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One of the very first pieces of Pilates Equipment ever created was the Pilates Reformer and it is one of our absolute favorites at Pilates by Ness. We think it is the most versatile and exciting piece of equipment created by founder, Joseph Pilates. You will likely spend some (if not, a lot) of time on the Pilates Reformer each time you visit our Pilates studio nestled in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood.
The Pilates Reformer frame has a bed like-shape with a sliding platform referred to as the carriage. The carriage attaches to the base of the frame from a variety of different springs. Each of the springs has its specific spring tension to help assist or resist their respecting exercises. The platform also has shoulder rests and an adjusting headrest for function and comfort. At the end of the frame, where the springs are attached you will find an adjustable ‘foot bar’ but you’ll use it for much more than just your feet. The ‘foot bar’ is an incredibly versatile piece of the Pilates Reformer and can be used by pushing with the feet or the arms, it can be adjusted to move towards the opposite end of the frame to be used as a pull-up bar, the footbar can also be used to sit or even stand on! Just behind the shoulder rests there are hooks where you can hang either foot loops or handles. These loops have a rope that attaches to a pulley system at the back end of the frame and will allow us to teach a large variety of exercises. With this pulley system and the use of the springs and carriage, we are able to teach some of our favorites Pilates exercises. We love to teach exercises using this pulley system like ‘Feet in Straps’, ‘Supine Abdominal Series’, and ‘Kneeling Arm Work’ to name a few!
The specific Pilates Reformer we use at Pilates by Ness has a tower at the opposite end of the frame that allows for even more exercises to be practiced during your session. This tower has eyelets all up and down the sides for spring attachments and has a ‘push through bar’ attached from the top. With the addition of this tower, it is like having two machines combined into one! You can now enjoy the best of both worlds!
The benefits of practicing Pilates on this timeless classic machine are endless. You’ll feel improvements in your posture, flexibility, balance, and overall strength. Exercises can be practiced in all positions of the body such as lying down, lying on your side, your stomach, kneeling, seated, and even standing! Then there is the benefit of using props in addition to the Pilates Reformer. We use props like the Magic Circle, resistance bands, balls, the Pilates box, the standing platform, and the OOV can all be used in conjunction with the Pilates Reformer to either modify or increase the challenge of the exercise!
The Pilates Reformer is appropriate for every level of Pilates mover from a true beginner to a thrill-seeking expert! It has a lot of moving parts and adjustments that need to be made to fit each and every client therefore your instructor will need your utmost attention and focus throughout your session to keep you and themselves safe at all times. At Pilates by Ness we are committed to “safety first” as our top priority. That being said, the Pilates Reformer can seem intimidating at first with all of its bells and whistles but just like everything in the Pilates world, consistency and practice are key. You will be falling in love with this amazing, versatile piece of equipment in no time!
