BENEFITS OF THE REFORMER

• Core Strength

Pilates exercises on the Reformer build strength in the muscles of the back, abdomen and hips. It helps enhance flexibility, range of motion and posture in a low-impact manner. The Reformer is particularly effective in helping you target the deepest muscles of your abdomen--the transverse abdominus and internal obliques.

• Better Results

The pulley and spring system offers resistance that cannot be attained with body weight mat Pilates exercises alone. Rebecca Friedlander writes at Gaiam Life that this additional resistance produces visible results sooner. In just 12 sessions, you may see more definition in your abdominals, arms and legs.

• Personal Attention

Mat Pilates classes, common in fitness facilities, are usually well-attended with anywhere from 10 to 50 participants in a class. Because of the more complex nature of the Reformer, classes are smaller in number--usually with a maximum of six or so students per class. This allows you to have more one-on-one time with a qualified instructor.

• Better Form

The Reformer gives you a better sense of where your body should be placed during execution of Pilates exercises. Many Pilates exercises are nuanced, and require you to recruit muscles and imagine the air as thick and offering resistance, notes Erika Quest, Reformer instructor and IDEA Health and Fitness Association expert. The Reformer helps you make this visualization happen, so that all of the exercises become more effective.

References

• IDEA Health and Fitness Association: The Essential Cue: Reformer
• American Council on Exercise: Pilates Primer
• Gaiam Life: Should You Do Pilates on a Mat or a Reformer

About this Author

Andrea Cespedes is a professionally trained chef who has focused studies in nutrition. With more than 20 years of experience in the fitness industry, she coaches cycling and running and teaches Pilates and yoga. She is an American Council on Exercise-certified personal trainer and has degrees from Princeton and Columbia University.