Reformers Adjustable For Different Body Sizes
The reformer is one of the Pilates tools most used in class, and for good reason: it’s a total-body strength-building machine that challenges your muscles with unique resistance options. You move on a carriage that’s pulled by springs and pushes back against your body weight. This combination of flexion and extension strengthens your core, improves flexibility, and builds balance and stability. And while a number of exercises are done with the support of the carriage, you can also add in other props for more challenging workouts.
The main advantage of the reformer is its ability to challenge all muscle groups with constant resistance, resulting in strength and flexibility gains that aren’t available on other Pilates equipment or mat exercises. The reformer’s design emphasizes the powerhouse muscles of the core – the abs, back, buttocks, and thighs – creating a sleek, toned physique. Other strength gains come from the way that the reformer encourages full-range movement, challenging your body to build length in your limbs as you stretch and shorten them.
Reformer exercises are typically done from a standing position, sitting, lying down, or kneeling with your feet on the foot bar or straps that wrap around your ankles. These positions make for a full-body workout that’s different than a Pilates mat class because you have the added strength from the footbar, carriage, and your own body weight. The varying positions work every muscle group simultaneously, as well as your core, which helps with posture and alignment.
Are Reformers Adjustable For Different Body Sizes?
Most reformers have a springbar that’s attached to the carriage, with springs connected from the bar to the carriage. Depending on the exercise, your instructor may instruct you to push off the footbar with your hands or feet to move the carriage. The position of the footbar can be adjusted for a range of body sizes, so you can customize your reformer for each workout.
Many reformers have shoulder blocks that you can place your arms on or use to hold onto the carriage with your legs. Some also have a set of long straps with handles that you can loop your feet into for certain exercises. Adding these accessories to your reformer creates new movements and exercises, and you can even use them for cardio and strength training by attaching a jumpboard or running strap.
A few of the top-rated reformers on the market have adjustable headrests that can be moved up and down or left completely positioned to accommodate users of all heights. For example, the Peak reformer has three settings for the headrest – all the way up, half up, and down – which lets you modify the level of resistance for each exercise.
It’s a great option for beginners who want to start with a simple, user-friendly model. But it’s not ideal for advanced practitioners who need a more customizable setup to help them progress in their practice. Some other brands have a similar, but more complicated, adjustment system that requires flipping the reformer on its side to retie straps and can be difficult for beginners to navigate.
