Reformer Pilates

I run mixed ability classes at The Reformer Room in Long Eaton.

Pilates reformer is suitable for everyone, regardless of their experience, fitness levels, or knowledge of Pilates. However, it can be difficult to know what class would suit you best. Every class is different. The people, the atmosphere, and the energy levels change class to class.

I would suggest finding ones that suit your schedule and go with the one that you liked and made you feel comfortable.

Mixed Ability Classes

Mixed ability classes are classes that welcome all abilities. All of my mixed ability classes are beginner friendly. Exercises can be modified to make them more accessible or more challenging. In a mixed ability class you will be offered variations on an exercise and encouraged to work at your own pace.

In some classes everyone might be doing something slightly different. The focus is on you deciding how much you want to work, picking a variation that suits you, and picking your springs accordingly. You’ll be told a guide spring and then it’s your choice if you want to follow that, or go heavier, or go lighter.

Guidance will still be offered to everyone and beginners will be given help with the reformer until they feel more confident with it.

If you are a beginner don’t worry that you will slow a class. Everyone works at their own speed and listens to their own bodies.

After World War 1, he returned to Germany and continued to teach the mat work exercises he had developed. During this time he started to design and create apparatus that could be used with his exercise method including The Universal Reformer.

In an interview from 1946, Pilates explains: “Of course you can exercise without machines. But it’s not as efficient – would take longer. With them, three or four hours work a week is enough.”

Pilates recognised that the apparatus could provide resistance and support. It placed the body in a better position to move from, it could correct muscular imbalances and poor movement patterns, whilst supporting and challenging the body.

In function the modern reformer hasn’t changed much from The Universal Reformer.

JumpBoard

The jumpboard is a padded block that slots into the end of the Reformer and acts as a springboard. This was not an original Joseph Pilate design and there are conflicting stories regarding the origin of the jumpboard.

One possible origin story is that it was actually created by NASA in the 1980’s to simulate the effects of weightlessness for astronauts-in-training. Somewhere along the way this idea was modified and added to the Reformer as a jumpboard.

Another suggestion is that Eve Gentry, a student of Joseph Pilates and a teacher of Contrology, designed the first jumpboard as part of her work with St. Francis Hospital and the Pilates based rehabilitation program. She definitely used a wooden board as a springboard which lends credence to this story.

Either way, the original manufacturer of Pilates equipment, Gratz Design, added the jump board to their Reformer designs and now most Reformer’s will come with a jummboard attachment. Some look more like mini trampolines and some look more like a solid block.

The jumpboard is a great tool for rehabilitation, power training and cardio (it’s gentler on the joints making it good for people with unstable joints and osteoporosis).