Yorkshire’s Ebru Evrim on getting to the core of reformer Pilates
The world of Pilates is more fascinating than you may imagine if you’ve not yet discovered this rewarding route to improved fitness, mobility and inner strength. One of its disciplines is ‘reformer Pilates’. Improving your inner core strength is the principal objective, providing numerous benefits for people of all ages and levels of activity, not least those recovering from injury or suffering from illness and celebrities taking time-out to self-focus. So, what exactly is it and where did it all start?
German born Joseph Pilates was a sickly child who set about improving his physical strength. He moved to England in 1912 as a circus performer and boxer. During the First World War he was interned in Lancaster Castle where he practised yoga and taught techniques to fellow inmates. He later emigrated to the Unites States and became internationally known for his New York fitness studio, frequented by famous ballet dancers among others, where he wrote several books and cited many patents before his death in 1967.
Reformer Pilates is different from flat, mat-based Pilates in that it involves Joseph’s ingenious apparatus ‘the reformer’, a bed-like frame with a flat platform (the carriage) that rolls back and forth on wheels. While at first glance this may look like a contemporary cousin of a medieval torture rack, in fact nothing could be further from the truth, as this clever equipment is designed to adjust to suit you specifically, to improve your core strength and stability. Improving the alignment of your posture, this gentle, low impact form of exercise effectively provides a full body workout.
The key benefits of the reformer apparatus are that it:
- uses weights and springs for assistance and resistance to achieve proper muscle length and strength in a carefully controlled manner;
- uses springs to allow you to adjust the resistance to the main carriage as you use your own body weight and strength;
- focuses on core strength and proper muscle engagement;
- increases flexibility;
- improves athletic performance;
- helps to relieve back pain;
- assists in injury recovery and rehabilitation;
- tones and builds muscle all over;
- enables you to focus your mind and breath in an environment away from outside distractions;
- aids mental health through self-focus.
Reformer Pilates is particularly suited for achieving specific goals; a qualified teacher will discuss what you want to achieve along with any niggles and pains that may be holding you back, providing a programme of exercises to achieve progress.
It is suitable for anyone from teenagers to seniors as it helps with athletic performance, injury recovery, weight loss, balance and bone density. A study in 2018 found Pilates reformer exercises performed once per week for 10 weeks resulted in reduced fall risk and significant improvements in balance and functional mobility in adults aged 65 and above at risk of falling. For those seeking more vigorous exercise, cardio reformer Pilates is a high-intensity session that will raise your heart and breathing rate, increasing your metabolism while burning fat.
Ebru Evrim runs a Pilates studio Skipton, with a new Harrogate soon to open. Find out more at ebruevrim.com
