WHAT IS REFORMER PILATES AND WHY WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE IT!
Written by: Rebecca Manankil, Movement Educator & Healing Guide at The Aura House
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Reformer Pilates may very well look intimidating at first glance. The fixture itself can seem daunting - with a moving platform and the various pulleys, bars & straps where you are invited to put your feet & hands to get into postures that could make you question:
“How the heck can I do that?!?”
While inviting a machine may feel like overcomplicating an already challenging practice in its mat form, the Pilates Reformer was actually created to make Pilates more accessible and to gain the maximum benefits from it. Get the low down Reformer Pilates and why we think it may be just be your next favourite from us here at The Aura House.
The inspiring and humble beginnings behind the practice of Pilates
While the name might invoke feelings of a posh exercise trend, Pilates was actually formulated a harsh environments during one of the most challenging times in human history in the early 20th century. Joseph Pilates, was a German circus performer and athlete born in 1833. Though as a child he was frail, being afflicted with rickets, rheumatic fever and asthma; Pilates overcame his physical challenges and went on to become a wrestler, body builder, diver, skier and gymnast- in addition to his other many athletic pursuits.
Sadly during World War I, Joseph was imprisoned in an internment camp while working in England - simply because of his German nationality, along with other innocent German citizens. As a way to promote physical fitness and healing in the prison, Joseph led daily exercise routines for his entire cell block, hoping to maintain physical and mental well-being for himself and his fellow prisoners; many of which were bed ridden or very weak due to the mental trauma, poor conditions and limited activity permitted during their capture.
Using his knowledge of various movements and breath techniques, Joseph developed the Pilates system to build strength, flexibility, develop coordination and balance and increase lung capacity & circulation. It is inspiring to know that Pilates, which often gets glazed over as a fitness trend was created for self healing and community building in a time & place when hope or joy was not expected to be found.
What is the Reformer Pilates?
After some time spent at the camp, those who had imprisoned him noticed Joseph’s Pilates system. Seeing the change in prisoners and benefits of the practice, Joseph was given the responsibility to take care of those with disease and injury, where he fine tuned his exercises to cater to those who had limited mobility. Using the available hospital beds, he used different parts as a makeshift piece of fitness equipment for those who were unable to get up and exercise on their own. The “Universal Reformer” would evolve into the equipment we see today.
The reformer machine consists of a moving flatbed known as the “carriage”. This carriage is situated on a wood or metal frame and has a series of springs, pulleys, and straps attached to it. Each part can be adjusted to offer more or less resistance or accommodate different heights. The machine can be completely modified according to an individual’s needs.
Using springs for resistance, Reformer Pilates sculpts lean muscle while improving posture, strength, flexibility, and functional movements. When using the reformer machine, expect to be in a wide range of positions, including standing, lying on your back, perched on a footbar, lying on your stomach, seated, or lying on your side.
Why would I want to explore this practice and how would I benefit from Reformer Pilates?
If you’re looking to find a unique way to use movement & breath to deepen your body awareness and strengthen subtle muscle groups in the body, then Reformer Pilates may be your jam.
An excellent rehabilitation system, Reformer Pilates is perfect if you are recovering from an injury and know you will need modifications, have medical conditions like vertigo or blood pressure issues, are pregnant or postpartum. Since the reformer is elevated from the ground, getting on and off the machine is much easier vs. having to get up off the floor like you would in Mat Pilates or Yoga. A reformer also offers a vast range of modifications, allowing students to easily change positions or choose their level of resistance and difficulty.
The resistance provided by the reformer also offers bone and joint health benefits, making Reformer Pilates an ideal practice for aging individuals. Pilates has been proven to improve bone density, core strength and joint health.
