Pilates is a very popular form of exercise now around the world. Find out what the Pilates Reformer Machine is and how it can help you.
At first glance, the Pilates Reformer Machine looks like a refugee from the medieval times. Very similar to the torture device, to extract information from the people! A closer examination reveals that the Pilates Reformer is actually quite an elegant machine. It is very suitable machine to do plenty of pilates exercises.
The Pilates Reformer Machine
So what does the Pilates Reformer do exactly? Perhaps the best thing to do is to explain some of the principals behind Pilates. In such way, you will better understand what the Reformer is trying to achieve.
The definition of Pilates is the balanced development of the deep and superficial muscles that stabilize, align, and move the trunk of the body. Especially the goal is to develop the abdominals and muscles of the back, which many fitness teachers might also refer to as core strength. Core strength looks beyond the superficial, and sometimes cosmetic, outer appearance, and looks at the power of the internal muscles.
This definition is further broken down into the following principals that govern Pilates. Centering, Concentration, Control, Precision, Breath, and Flow. So let’s examine each of these principals in turn. By the way, we should point out that creator of the Pilates system did not actually stated these definitions. Actually, instructors at a later stage started to use these definitons.
Principals of Pilates
Centering refers to bringing the focus of the exercise to the centre of the body between the lower ribs and pubic bone. Energetically, Pilates exercises are sourced from this centre.
Concentration simply means bringing one’s full attention to the exercise. The goal is doing the exercise with full commitment. As with any exercise, giving it your full attention will yield maximum benefit.
Every Pilates exercise must be done with complete muscular control. No body part is left to its own devices. This really goes hand in hand with the previous principal.
In Pilates, awareness is sustained throughout each movement. There is an appropriate placement, alignment relative to other body parts. The trajectory for each part of the body, and precision of movement is important.
Joseph Pilates emphasized using a very full breath in his exercises. He advocated thinking of the lungs as a bellows to pump the air in and out of the body. Most Pilates exercises (as is common in a lot of exercise regimes) coordinate with the breath. Therefore, using the breath properly is an important part of Pilates exercise.
Benefits of Reformer Machine
Fluidity, grace, and ease are goals in all Pilates exercises. A smooth technique is important to the most beneficial use of Pilates.
You may well see that most of these principals are common sense. Because, they are very important, if you are serious about your exercise. If you are new to exercising, and Pilates in particular, then please take these principals in serious. As a result, you will find that Pilates will be able to do a great deal for you.
