Reformer Pilates: We Put This Celebrity-Loved Fitness Class To The Test

Reformer Pilates.

I ended up in this class accidentally but there were only three other people attending so I felt it would be too obvious if I tried to slip out unnoticed. No sneaking away for me.

How it works

We were each given these large, bed-like, wooden machines which had various springs and ropes attached to them. The part where you sit rolls back and forth whichever way you push it, and the machines are adjustable for different body shapes and sizes. You can choose different levels of resistance depending on your ability too.

I was cautious. Firstly, the instructor had us lying down, rolling back and forth, and doing squat like movements. Then we did the same movement with only one leg, and then the other. I found myself getting warmed up super quickly.

Then the ropes came into play. We were told to pull the straps in various different directions. When we moved onto our arms, I really began to feel the burn and at this point I was sweating. The instructor placed an emphasis on biceps, triceps and shoulders so every part of our arms were getting a bit of a workout.

The effects

Not only do you stretch your body more than you ever thought possible, the machine makes it a bit more interesting than normal Pilates on a mat. Exercises can be done lying down, sitting, standing, pulling the straps, pushing the footbar and all other kinds of ways too. We did a bit of everything and there wasn’t a second that I didn’t enjoy. I really felt like I was working on my overall strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. There wasn’t a part of my body that didn’t get attention. I felt it working and working hard on my core, my legs and my arms in particular.

The benefits

The class is suitable for everyone, all ages and levels of fitness and I really couldn’t recommend it more. The instructor said it’s an ideal way to achieve long and lean muscles without developing any sort of bulk and I think he might be right. So many women are self conscious about their arms and I totally think you would see improved definition even after only a few classes. I’d imagine it’s most definitely where celebrities get their lovely toned arms from.

According to Joseph Pilates himself (the founder Of Pilates) “in 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body.” I think it’s a perfect hobby to take up pre-festive season and I will most certainly be going back for more.

• body
• fitness
• health
• Pilates
• Reformer Pilates