About The Reformer Room
The Reformer Room’s main aim is to provide high quality reformer classes which are friendly, fun and accessible for everyone. The teachers who work out of the reformer room are trained to a high standard and are passionate about bringing the benefits of pilates to as wide a range of people as possible.
In a Reformer class, there is space for 5 clients. The group do not all have to be of the same ability as the springs and exercises can easily be adjusted to accommodate injury and differences in experience and ability. The teacher will provide a class that exercises the whole body, with emphasis on improving core strength, flexibility and alignment.
History of the Reformer
Reformer classes may seem like ‘the new thing’ in Pilates, but actually the Reformer was one of Joseph Pilates’ original pieces of equipment. When WWI broke out, Joseph found himself interned with fellow European nationals on the Isle of Man. Many were injured and unable to walk and so he devised a method of rehabilitation by attaching springs to hospital beds as a way to support patients’ limbs. This allowed for more effective strengthening and stretching exercises. He also used this apparatus for keeping his fellow uninjured internees fit and healthy. This became the prototype and inspiration for the modern-day reformer.
What are the benefits of Reformer Pilates?
The history of the Reformer accounts for its somewhat unusual appearance; a moving ‘carriage’ attached to a frame with springs, ropes and pulleys, the Reformer doesn’t resemble any other piece of gym equipment.
The use of springs adds variable resistance to the exercises to build strong muscles throughout the body. The moving carriage adds challenge to develop core strength and balance beyond that achieved with static exercising. Pulleys and straps enable the whole body to be strengthened, lengthened, and aligned in a supportive way.
Exercises are performed lying, sitting, kneeling and standing on the Reformer to give a functional total workout.
The real benefit of this machine, however, is that it provides an exercise regime suitable for EVERYBODY and ANYBODY. By adjusting spring strength and modifying positions, this versatile piece of equipment can be used for all body types. It can help to rehabilitate from injury, help clients with chronic illness, and help older clients who need the support provided by this equipment to exercise safely and effectively. Equally it is also used extensively for elite athletes and sportsmen to give advantage in performance whilst helping to develop a body that will survive the rigours of their career.
Reformer Pilates is a fun workout that provides strengthening, lengthening, flexibility and alignment to build a body better able to deal with life’s challenges.
Our Teachers
Maria
Maria has worked within the fitness industry as a PT for 22 years, and first experienced Pilates in 2010 for rehabilitation due to a shoulder injury. Maria qualified in 2014 to teach Mat Pilates, and pushed on to teach Reformer Pilates in 2016. Maria is passionate about Pilates and believes it should be inclusive to everyone, no matter your age or fitness experience.
Helen
Helen has been teaching Pilates on Reformer and mat for over 20 years. She believes that Pilates should be accessible to all abilities and that Pilates practise is about progression not perfection. Whilst aiming to make all of her classes beneficial, she mostly hopes her clients find the classes fun!
Jo
Jo takes a holistic approach to the body, using her knowledge of intrinsic biomechanics, anatomy, and Pilates to restore and improve functional movement and help clients achieve their goals. She believes that Pilates should be accessible to everyone and strives to make her classes a safe, inclusive, and comfortable environment.
Pam
Pam is nearing completion of her teacher training with the comprehensive BASI Institute. She is passionate about using Pilates to improve the health and well-being of her clients.
