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”.
Hug a tree
Exercise of the week!
Starting position
Sit on the long box with your legs sideways , facing the foot bar with the handles behind you. Grasp a handle in each hand and extend your arms out to the sides at chest height.
Execution
Contract your chest muscles and bring the handles together in front of you. Pause, then slowly return to the start position.
CUES:
– Your arms should be parallel to the carriage
– Keep your pelvis and spine neutral
– Keep your head aligned with your pelvis
– Imagine “ballet arms”
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®
