Khloé Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Karlie Kloss, Lea Michele, Vanessa Hudgens… Reformer Pilates has countless celebrity fans, but what exactly is it?
The Reformer is a machine developed by Pilates creator Joseph Pilates, consisting of a bed-style frame with a flat moving platform on top of it.
A mix of springs and straps mean that the Reformer offers more resistance during Pilates exercises than simply using a mat alone.
Here are just five of the reasons to give this Hollywood exercise favourite a go (there are plenty of studios around Ireland so you've no excuse)…
1. It's an all-over body workout
The Reformer is large enough to accommodate a full range of motion, and your legs and arms play a big part in every exercise, improving strength and flexibility all over. The stability challenge of working on a Reformer means that you have to work hard to support your own body weight.
2. You'll get A-list arms
Want long, lean arms? Get yourself to a Pilates class, stat. One of the big positives of Pilates exercises is that they put an emphasis on 'eccentric muscle contraction,' where a muscle lengthens (rather than shortens) as it resists a force, meaning no bulkiness.
3. It improves posture
Bad posture and a misaligned spine don't just make you look slouched, they can contribute to a whole range of ailments, from joint pain to migraines. Pilates was initially created as a form of rehabilitation for injuries, and it is centred on building a strong core and lengthening the body.
4. It's a good fat burning tool
Fat burning and weight loss are not the main aims of Pilates, but it's the perfect complement to cardio work. So team that morning jog with a Pilates class and you'll see results far faster than doing either alone. Pilates might be relatively low impact, but that does not mean it's easy, and with Reformer classes you can expect to break a serious sweat.
5. It's the perfect de-stresser
Not only is Pilates a time-efficient workout, it's also a hugely mindful form of exercise. You'll need to tune into your body and listen to each instruction carefully to ensure you're activating the correct muscles, which in turn stimulates mental focus and leaves you feeling clear-headed.