Looks can be deceiving

By Sharon Hinton

To some of us, the very sight of a Reformer Pilates machine creates an upswell of exercise excitement.  Here is a treasure trove of possibilities for us to explore! However, it cannot be denied that, for others, this apparatus can look rather like an instrument of torture. All those straps, cables, springs, pulleys and other ‘bits’ running everywhere, with a smiling instructor who you know will say ‘just one more’ every time you want to give up.  But it is those very daunting ‘bits’ that can make Reformer Pilates an excellent exercise choice for a broad range of clients. The resistance created by the Reformer’s pulley and spring system can not only be used to assist those with limited range of movement to safely complete exercises that would be beyond them in a traditional mat class but can also be used to provide additional challenge to those wanting to extend their Pilates practice into advanced strength and endurance programs. Versatile, hey?

So, if your first reaction upon seeing a Reformer is to blink rapidly and make an abrupt about face, don’t let its looks deceive you. Reformer Pilates is for you – novice or expert, young and old.