Unlike mat Pilates, Reformer Pilates involves using a large equipment called a reformer that is designed with a system of pulleys and springs to provide resistance. The machine works the whole body, integrating breath with movement while activating core muscles at the same time. The aim of Reformer Pilates is to strengthen your muscles, build core strength, and challenge your flexibility and balance.
You might be wondering, is Reformer Pilates safe for beginners? Yes, it is! You can make it as beginner friendly as you like, applying the same principles but using different setups or spring tension level.
Let me share with you my own experience doing Reformer Pilates 3x a week for 4 weeks. I’ve never tried this kind of Pilates before and I’ve only attended Pilates classes a few times (many years ago) so I was a bit anxious the first time I walked into the studio.
There was a lot of self-talk and I almost didn’t push through with it until I remembered how much I had paid to join the classes ($90/week). So I decided I needed to just go there and get it over with. I mean, how hard can it be right?
As it turns out, it was very, very hard. I huffed and puffed my way through the first session with precise and slow movements that felt like hell in my core. My heart was racing with all the lunges, squats and downward dogs we had to do. BUT after my class, I felt absolutely great.
So here are the main takeaways from doing Reformer Pilates based on my personal experience:
1. It gives you an energy boost.
You’ll get a runner’s high from doing Reformer Pilates and still have lots of energy throughout the day.
2. It’s easy on the joints.
Unlike running which is hard on the joints, this workout will not cause soreness on the knees. Perhaps the first few sessions you will experience some soreness but it’s only because you haven’t done these workouts before. Reformer Pilates is a low-impact workout.
3. You can integrate it with home workouts.
Reformer Pilates is great but it can be expensive ($20-$30 per class) so what I plan to do is apply what I’ve learned and incorporate it into home workouts.
4. It’s hard work but it definitely pays off.
Reformer Pilates is tough – there’s no way to sugarcoat it. During your workout you’ll find yourself feeling like you can no longer continue (and yet you will because you paid for your class!). After your class you feel like you’ve used up all energy in your body yet surprisingly you will feel like you’ve been given a boost of energy at the same time. Let me tell you though that after a few sessions you will notice the movements becoming easier so don’t give up!
In weeks 3 and 4 you will notice definition in your abs, arms and thighs. You will also notice that you become more productive – since you feel more energetic throughout the day.
I plan on continuing with my Reformer Pilates class but I’ll probably do once a week instead and continue at home with a modified version – since I can’t afford the Studio Reformer just yet. I also attend yoga class at Gold’s Gym.
Here’s an unboxing of the Studio Reformer, in case you’re interested in getting one: