Pilates Reformer Experience

My Pilates Reformer Experience

Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark; professionals built the Titanic.  ~ Unknown

Pilates Reformer at In2Fitness Gym- Pembroke Pines!

Today, I had the awesome privilege of partaking in my very first pilates reformer exercise class with Christine DeStefano of TransForm Pilates Studios . Classes are held within the In2Fitness gym Pembroke Pines.

I was joined in class with 3 other ladies ( 2 advanced and 1 fairly new to pilates reformer. For a newbie, I did pretty darn good hanging in there with the more advanced pilates reformer students.

I have always been interested in pilates and the art form of stretching as exercise. I have to be honest, I was sort of prepped for such an engaging and intense exercise due to my workouts with my chiropractor (a.k.a. "drill Sargent" just kidding...I love him to pieces- the parts that are not sore after our workout). I am used to engaging the core and tons and tons of abs exercising and balancing using the bosu ball. The only difference is the pilates reformer machine MOVES! when you may not necessarily be ready to move.

The reformer is comprised of: a "carriage" - bed-like movable flat board;  multi-colored springs - spring tension; and a pulley system. The reformer is designed to increase flexibility, posture, strengthen the core and overall balance.

Pilates reformer benefits:

1. Overall strengthen of core (abs, buttocks, thighs, etc.)
2. Increase flexibility and movement
3. Improve overall posture
4. Relief from pain associated physical ailments such as lower back

There are probably more benefits, but as I continue with my pilates reformer classes, I will be able to lengthen the list - OR  I will leave it up to the experts to explain the benefits.

Here are some of the exercises Christine engaged the class in today:

• The footwork - purpose: to stretch the lower back and engage the feet
• Heels on the bar - purpose: to stretch and "wake up" the lower back and heels
• Short box - round back - purpose: to engage the abs and pelvis by forming a c- curve with your back
• "Goal Post" - purpose: to engage the core (abs) by pulling the straps with one hand up to a point and then release to form a football goal post.
• Short box- Flat back with pole - purpose: to engage abs, obliques and core to improve posture. It's very important to breathe - inhale/exhale.....oohhh ahhhh , oohhh ahhhh!
• Torso rotation  - "stirring the pot" - purpose: to engage obliques and abs while on pulling the straps in a circular motion and return with arm close to body.
• Side lying abduction - purpose: to strengthen the hip and butt muscles. Lie on carriage- butt towards the back - place your foot in the strap and bend the alternate leg. Proceed to stretch the leg straight and then pull forward in front of your body (my description). You will feel this burn in your buns!!!  A good bun burn!!! 

The reason I sought pilates reformer as a new form of exercising was due to my severe lower back pain that I've experienced for years since my car accident. 

My broken foot x-ray

In 2005, I was involved a car accident which resulted in me suffering a broken right foot. 3 surgeries and 4 screws later, I now experience sciatica.  According to Mayo Clinic, Sciatica ..."usually affects only one side of the lower body. Often, the pain extends from the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh and down through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain may also extend to the foot or toes."

With all other options expended, I wanted to try something new...reformer pilates it is! I can't wait until my next class.  I will keep you posted with my progress!!!!

It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it is because we do not dare that they are difficult. ~Seneca

~Smooches!