Pilates Reformer: The "Pilates Bed" - does it work?
84Pilates is one of the most misunderstood of exercise methods. People think Pilates is mainly floor exercises because that's what is most taught in gyms and on DVD - but if you want the legendary strong, streamlined Pilates physique, you need a Reformer or Pilates bed.
The Reformer is unique to Pilates and is at the core of the entire Pilates system. A traditional Pilates workout may include floor exercises and other equipment, but it will always include a long session on the Pilates bed.
That's because Pilates is about strengthening and toning muscles as well as flexibility. To build strength fast, you must use resistance (like a weights machine) - and that's what the reformer bed provides. Instead of metal weights, the reformer uses springs and your body weight to create dynamic resistance. Add Pilates technique, and you get strength - but with long, lean muscles instead of ugly bulk.
Why Don't Gyms Have Pilates Beds?
You're probably wondering - if the reformer is so vital to achieving results with Pilates, why don't gyms have them?
Two reasons - cost and space. A heavy duty, commercial-grade Pilates reformer costs several thousand dollars, so even specialist Pilates studios may have only two or three machines. And they take up space - a full-size reformer is over 8 foot long! Few gyms have room to leave Pilates machines permanently on the floor, and traditional reformers aren't easy to set up and dismantle.
So, when Pilates first became popular in the 90's, gyms opted for the next best thing - matwork (Pilates floor exercises). You can't get much resistance in matwork, so the benefits are far more limited than a full reformer-based Pilates workout - but you can still strengthen your core muscles if you do the moves with precision and concentration.
|
Romana's Reformer Collection - Pilates Apparatuses 4DVD
Current Bid: $30.00
|
|
Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Universal Reformer Seri DVD
Current Bid: $16.85
|
|
Jennifer Kries Master Trainer DVD - Pilates Reformer
Current Bid: $37.95
|
What's the Alternative?
Now you understand the importance of training on the reformer bed, the next question is - where? Enrolling in a specialist Pilates studio is an obvious step - but that may not be an entirely satisfactory solution.
First, Pilates studios are often more expensive than a regular health club, because there's more supervision. That may mean you can't afford to attend as often. Second, even specialist Pilates gyms may have only two or three reformers, so if you're there at a busy time you may have to queue.
The good news is that reformer beds are now being made in models which are practical for home use - so having your very own Pilates bed at home is finally a realistic option.
Size is still an issue, because the bed must be long enough for you to lie down on. However, these days there are models which fold up into a small space, and which are quick and easy to erect. So all you need is some floorspace that you can temporarily clear when you want to do your workout.
 | If you're on a budget, this reformer is a rare quality product in the lower price range. It's nice and stable, well finished and has all the essential features. A little fiddly to set up and dismantle,but worth the effort. Amazon Price: $399.00 List Price: $700.00 |
Home Pilates Machines
You can pay up to $4,000 for a home Pilates bed. The more expensive models are more solidly built, often with an attractive wood frame like a studio reformer. But that's not necessarily a plus for a home machine - solid means heavy!
If you're going to have to pack your reformer away between workouts - which most people will - you'll need a lighter weight reformer. Just be careful - in the cheaper price range, "lightweight" can mean "flimsy"! You're going to be putting your whole weight on it, so you want to be certain it's well-engineered. Also make sure it's suitable for your height - a short bed will take up less space, but if you're tall you won't be able to do a lot of the exercises.
*
All text copyright Marisa Wright. Photo of reformer bed courtesy of Ramer on Flickr.
CommentsLoading...
Lissie, I agree it has the potential to be better than yoga for most people. Just be sure that it's feeling easier for the right reasons! If it's feeling easy, it's often because you don't have your core switched on and/or you're not using the muscles or breathing correctly. Which means you're not getting the full benefit.
Personally, I find the equipment based workout easier because it supports you better.
Thanks, I learnt something new!
Good article. As you mention, there is some fat loss benefit though, which is what most people want. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body has to burn just to maintain them. If your calorie intake remains constant, your body will take the extra it needs from fat stores.
Diet sensibly at the same time as stimulating muscle growth and the body will burn even more fat. However, if you starve yourself, your body will go into survival mode and burn the muscle first, saving the energy stored as fat because it's a necessity to keep your basic functions working, while extra muscle is not.
Also, although you burn less calories overall when exercising slowly, your body takes a higher percentage of those calories from stored fat than from food.
Thank You! I've heard a lot about pilates, but wasn't 100 on what it was. I appriciate the great info!
Thanks for all thepositive comments! Ink, what you say about muscle burning fat is true - however, if that's your goal, you will build muscle faster with weight training than with Pilates.
Marisa! great article! I tried but I prefere Steps which I've done for a couple of years now, so it's probably just out of habit. You know ...old dog (me) and new tricks...
Great HUB
regards Zsuzsy
Zsuzy, Pilates is not for everyone. The need to concentrate on every little muscle either turns you on or drives you nuts!
I would suggest that anyone completely new to Pilates should start with a one to one session with a qualified trainer. THen, joining in classes because you will (or at least should) get things right! I find the total concentration required very relaxing.
Excellent point, Patricias! We have a Health Club here in Sydney which won't even allow people to join their PIlates classes, unless they have a one-on-one session first. It's a very worthwile investment because, as I said, if you do PIlates incorreclty you may as well not do it at all.
