Joseph Pilates developed the pilates way of exercising to introduce a low intensity workout. Pilates is suitable for anyone in any condition. The Pilates reformer is just one of the many types of pilates equipment, but the reformer is the best of all.

Pilates Mat Exercises are often thought to be the most ideal form of exercise, but first I advise starting out with the pilates reformer. Remember, it is really better to do pilates with a teacher at the beginning. They are trained, so they know which area of your body to focus on, the type of exercise that would benefit you the most and which piece of equipment to really use.

The reformer is one of the most effective pieces of equipment of all the pilates machines. In one of the 1st basic reformer exercises, you will be asked to lie on your back on the “carriage” of the reformer, as it’s called. This is where an instructor is so important. They will position you to prevent strain on your body. Then you will push your body along with the carriage, up and down or back and forth, depending on the kind of pilates reformer you are using. It may not seem so hard to do, but it isn’t about how hard or easy it is. More important, is that you are doing the movement correctly.

Reformer exercises grow to move into a higher intensity as you and your body are ready. As soon as your instructor thinks you have progressed enough, you are ready to add circling your legs and more complex movements. This is for increased intensity, but is also where things get a little tougher, that is why it is so important to have a pilates teacher. As you become stronger session by session the mechanical support provided by the reformer will be lessened and you will have to work harder to compensate. This is one of the great advantages of using a reformer, as you become stronger and more able, the reformer can be set to help you a little less each time.

After each reformer session, you will be stronger, your muscles leaner and longer, with the pilates reformer, you are supported from a pilates novice right the way through to advanced expert. It is to my knowledge just about impossible to grow out of a reformer, you will have an enjoyable exercise, that you can use for the rest of your life.