How to Use Pilates Reformers to Build Strength
Ever wondered how a simple machine can transform your strength training? Pilates reformers, with their unique design and versatility, have become a valuable tool in physical therapy for building strength in a controlled and effective way.
I am Lauren Masi, a physical therapist and board certified orthopedic clinical specialist. I’m also the owner and clinical services director of Bay Area Physical Therapy and Lafayette Physical Therapy. Today we’re going to talk about how to use Pilates reformers to build strength.
What Is a Pilates Reformer?
Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates back in the early 1900s during World War I. He started with mat Pilates being a form of exercise, and then actually established the Pilates reformer through taking a hospital bed, detaching the springs, and rigging them up in different ways to be able to provide resistance and assistance for certain exercises.
Benefits of Using a Pilates Reformer in Physical Therapy
We are lucky enough at both of our facilities to have Pilates reformers that we use as adjuncts to our PT sessions. And the benefit of using reformers in PT is that they can assist you or resist you depending on what we need.
You can work multiple parts of the body at the same time, or you can work different parts separately. You can also stretch with the springs providing a resistance that you might not be able to provide on your own, like an over pressure into a hamstring stretch. You can then push against the spring resistance for strengthening purposes.
Sometimes if you go to a gym, you might be working independently, or if you’re at a Pilates studio, you might be one of many people in a class. You might not be able to get individualized attention, and the instructors might not know that you are having an actual painful body part or ailment that you’re working through. We like teaching you what to look out for, and then you can take that knowledge back into your normal workout routines.
Tips for Starting a New Exercise Program
It’s definitely important to always learn the proper operation of the machine for safety. And like any new exercise program, we do think it’s important that you have a medical professional work with you to learn the proper mechanics for your body. Each exercise and each ailment can require different modifications to your form on the machine.
For example, your physical therapist might be watching you if you’re here for shoulder pain or back pain, and we can give you specific cues on what you have to look out for your body.
Schedule a Consultation at Bay Area PT
If you’re interested in learning more about how to incorporate Pilates into your healthcare routine and your home exercise program, please reach out to our front desk today and we can help you set up a complimentary consultation or get started with physical therapy.