Frequently Asked Questions

What is reformer pilates?

Reformer Pilates is a type of Pilates that is performed on a specialised piece of equipment called a Reformer. The Reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform, called the carriage, which rolls back and forth on wheels within the frame. The carriage is attached to one end of the Reformer by a set of springs, which provide varying levels of resistance as the carriage is pushed or pulled along the frame.

Reformer Pilates exercises are designed to target specific muscle groups and improve strength, flexibility, and posture. The resistance provided by the springs can be adjusted to make the exercises more or less challenging, allowing for a highly customisable workout. The Reformer also allows for a greater range of motion than traditional Mat Pilates, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their flexibility and mobility.

Reformer Pilates is suitable for people of all fitness levels and can be adapted to meet the needs of individuals with injuries or physical limitations. It’s a fun and challenging workout that can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being

Is reformer pilates suitable for beginners?

Yes, Reformer Pilates is absolutely suitable for beginners. The Reformer is a specialised piece of equipment that allows for a highly customisable workout, with adjustable resistance levels to make the exercises more or less challenging. This means that the workout can be tailored to meet the needs and abilities of individuals of all fitness levels, including beginners.

In fact, many people find that starting with Reformer Pilates is a great way to build a strong foundation in the principles of Pilates, such as proper alignment, breathing, and core engagement. The Reformer provides support and feedback to help beginners learn and perform the exercises correctly, reducing the risk of injury and maximising the benefits of the workout.

At our studio, we offer beginner-friendly Reformer Pilates classes, where our skilled instructors will guide you through the exercises and provide modifications and adjustments as needed. We also offer private sessions for those who prefer one-on-one instruction. So, if you’re new to Pilates and interested in trying Reformer Pilates, don’t hesitate to join us!

What are the benefits of reformer pilates?

Reformer Pilates offers a wide range of benefits for both the body and mind.

Some of the key benefits of Reformer Pilates include:

Improved strength: Reformer Pilates exercises target specific muscle groups, helping to improve overall strength and muscle tone. The adjustable resistance provided by the springs on the Reformer allows for a challenging workout that can be tailored to your fitness level.
Increased flexibility: The Reformer allows for a greater range of motion than traditional Mat Pilates, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their flexibility and mobility.
Better posture: Reformer Pilates exercises focus on proper alignment and core engagement, helping to improve posture and reduce the risk of injury.
Reduced stress: The mind-body connection emphasized in Reformer Pilates can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Focused breathing exercises and controlled movements can help to quiet the mind and release tension in the body.
Enhanced athletic performance: Reformer Pilates can help to improve balance, coordination, and agility, making it a great cross-training option for athletes of all levels.

Overall, Reformer Pilates is a fun and challenging workout that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your strength, flexibility, posture, or simply reduce stress, Reformer Pilates is a great choice.

Is reformer pilates a cardiovascular workout?

While Reformer Pilates is primarily a strength-based workout, it can also provide some cardiovascular benefits. The level of cardiovascular challenge in a Reformer Pilates workout depends on the intensity and pace of the exercises. By performing the exercises at a faster pace with minimal rest between sets, you can elevate your heart rate and increase the cardiovascular challenge of the workout.

However, it’s important to note that Reformer Pilates is not typically considered a high-intensity cardiovascular workout. If your primary goal is to improve your cardiovascular fitness, you may want to incorporate other forms of cardiovascular exercise, such as running or cycling, into your fitness routine in addition to Reformer Pilates.

That being said, Reformer Pilates can still provide numerous health benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, posture, and reduced stress. It’s a great addition to any fitness routine and can help to improve overall health and well-being

Can reformer pilates help with weight loss?

Reformer Pilates can certainly help with weight loss as part of a balanced diet and exercise routine. Reformer Pilates is a full-body workout that can help to improve muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. By building lean muscle mass, you can increase your metabolism and burn more calories at rest, which can help to promote weight loss.

In addition to the physical benefits, Reformer Pilates also emphasizes the mind-body connection and can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can have a positive impact on weight loss by reducing stress-related overeating and improving sleep quality.

However, it’s important to note that weight loss is a complex process that involves many factors, including diet, exercise, and lifestyle habits. Reformer Pilates can be a valuable part of a weight loss journey, but it’s important to also focus on healthy eating habits and other forms of physical activity to achieve sustainable weight loss.

Overall, Reformer Pilates is a great addition to any fitness routine and can provide numerous health benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, posture, and reduced stress. It can certainly help with weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.

How often should I do reformer pilates?

The frequency with which you should do Reformer Pilates depends on your individual fitness goals and schedule. For general fitness and well-being, it’s recommended to do Reformer Pilates 2-3 times per week. This allows for adequate rest and recovery between sessions while still providing the benefits of regular practice.

If you’re looking to achieve specific fitness goals, such as building strength or improving flexibility, you may want to increase the frequency of your Reformer Pilates practice to 3-4 times per week. It’s important to listen to your body and allow for adequate rest and recovery, especially if you’re also engaging in other forms of physical activity.

Ultimately, the key is to find a routine that works for you and that you can stick to consistently. Regular practice of Reformer Pilates can provide numerous health benefits, including improved strength, flexibility, posture, and reduced stress. So, whether you choose to do Reformer Pilates 2-3 times per week or more frequently, the most important thing is to make it a regular part of your fitness routine.

Is reformer pilates suitable for individuals with injuries or physical limitations?

During the class, your instructor will guide you through a series of exercises designed to target specific muscle groups and improve strength, flexibility, and posture. The resistance provided by the springs can be adjusted to make the exercises more or less challenging, allowing for a highly customisable workout.

You can expect to work on exercises that focus on core strength, balance, and coordination. The class may also include some stretching and relaxation exercises to help release tension and improve flexibility.

Overall, a Reformer Pilates class is a fun and challenging workout that can help you achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that allows for a full range of motion and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your workout.

Do I need any specialised equipment for reformer pilates?

Reformer pilates requires the use of a reformer machine, which is provided by us. You will need to bring your own grip socks to ensure stability on the machine, and wearing comfortable workout attire is recommended.

How long is a typical reformer pilates class?

The duration of a reformer pilates class can vary depending on the studio and instructor. Most classes tend to be around 45 minutes long.

What should I expect in a reformer pilates class?

In a reformer pilates class, you can expect a combination of exercises performed on the reformer machine. These exercises focus on engaging the core, strengthening the muscles, improving flexibility, and promoting body awareness. The instructor will guide you through the movements and may incorporate props or additional equipment for variety.