Three instructors in the room…
By Sharon Hinton
After decades of studying the human body and how it moved, Joseph Pilates understood that when we stopped moving the way we are supposed to, we stop functioning the way we are supposed to. While hardly a unique insight, Pilates approach to solving it was. He developed an exercise system (and accompanying apparatus and furniture) that was designed to undo the damage caused by largely sedentary lifestyles and reconnect us to the way we learned how to move in the first place. While Pilates’ posture-improving chairs and beds never translated into the mainstream market, his exercise apparatus became an inseparable aspect of his work, with the Universal Reformer being perhaps the most well-known. Now, I love a good Mat class – always have, always will - but as mentioned in an earlier blog, it can also be very challenging (aka frustrating) as it involves a level of control and concentration to figure out how to activate/isolate the targeted muscle group/s to get the most out of exercises. Recognising this challenge, Pilates decided to create a piece of equipment that effectively acts like a personalised teacher. Each interaction between your body and the springs, carriage, footbar, shoulder rests, straps etc of the Reformer provides direct feedback to your body as to the quality, intensity and range of movement required for that exercise. Just like an instructors’ hand guiding your movement, the components of the Reformer interact with your body providing a clear trajectory to move within and immediate feedback as to quality of that movement. And if your mind starts to wander, the springs are all too happy to remind you – often with a very loud and embarrassing bang – that your attention should be on the ‘right here, right now’. So, every time you come to a Reformer class, remember there are three teachers in the room. Your class instructor, your Reformer and yourself. By listening to the instructions and feedback, not only of your physical instructor, but also to that from your Reformer and your own body you’ll maximise your workout and reform your body, just as Pilates intended.
