Private Reformer Training available by appointment.
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness. Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily, and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.” Joseph Pilates
There is probably no piece of Pilates equipment more famous than the reformer.
What Is a Pilates Reformer?
The reformer was invented by Joseph Pilates. The reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform on it, called the carriage. The carriage rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the reformer by a set of springs. The springs provide choices of differing levels of resistance the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame. The carriage has shoulder blocks on it that keep a practitioner from sliding off the end of the reformer as they push or pull the carriage.
At the spring end of the reformer there is an adjustable bar called a footbar.The footbar can be used by the feet or hands as a practitioner moves the carriage. The reformer also has long straps with handles on them that are attached to the top end of the frame. They can be pulled with legs or arms to move the carriage as well. Body weight and resistance of the springs are what make the carriage more or less difficult to move. Reformers are adjustable for different body sizes and for different skill levels.
Exercises can be done lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar, perched on the footbar, perched on the shoulder blocks, with additional equipment, upside down, sideways and all kinds of variations thereof. In other words, the reformer can train many parts and dynamics of the body in so many different ways with just one relatively sleek piece of equipment.
Exercises are done on the reformer to promote length, strength, flexibility, and balance.These things in turn lead to better posture, graceful, efficient movement, and for many, relief from pain associated with physical imbalances such as back pain.
There are many, many reformer exercises, including those for beginners to exercises that challenge the most advanced client.
Exercising with the reformer is possible for anyone, at any level of fitness.