By Sailor Ciluzzi
Remember when workouts consisted of excessive cardio, blocky weights, and a bad attitude? Fast forward to today, fitness has completely transitioned into the elegant, effective workout of reformer pilates – a modern practice that allows people to reach their full potential with lower impact movement that focuses on slow, deep motions that strengthen and stretch your body.
Thanks to social media and its culture of viral trends, we are experiencing the peak of reformer pilates with users plastering this activity as a staple of their daily routines on our Instagram reels and TikTok For You pages.
Online, reformer pilates is highlighted as the ultimate low-impact workout that fosters
mindfulness and builds strength. It’s no wonder we’re hooked, especially with public figures like Hailey Bieber and founder of sustainable athleisure brand TALA Grace Beverly hopping on the trend.
Reformer pilates might seem like just another fitness facade, but imagine walking into a clean, modern studio bathed with natural sunlight and floor-to-ceiling windows. No stubby equipment in sight, only a picturesque row of pilates reformers, along with positive energy from your classmates and an instructor offering personalised guidance with a friendly face. Who wouldn’t want to try it out?
As much as it’s easier said than done to channel our inner Hailey Bieber and try reformer pilates, this fitness route requires both commitment and investment. Let’s dive into the specifics of reformer pilates and figure out whether or not this workout aligns with you and your goals...
The unique benefits of Reformer Pilates
Reformer pilates is an all-around great workout, and it offers countless unique benefits:
Builds strength: Reformer pilates allows people to build muscle through its specialised machines that challenge people with resistance and controlled movements; this workout especially targets your core as you are constantly engaging your core in each movement.
Improves posture: People are forced to maintain stability and conduct controlled movements which ultimately improve one's body appearance and improve posture
Fosters balance: Let's be real – for anyone who has done it, reformer pilates is a lot harder than it looks. Balancing on the machine and doing the movements is a challenge for most people, but consistency with the practice will boost your balance abilities over time.
Improves flexibility: The use of springs in the machines and resistance let people get creative with movements that lengthen and stretch their entire bodies
Enhances your mood: Working out releases endorphins which are natural mood boosters, but reformer pilates especially promotes mindfulness through its focused breathing and concentration with movement.
How often to practice reformer Pilates...
The sweet spot to both feel and see a difference from reformer pilates is practicing two to three times a week. But it’s important to listen to your body and give it what it needs; practicing once a week could work perfectly for you!
If you are a beginner, practicing once a week might be just right to get into the groove of things, whereas intermediate and advanced students may thrive with three or more classes each week.
Cost?
According to Class Pass, the average price for a reformer pilates class ranges from £15 to £50, depending on which class you take.
Think about it... that’s four iced coffees or two rooftop cocktails, so maybe it’s finally time to start making your coffees at home and trade the cocktails for a firm booty and toned abs. While it’s pricier than the average group class at your cute indie yoga studio, it could be worth it if you fall in love with the practice!
Reformer pilates may require more dedication and investment, but it is still dominating the fitness industry – could it become your go-to workout as well?
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