal should book the custom reformer Pilates classes within their MumHood branch. It’s ideal for helping maintain muscle tone and to strengthen the legs, glutes, shoulders and back to limit aches and pains throughout pregnancy and beyond.
Equinox
Offering a mix of classical and modern Pilates, Equinox has pristine studios, elite teachers, and top-notch equipment. Its mission? To “tighten what’s loose and loosen what’s tight”. One-on-one sessions are also available. (Members only.)
Nobu Pilates
Nobu Hotel London Portman Square presents another premium reformer offering with the first Nobu Pilates studio. Visitors can book on demand to enjoy one of three signature styles taught on the reformer: Power (which is HIIT-style), Precision (focused on sculpting) and Pure (prioritising posture) in a group or private setting. Expect an elevated experience all round.
Heartcore
With various studios across the capital (all of which are beautiful), Heartcore’s method combines the discipline of dynamic Pilates with the wisdom of yoga. Taught on the Coreformer (a specific type of reformer), classes are slow and controlled but challenging, promising physical and mental transformation.
Ten
Ten has been in the reformer Pilates game since the discipline took off in London and has honed its class offering to please all. Sessions range from beginners-focussed to those suitable for intermediate and advanced abilities. Plus there are cardio and circuit versions, stretch sessions, and options for pre- and postnatal clients.
Exhale Pilates
Dedicated to teaching classical Pilates – the machine-based works of Joseph Pilates which was originally coined Contrology (his fundamental principle being to let your mind control the muscles), Exhale has classes for all – from the novice to the teacher – at studios in Marylebone, North Finchley and Primrose Hill.
Anthro-Contrology
A boutique dynamic reformer Pilates studio in Richmond, Anthro-Contrology excels at teaching small group sessions (on up to six reformers) as well as private one-to-one tutoring, with a varied class timetable to suit individual needs.
Karve
For fun, fast-flowing reformer look to Karve in Kensington. Inspired by New York's energy, its specialism is 'transformer Pilates classes'. Expect a high-intensity, low-impact workout.
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