Has anyone here tried Reformer Pilates? The machines look a bit like a medieval torture rack to me, but it seems to be massively popular so I’m clearly missing something. A new lunchtime class has opened near me, and I’m wondering if it might help loosen up the stiffness I’m getting these days from weightlifting, HIIT, and cycling — the joys of ageing.
I’d be really interested to hear your experiences if you’ve done it.
I've not tried Reformer Pilates, but normal Pilates has worked wonders for me for getting rid of aches and pains
So these are not classes where you go to learn how to become small minded, angry bigots?
Mrs OTS is a pilates teacher and has been going to reformer classes for the past 18 months as a punter.
She loves it in the mix of running, mat pilates, yoga and weights. In terms of specific benefit, she said that it's help rebalance some parts e.g. she found it easier/more natural to turn both ways skiing this January as she felt the strength in her dominant and non-dominant legs were closer. Not sure I fully understand, but it works for her.
Mrs Kilo goes to reformer classes once a week, occasionally twice a week, she's a big fan of them to the extent we have a reformer at home. I've never been on the thing so I'll get her to post her thoughts on them later. In London she uses our local YMCA which is considerably cheaper than any other classes, over here they seem quite trendy atm.
Reformers basically make sure you are doing your pilates movements properly so make you focus more on your core strength. Pilates is well worth it. Reformer pilates worth it as long as it isn't significantly more expensive.
Yes, being doing pilates for years and have on and off done reformer. I find it really helps. I see it as preventative physio. Strength to prevent injuries. When I've taken time out I've noticed my body feels worse.
I prefer mat because I can do the exercises myself at home to build strength where I'm weaker.
But reformer is good. It will likely start slow and not feel particularly difficult. Although it is only body weight (and springs for reformer) you can knacker yourself if you do things wrong so there is a short learning curve. It can be incredibly physical though. Reformer might be more engaging than mat classes.
Give it a go. I was skeptical but my wife dragged me along ten years ago and I was converted.
I've been wondering about reformer; for a couple of years I was doing (regular) pilates every week and felt good for it. But reformer seems like a real step up - I'd definitely be concerned about rocking up to a class and not having a clue which end of the machine is which and generally making a tit of myself