If you’ve ever considered taking a Pilates class, you may be intimidated by the c-machine contraption.alled a reformer—That’s it used in many studies. A reformer is a bed-like machine with a sliding platform and removable resistance bands.. but as common as reformers in specialized studios, mat classes—that do not require specialized equipment, are also popular option. According to your goals (Y your budget and time constraints)one may be better than the other for you.
What is Pilates?
Pilates was invented by Joseph Pilates in the 1920 for physical rehabilitation purposes, and many of its low impact exercises improves strength, mobility, and physical awareness They are still used by physical therapists today.
“Pilates will significantly enhance any type of activity,” said Femi Betiku, physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor. For Betiku, Pilates has been instrumental in managing her lower back pain and has also improved her running form. As he puts it, Pilates “is one of the only forms of exercise that forces you to pay attention to your entire body, to focus on those details essential to succeeding in one repetition of an exercise.”
This helps you move more efficiently in other aspects of your life, whether it’s chasing your kids or playing your favorite sport.
What is Pilates Mat?
The advantage of Mat Pilates is that it requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. This makes it especially easy if you’re traveling or short on time, as your workout can be as short or as long as you like.
If you don’t have the time or money for a Pilates class on the studio mat, there are a number of videos available online, ranging in length from 5 minutes to 60, with varying levels of difficulty. Some videos are free, others may require a paid subscription. Some video workouts may require the use of light weights or resistance bands, while others only require a mat.
What is reforming Pilates?
The advantage of taking a Pilates reformer class is that allows you to add progressive amounts of resistance, which helps build greater muscular strength and endurance.
“There is a limitation to the amount of strengthening you can get from the mat,” Betiku said. “If you’re using the reformer, you’re doing some of those dynamic, challenging movements, but you’ve added resistance, which takes this same exercise to a whole other level.”
Although the machine looks a bit complicated, easier to use than you might expect, and the The bands give you the option to add as much or as little resistance as you like. Most Pilates studios will offer orientation sessions for people who haven’t taken a Reformer class before.
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