Reformer Pilates 💪

What it means to reform the body through Reformer Pilates

Reformer Pilates is an evolution of mat-based Pilates with resistance added to the exercise from the reformer machine. Reformer Pilates is more intense and dynamic than mat-based Pilates thanks to the machine's springs that vary the resistance level to scale exercises up or down (i.e. to make it harder or easier).

The exercises build and tone muscles through a large range of motion that also increases stability through the joints. Reformer Pilates works more areas than mat-based Pilates—as mat-based is mostly core focused—whereas the reformer machine works the entire body and more peripheral muscles in the arms and legs.

Reformer Pilates is optimal for rehab purposes as there’s a range of exercises designed to be performed in a horizontal plane of motion rather than being vertically loaded and weight bearing through standing. For example, by using a lighter resistance than a person’s body weight, their recovery is sped up through controlled and larger movements. The Pilates reformer has a sliding carriage, ropes, pulleys, and the all-important resistance springs. Joseph Pilates designed the Pilates machine reformer in the original Pilates studio in New York in the 1920s.

What's the original meaning of the word 'reform'?

The original word has roots in Middle English as a verb in the senses ‘restore (peace)’ and ‘bring back to the original condition’. And from Old French reformer or Latin reformare, from re- ‘back’ + formare ‘to form, shape’. The noun dates from the mid 17th century.

Dictionary source