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”.
Roll down
Exercise of the week!
Starting position
Sitting position with your back towards the footbar, legs with bent knees and heels on the head pad . Arms holding the loops with palms down.
Execution
Inhale and during exhalation roll down your spine vertebrae by vertebrae creating a C curve with your lower back. . Inhale and during exhalation return to starting position.
CUES:
– Elongate your spine
– Move your spine vertebrae by vertebrae
– Keep your arms extended
– Pull your belly button towards the 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®
