Okay…I know that Pilates hasn’t been hiding from me and isn’t a new type of workout. However, I have never done the Reformer-type Pilates and I LOVE it. Mat Pilates and Reformer Pilates are very different. If you have been looking for a low impact, strengthening workout, this would be the workout for you, too.
Personal Physical Limitations
I have issues with my hips…a hip replacement is in my future. I was doing barre classes, but I was unable to do some of the movements because of my hips. The vibe of the studio wasn’t to my liking, as well. I did a “Fitness Crawl” at a local shopping/lifestyle center; it was 4-25 minute classes at each of the fitness studios in the center. One of the classes was at a Pilates reformer studio. I did that one short class and I really liked it. I then booked an introduction class for free and knew it was the workout I was looking for.
Pilates Reformer
The Reformer is a piece of equipment that has different springs in it, which adds resistance to you workout. If you are doing arm exercises, you use less resistance. If you are doing leg exercises, you use more resistance. There is also something called a springboard attached to the wall which also has springs on it. You use the springboard for additional exercises, mostly involving arms. There is also a small section of barre on the springboard. Other equipment that you use are balls, BOSUs and magic rings. It may sound overwhelming, but within a few classes, you get the idea of how to use everything.
Happy Place
I highly recommend Reformer Pilates. Club Pilates is my studio of choice because it is local to where I live. (I am not gettting paid or receiving any compensation from them for this post. I just really like the classes.). There are some days that I don’t even break a sweat in my classes, but I know that I am getting stronger. There is a TON of core work in these classes. This workout makes me happy and I enjoy going to the classes. I NEVER dread going to this workout. Give it a try! You may love it, too.
I love Pilates because it is not overly strenuous. I get in a good workout but like you said above. Some day’s I don’t feel like I am breaking a sweat. It’s nice!
Totally agree!!
I started doing Pilates and realized I was not flexible but through continuously exercising my flexibility improved. I need to start doing Pilates again, this is the first time I heard of reformer plates.
Try it…you’ll love it.
I’ve heard so many good things about pilates. I will need to give it a go sometime. Glad it’s worked well for you!
Thanks Patricia
I really need to step up my Pilates game. It hurts at first but it is so incredibly helpful!
Don’t give up, it gets easier because you get stronger
I haven’t tried Pilates yet but I hope I can try it soon.
I took my first reformer class two years ago and it CHANGED me! It was crazy hard!
LOVE it!!
I love reformer Pilates, too! (My abs don’t always agree. Lol.) I think it’s so important to find a workout that works for you. I’m glad you found one!
Thanks Christa
I love Pilates because it is good for health. My body has improved when it comes on flexibility and my strength and stability has increased. Im impressed.
I didn’t realize so many people did Pilates. Love it!
As a long devoted self-taught yogi, it has been difficult to try another form of exercise. I have heard about the many benefits of pilates & always wanted to try…may look into now that I read your post!
I also do yoga and feel that Pilates utilize a lot of the skills and movements that I learned in yoga. Give it a try…I think you’ll love it.
I completely identify with this! I used to feel like I had to be sweating bullets and have a thru-the-roof heartbeat in order to get in a good workout. It took me years to find yoga and pilates, eventually realizing I was very mistaken!
Yessssss!! I also LOVE yoga.
I love Pilates…did for a year and it made me feel good but I’m more a “yoga” person 🙂
I’m also a yoga person, but I think Pilates is a great complement to yoga.
I have always wanted to try pilates. Maybe I’ll start.
I’ve only taken ONE pilates reformer class and it was HARD.
There is an attention and focus required in doing the exercises smoothly, a focus that changes your movement awareness even beyond the class session.
Pilates is such a good workout that everyone should try. It helps in lessening stress and staying fit specially this time where we stay at home.
Long, lean muscles are the name of the game. In Pilates, you are not looking to build muscles for show. You are building toned muscles that work perfectly within the context of your body as a whole, and your individual functional fitness needs as you move through life.