Pilates—so hot right now.
“Pilates keeps getting more and more popular because it just works so damn well,” Heather Andersen, Founder of New York Pilates, tells us. “The results are outstanding.”
She adds that there’s been a big shift towards low impact exercises. “People have discovered that you can have the best body of your life without feeling like you’re killing yourself. Pilates offers focused workouts that are as effective as they are fun, and people are realizing that working out doesn’t have to be something that’s painful.”
And while we love a no-equipment Pilates session, hopping on a Reformer can take our practice to the next level.
“There are many benefits to doing Pilates on a Reformer,” Andersen says. “The straps and springs offer both resistance and assistance, depending on the workout, and the ability to move the carriage around allows you to do eccentric exercises. The targeted workouts you receive from a Pilates reformer improve coordination, flexibility, and mobility.
“And because there are so many exercises that can be tailored to a person’s body and fitness level, Pilates is a very accessible workout,” she says.
“Plus, the carriage’s gliding movement provides more assistance and comfort than you’ll get with mat Pilates.” Andersen says. “And, sliding back and forth on the reformer is really fun!” (Can confirm, it is.)
“Reformer Pilates classes, like those offered at New York Pilates, have the added benefit of an instructor that can help tailor the regimen to your body and your fitness level,” Andersen says. “New York Pilates instructors, in particular, receive over 400 hours of training prior to teaching their first class to ensure that attendees have the best experience possible.”
Ready to give Reformer Pilates a try?
“At your first class, an instructor will guide you through the routine, set up the equipment, and adjust the spring tension for a customized workout,” Andersen says. “Instructors are there to lead the class, but also to help individuals, especially newcomers, so don’t be afraid to ask them for assistance. You can also expect to have sore abs, arms and ass the next day,” she adds, “just like the signature New York Pilates class suggests.”
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