Other benefits include:
Various modifications make it an ideal practice for individuals recovering from an injury or dealing with joint issues
Ideal for rehab purposes since it allows a client to perform exercises while in a horizontal position rather than a weight-bearing vertical position
Works the muscles in a balanced way
The resistance from the springs is extremely effective for sculpting long, lean muscles
Ideal for individuals who are looking for a little more variety in their workout
A great challenge for both the mind and the body
The machine acts as a support system for the body and can assist with proper form
Extra springs can easily be added to increase the challenge
Allows a greater variety of exercises can be performed compared to Mat Pilates
What makes Reformer Pilates at The Aura House unique from others?
While every studio has its own special reasons why they also offer excellent Reformer Pilates, what know will make our experience magic is what we always begin everything we offer: intention. We asked We asked Lisa Clarke, The Aura House owner and Founder, why she decided to say YES to having Reformer Pilates in house:
“As someone who hasn't necessarily had an affinity for Pilates, it surprises me how excited I am to introduce Reformers to the space. Admittedly, I don’t fully knows what it is and what it does, but I am a person who has felt like Pilates wasn't for them – and something in me said ‘For me to understand, maybe this is what has been missing all along.’
While I may not have always been sold on the practice of Pilates, I AM always a 100% hell yes for, are Diana's teachings. If there is anyone who will get me into a Pilates class or onto a Reformer Pilates machine, it is her!
What excites me the most, is the potential that these Reformer machines have to make the practice of Pilates more accessible for those who are rehabilitating injuries or who may have challenges getting up and down off of the floor. Improving The Aura House's offerings for accessibility and inclusion is always a priority and introducing Reformer as a modality feels like our next best step in the evolution of those priorities.
I'm genuinely curious how being on one will feel, and I hope with my whole heart that people will be curious enough to give them a try too!”
Meet your incredible instructor: Diana Amaya
Even if you’re new to the space, are a regular in one of her many movement classes here, or lucky to be a recipient of one of her many healing offerings available here at The Aura House – to have space held for you by Diana, is to be enchanted. Whether it’s her warm smile that matches her energy, her deep knowledge of yoga, pilates and energy healing, Diana’s signature holistic approach to wellness & self improvement or her rockin’ playlists…simply put, to know her is to love her! That’s why when Diana pursued her certification to guide Reformer Pilates, it was an organic next step to introduce it into the space.
When asked why she was called to the practice, we found out that Reformer Pilates orbited Diana her awareness before the leap to guide was put into action. Here’s what she had to say about her journey, what she wants to offer her students and why she feels her teaching style is unique.
“I’ll be honest and my first exposure to reformer was on the shopping channel. I was at a point in my life where I didn’t have enough time to attend my regular yoga classes but I wanted something with a little bit more. The ease of the movement and the resistance they demonstrated made me think ‘I can totally do this’ even if I didn’t have any experience. That’s what made me love it so much back then, it was user friendly for all levels. I had fun moving and watching the DVDs that would show me new movements to incorporate. Unfortunately, I had to give the machine away when I moved and then found myself back into a yoga studio and my YTT.
Fast forward 8 years later and I kept looking for reformer studios but so many were far away. I’m big on consistency, so I’m not a fan of dropping in once in awhile. When I saw a new studio pop up in Inglewood called Birddog, I knew I had to sign up. I WAS SO EXCITED!
I didn’t even realize how much I had missed Reformer Pilates. It wasn’t on my radar to teach it, but the more I practiced the more I wanted to share this experience with my students. I would say my classes are unique is that my focus will be on creating a class that is accessible and inclusive to all ages and people. I wanted people to come and experience a new way to move where they could build more strength with support and of course - have fun!”
Mark your calendars for the first peek at our Reformer Pilates during our Grand Re-opening + Community Day on Saturday, September 9th!
We’re excited to announce that we are opening our space to hold space for our community in celebration of our grand re-opening of the studio. In The Aura House style, the day is for C O M M U N I T Y with a full schedule of free demos including our new Reformer Pilates Machines. Stay updated on more of the incredible offerings lined up for that day by following us on instagram or signing up for our newsletter here.
We hope you’re as excited as we are for this new chapter and to come home to yourself at The Aura House.
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