Just found this column! Very interesting to learn 'the secret' to Pilates. Now realize why one on one so important to the benefit of these exercises. Also, obviously, the reason the one-on-one trainer/trainee sessions so expensive! Compared to a gym membership or Curves or something...but does sound like something I'd get a lot out of, if I can locate extra dollars somewhere!
I got hold of Sheetal Gandhi who is a pilates instructor last year and got her to do a pod about it and this is what she said.. http://www.traydio.com/UserConsole/ViewArticle.asp
I think the key is in what Joseph Pilates called his method - "Contrology" - ie: learning to move with control. This is why done properly is has great results because you are learning to move with Control, unlike going to the gym where your body just reinforces all your bad habits, as Paul Chek says normal gym training "de-trains you"
Yes desert blonde it is expensive, but definantly worth it. With the growth of Pilates over the past few years, you can find more affordable places.
Hi,I also believe in changing lifestyle improving nutrition and adding workout to daily activity. I have a blog to share information about how to burn stomach fat at http://www.lose-it-now.net/burn-stomach-fat/. Hope you get a chance to visit and share your knowledge.
I do pilates with at home dvds and a mat, its fantastic!
The reformer bed looks very cool. Pity that is so big, though...
Great hub. Some might not resonate with pilates or the breathing or the effort to focus on certain muscles, but I think it really is for most every body. I'd say for the people that get driven nuts but constant cues and direction...go in and just move with control. You'll really enjoy it. Most people who try the reformer are hooked the first time.
I love Pilates! I've always had a little pooch belly and Pilates is the only exercise that's ever made my stomach flat. My muscles also get more definition that you can't get from most cardio work. I prefer Pilates to Yoga, too, Lissie, though I don't know why. Maybe because it's more active. Great hub!
Kari Baxter
Great hub! Very thorough. A few years ago I watched Mari Winsor doing Pilates on TV, trying to sell her DVDs. I was very impressed, but didn't have the money to buy the DVD at the time and sort of dropped the ball on it. However, I've wondered about Pilates ever since. I still think that I should get her DVD.
I'm glad you wrote this hub, which informed me a lot more about Pilates. I needed this information, as you touched on a lot of details that I don't remember Mari talking about on TV.
Nice to know there are Pilates gyms available; they sound great! It's also good to know about the various types of equipment. Since I'm not too fond of the idea of having to buy a bunch of equipment, I was glad that you mentioned you can do Pilates without any equipment at home, too.
I'm Addicted to Pilates
Pilates is wonderful!
Great article. I recently started Pilates and have found new muscles being exercised and a focus on breathing. You are correct in how precise the form must be to obtain the most benefit.
Really good hub. I recently started pilates as I was feeling "old". 10 weeks later, people are suddenly commenting on how good I look. Apart from that, body pains in back and shoulder have vanished and my balance has improved. I can't believe how good I feel. However, I agree that one must be selective about the instructor and doing the exercises correctly.
Hi Marissa,
Thanks for pointing out this Hub to answer our question. Tricia is a qualified, practising Pilates teacher. Pat is one of her many pupils (still needs a lot of practise). Neither of us plays golf, so were unaware of the muscles used.
The information and advice you give in this hub is all correct!
Thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Oops, coals to Newcastle, then, Patricias! You'll note the ad for a Stott DVD on Pilates for Golf, I guess that could be helpful.
Having attempted to learn golf myself, I can see how Pilates would be very helpful in the swing, because you have to rotate your shoulders above a very still, controlled core to get your ball to go straight.
Great Hub! Targeting the right muscles is absolutely correct - you need a great instructor. The muscles are the key.
Great hub! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Pilates is the best exercise for me. The more I move my joints with the least amount of impact the better and pilates is fluid where as yoga is not. A strong core is the best benefit of pilates. Thanks again for a great hub. I think pilates should get way more recognition than yoga.
Great Informative Hub. Pilates is quite beneficial in many chronic muscular pains and many trainers are available who can show you the right way to practice pilates.
- Pilates Takes a Walk
- Pilates: ripe for reforming? | Dance Magazine
Pilates: ripe for reforming? from Dance Magazine provided by Find Articles at BNET - Pilates and Dance
Article by Jillian Hessel on differences and similarities between Pilates and dance training. - USATODAY.com - Male athletes get no pain, big gains from Pilates
Celebrities Madonna, Julia Roberts and Sharon Stone have done it. So have golfer Tiger Woods, basketball star Jason Kidd, pitcher Curt Schilling and offensive lineman Ruben Brown. What they all have in common is Pilates, one of the fastest growing... - Pilates And Sport : Introduction And Overview
- Pilates For Golf - Home
Pilates for Golf offers Instructor certification programs for Pilates instructors, fitness trainers, medical practitioners and golf professionals. - Riding Longer and Better with Pilates
How Pilates is effective for equestrians and the sport of riding by Maggie Parker, certified Pilates Teacher and Equestrian. - Pilates for Cyclists
- Pilates for Triathletes
Lissie Level 1 Commenter 4 years ago
I found it better than Yoga for the less-flexible of us - it didnt seem so hard as even beginners yoga has me trying to stretch X when I can't even get that stretch because bit Y is too stiff! I also found the equipment based workout easier to do than the floor based exercise again because of my (non) flexability!