Reformer Pilates Success Stories
We often talk about the benefits of Reformer Pilates, but it’s always good to have real life examples showing that it really does work. Over the years, hundreds of people have discovered those benefits for themselves through Chilli Pilates, so we’ve taken a look back at some of the great feedback we’ve received about how our Reformer Pilates classes have helped our members.
As a low impact workout, the Pilates reformer machine (commonly referred to as the Reformer bed) is a form of resistance training – you will be working with a series of springs and pulleys that can be adapted to your individual fitness and how much you want to challenge yourself on your Pilates journey.
As the bed fully supports your body as you work out, you’ll be able to push yourself further than you would be able to do in mat Pilates. This means you’re able to work on the deeper muscles that will increase core strength and you’ll feel so much safer doing it, enabling you to succeed at it, like Kay. “Reformer Pilates has been amazing for me. I never quite got the hang of mat Pilates after trying for YEARS! But with Reformer Pilates I can tell I’m working the right areas.”
The low impact exercises in combination with the support offered by the bed mean Reformer Pilates workouts are actually more challenging than you think. As Deyra says, “I don’t feel stressed while doing the moves, I really enjoy it and leave feeling very energised.”
The big differences will become obvious after a few weeks of doing Reformer Pilates, although the longer you do it, the better the results. Julia told us that “Chilli Pilates has been a revelation. I have made considerable progress in the past 15 months. My core is strong, my posture is better and my sense of wellbeing because of Pilates is excellent.”
It’s also the case that the more you do, the better you’ll feel, which is why many members will supplement their group classes with 1 on 1 sessions with our instructors that pay real dividends, as Porsha explains. “Andreea has been so amazing at pushing me in our 1 on 1 sessions, correcting movements and motivating me to do more than my best. I have noticed a difference in my flexibility, activity and general physicality.”
Something Kamaljit agrees with: “I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my strength, looks and overall well-being.”
Age is no barrier to starting any exercise, but for those who have left it a long time before embarking on their fitness journey, Reformer Pilates is an excellent place to start. And you could be very surprised with how far you get, as Sally told us. “Not having done any formal exercise for several years, and at 69 years of age, Annabel and Chilli Pilates have got me moving again. I even managed to do a shoulder stand, which was one of my goals.”
Even after just a couple of months, Sarah has already noticed the difference. “My posture is improving. I’m way more flexible and I even have more energy. I turned 60 recently and was a bit worried about losing my fitness and flexibility, but these classes are showing me that anything’s possible and I really do feel that I’m on the way to being in the best shape ever.”
Joseph Pilates originally devised the Reformer bed and exercise programme as a set of physiotherapy exercises to help ill and injured patients regain their strength and flexibility even when they were confined to bed. This means Reformer Pilates is an excellent exercise to help people recover from injuries. It even helped Andrew “fix my unfixable knees!”
Helen came to Chilli Pilates to help her recover from a cardiac episode that had resulted in her having to have an operation. “As with any road to recovery I had a couple of health setbacks, but Annabel has worked with me to ensure I didn’t stop and give up and this has resulted in me moving forwards even with the setbacks. I have worked on cardio as well as exercises that have helped my back and sciatica to the point I am no longer getting the sciatica twinges.”
Reformer Pilates is particularly effective for working on musculoskeletal problems, helping to strengthen the core and promote good posture. Jayne had been suffering from a number of issues when she first signed up as a member. “Chilli and the various instructors have seen me through several disc issues, four shoulder surgeries and a variety of arthritic joints. The 1 on 1s with Annabel are a great way to ‘supplement’ the regular classes. Annabel has been amazing at spotting my issues accurately and adjusting my programme to treat and to correct the various curve balls that my body regularly throws at me.”
There’s only one way to find out what Reformer Pilates can do for you, and that’s by trying it for yourself! We have a special promotion to Try a Class for just £10 (and bring a friend for free). All you have to do to take advantage of this is find the most convenient studio, book the session you want and enter the code TRY10 when prompted. We hope to see you soon.
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