The Reformer (Pilates Equipment Part 1)
I have a dark secret to share.
“Those look like torture devices!” was my first reaction to seeing the Pilates equipment. Gunmetal grey bars along with springs and hooks and black vinyl was not a look that felt welcoming to me! Have you had that experience with Pilates or even gym equipment? Looks complicated and painful, I thought.
After working out on the equipment my whole view changed of course but if you’ve never even seen the Pilates equipment, here’s a little introduction to The Reformer. If you’re curious about how Joseph Pilates developed his equipment, check out my History of Pilates post.
I’ll introduce the 3 pieces of equipment that I have in my studio- The Reformer, The Wunda Chair and The Tower. There are a number of other pieces of equipment but these are the ones that most Pilates studio will have.
The Reformer
The equipment pictured above is a Reformer and Tower Combo with the Reformer part outlined.
The Reformer consists of the frame and a reformer carriage/bed on wheels. The springs attach the carriage to the frame. At the front is a standing platform and a movable foot bar. At the back, ropes with foot and hand loops connect the carriage to the frame.
On the Reformer you can exercise standing up, lying on your back, sitting sideways, forward or backward, lying on your side, or lying on your front. SO much variety!
The Springs
Each piece of equipment uses springs (see image above) of varying tensions not only to to create resistance but also a glorious feeling of extension and lengthening. Each Pilates equipment company uses various colours to indicate different tensions. At Joyful Fitness Pilates, I use Balanced Body Equipment and the tension for each colour is as follows:
Green: 1.25
Red: 1.0
Blue: 0.5
Yellow: 0.25
With this range of tensions, we can easily find the one that works best for individual bodies and even different limbs, for the each exercise.
Integrated Movement
The most interesting aspect (at least to me!) is that you can use your spinal/torso muscles to move the springs, not just your arms and legs. It makes for a whole-body flow-y connected experience like no other.
Move with joy,
Nicole
