How To Do Reformer Pilates With Sun & Sand Sports

Reformer Pilates is next in line for the SSS Blog ‘How To’ series, so we’ll start by telling you a little bit about it. Reformer Pilates is based on the same basic principles that are used in the practice of Mat Pilates, but Reformer Pilates is quite different in many respects, particularly with it being done on the Reformer machine – a slightly intimidating, but perfectly friendly contraption for core-focused, resistance-based exercises. Pilates is a neuromuscular form of fitness, so you’re using your mind and your body to make things happen as you identify different muscle groups in order to move them in a controlled and effective manner with every precise movement that you do. It’s what makes it a challenging form of exercise, because precision is key, and holding every movement correctly for a sustained period of time is definitely a challenge. Adding to that challenge are the springs, which create resistance, allowing for a greater range of movement with certain exercises, and a far smaller range as you increase the resistance.

Can Pilates Reformer Build Muscle?

Yes, Pilates Reformer exercises can help build muscle, especially in a lean and toned way. The Reformer Pilates machine uses springs and pulleys to create resistance, which engages your muscles more effectively than mat-based Pilates exercises. This resistance training targets core muscles, glutes, arms, and legs, helping improve strength and endurance.

While Reformer Pilates may not bulk muscles like traditional weightlifting, it excels in sculpting and defining muscles while enhancing flexibility. In cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Pilates Reformer Dubai studios offer tailored classes focusing on full-body strengthening and alignment. For better results, consistency is key, and you may notice significant improvements before and after Reformer Pilates sessions.

If you’re seeking a balanced workout that combines muscle building with improved posture and flexibility, adding Reformer Pilates to your routine, along with an exercise mat Pilates practice, is an excellent choice.

Instructor Liz Marshall from the Real Pilates studio showed us the basics to Reformer Pilates, taking student, Amanda through her paces as they switched out the resistance on the machine, using the core muscles as the basis for each series of movements, ensuring the correct alignment and positioning was being practiced at all times.

Watch the full instructional video below and see what it takes to master the basics of Reformer Pilates.

Here’s a little recap of what you need to know:

1. The springs: Try different springs for varying levels of resistance – this will make a movement easier or harder to do. Choose from the Sun & Sand Sports Pilates collection the right resistance band for your workouts, such as the Body Sculpture Pilates Band, and follow the exercises consistently to achieve your desired results.

2. Warm up: Check the resistance first by doing a few warm-up exercises, to see how your body responds to that particular resistance.

3. Core stability: Make sure that your abdominal muscles are switched on to provide stability with every movement.

4. Challenge yourself: After a few reps, make the movement a little bit more difficult – maybe change springs, or speed up the movement.

5. Give it a go!

Get kitted out for your next Reformer Pilates session with apparel from Sun & Sand Sports at sssports.com.

All Over Print 3-Stripes 7/8 Leggings

Nike Luxe Infinalon Crop Top

adidas Aeroready Designed 2 Move Sport Tank Top

You can check out the other instructional videos in the How To series right here, and pick up some new skills for 2024 Sign up to the SSS newsletter for all the latest updates on sports trends, highlights and events.

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