Despite the Medieval name, Reformer is a very smart and elegant apparatus. Joseph H. Pilates called it “Apparatus”. It is a wooden bed with frame. A flat platform is moving on the frame forth and back. We can train the whole-body using loops for hands and feet and a gear bar system with springs as resistance.
The exercises may be easy, basic to advanced, very difficult to acrobatic.
They all promote a better daily life or in other words quality of life. Specifically, there are benefits on body posture and body efficiency. Pains associated with muscular/physical imbalances are relieved. There is also the advantage of full range of motion while executing exercises. The result is the improvement of flexibility while building strength and “strong bones”.
Chest Expansion
Exercise of the week!
Starting position
Sit on the long box with your feet on the head pad. Arms are straight and slightly in front of the body holding the loops.
Execution
Inhale and during exhalation press both arms straight back, keeping the elbows straight. Inhale and return to starting position.
CUES:
– Heep your shoulders directly above your hips
– Keep your chest “open” and shoulders sideways and back
– Elongate your spine
Varvara Solomonidou,Wellness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Seminar & Conference Lecturer, Pilates Master Trainer “AthensTrainers® Ultimate Pilates System®”, Member of Pilates Method Alliance (PMA), Member of European Lifestyle Medicine Organization (ELMO), DNAFit® Certified Trainer, General Manager & Owner of AthensTrainers®
