Pilates 101 | What to expect from a Reformer class

What Is Reformer Pilates? 

Created by Joseph Pilates, and initially used with dancers, Pilates entered mainstream fitness with the help of the Madonnas, Gwenyths, and Giseles of the world. While Pilates can be done on a mat, the traditional method is performed on a piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates himself: the Reformer. “A reformer is an apparatus designed with a system of springs and pulleys that allows an exercise to become more or less challenging based on the setup of the Pilates exercise. The Pilates Reformer is an amazing piece of equipment, as it allows you to get an amazing workout in a supported environment,” explains Jen Metcalf, owner and founder of Higher Terrain studio. “Many of the exercises are performed lying down, decompressing the spine, and allowing students to work deep muscles with the support of the machine.”

In a traditional Pilates workout, there was an “order” to the reformer Pilates exercises. “Our Pilates Reformer classes are very contemporary. We honor Pilates principals, while offering new versions of older Pilates exercises, and variety to routines. I love to incorporate planks in my Pilates classes, and I rarely perform the hundred. I feel there are better ways to target core muscles,” explains Metcalf who is physical therapist, and also owns Flex Pilates, a private Pilates studio.

A Reformer class is a great way to get a full body workout, as well as improve flexibility. Each exercise is performed with full range of movement in mind, to create long muscles, improve posture, and body alignment, as well as muscle symmetry.

We hope to see you in a Reformer class!

Love, and Planks!

Higher Terrain studio