Gladform

Group Reformer Classes

2023-03-17T07:07:23.898000Z

I always tell this story when someone asks me about Reformer Pilates: I really didn’t want to teach it at first and then a few months later I was the biggest fan of the equipment and teaching group classes with it.

I was a Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor teaching mainly strength and high intensity classes. When the company where I worked at at the time approached me with the idea to teach Reformer. I didn’t really know what it is. Honestly I never heard about it, I never saw a Reformer bed before. Mat Pilates wasn’t my cup of tea so I guess everything linked to it just slipped my attention. But I had to find out that Reformer Pilates has so much more to it than what Mat Pilates or a lot of other concept can offer.

On the first day of our training I was confused. English is not my first language and all the information I received about something I never heard of overwhelmed me. Even though I usually love challenges I’ve told to my manager crying that I don’t want to do this. And I’m forever grateful to her that she convinced me to continue. I think it’s one of if not the greatest thing I ever taught. Of course personally I felt what it does to my body too, how it makes me stronger, how it challenges me but what was even better that only after a few sessions I saw how this type of workout benefit the people on my classes. I started to really fall in love with teaching it. My clients were hooked to it too. The classes were constantly overbooked. I was teaching in studios with 18-23 beds and we had 5 to 8 classes every single day. And now Reformer classes are more and more popular and there are more and more companies where there are 15-20 beds in a studio but 5 years ago not too many companies had such big studios. So it wasn’t just about the trend. It wasn’t just about taking a picture. Everyone felt that Reformer can give something more than other classes. The machine is so versatile. If the teacher uses it the right way it can improve your posture, co-ordination, strength, mobility, flexibility, stability, stamina and most importantly a unique way to focus the mind. It helps to get to know your body, to connect to your body.

And when 5, 10, 15 or even 20 people are working out and focusing together that creates something magical. It’s not just me who says that, but very often my clients too. The feedback that I continuously got and get is the same.

So after this long personal storytelling let’s see what is actually Reformer Pilates. It was founded by Joseph Pilates, father of Contrology, during World War I while he spent his internment in England with his fellow German nationals. As part of his internment he was working as a nurse in a hospital where a lot of the patients were bed-bound. He attached springs and other small parts on the hospital beds so the patients were able to activate their muscles even though they couldn’t leave their beds. This way their recovery was much faster and more effective. If you look at old photos on Google first they looked similar to what we know as the Tower and later to what we know as the Cadillac. It’s very fascinating to see how something so great was born from an idea in the middle of a World War. He didn’t have too many resources, he just wanted to help.

After the war he returned to Germany and he was keep working on his method and his equipments which he called apparatus. In 1923 he moved to New York with his partner in crime, Clara and they opened their first studio which was most popular amongst professional dancers. Alongside other equipment there was the “Universal Reformer” which we now know as Reformer Pilates (bed) as it “universally reforms the body”. What a descriptive wording. Because really, that’s what it does. That’s why people are going crazy about it.

And if you look back how it started, that it helped injured people in their rehabilitation and then super strong, fit and flexible dancers and athletes used it it clearly shows how much variety this one piece of equipment can give. You can reach any target group with it. You can make a leg exercise feel easy to perform and you can make a plank feel even harder than on the floor. You can reach the elderly community or the victims of sedentary lifestyle to make them move easier and better. You can help athletes to lift heavier, to run faster and you can help them in their fast recovery if they get injured. But even in a mixed ability class where there are a lot of beginners you can use so many options so that everyone can find a movement that works for them.

Within 45/60 mins with only a Reformer bed you can design a class that does everything for them. Physically and mentally. Next to a classically built Pilates class you can also create a strength focused class, you can do a higher intensity class, you can teach a stretching class, you can train a football team to improve their performance. I personally believe in a newer way to use the Reformer beds. It can offer so much. So much more than the original Pilates concept, which is by the way was amazing in his time, 100 years ago (and it still is) but since then sport science evolved so much and using that knowledge we can honor Joseph’s work by using his equipments the best way possible to reach more people. Did you know that at the start in Pilates’s first studio 60% of his clients were men? Do you see that now? Rarely. It became a “women thing” and in a lot of cases people think about the method as a tool for rehabilitation only, an easy class.

Think about it, Pilates’s method was revolutionary in his time. Due his background he brought a lot of inspiration from other sports into his method and I think that’s what we need to do to continue his work. The name “Contrology” (the original name for his method) came from focusing the mind through the movement of the body. One way to focus the mind is to challenge the body. Today people find different things challenging than people a hundred years ago. And their bodies and minds need different things too. We function differently, we work differently, we think differently, we receive differently. Different things excite us. And people need to feel excited about something to try it and then to continue it. Building on Pilates’s amazing method, involving new and current ways of working out we can create a fun, effective and challenging programme using the Reformer.

In my classes I had all the genders, all the ages from 18 to 70 and all the abilities, people from complete beginners to professional dancers and athletes. Reformer allowed me to create programmes where I can improve everyone’s health and fitness on a challenging but gentle way. Still today I believe that the Reformer Pilates machine is one of the greatest and most versatile tool in the fitness industry and using it in a group set up can be very rewarding for studios. With more people, with a bigger team you can move more energy and you can create a unique experience to your clients. Think about even a small concert where the people who are there can connect and have an unforgettable evening. Next to getting stronger, fitter, more flexible etc. people want an experience, something that can take them away from their outside life, they want to belong somewhere, they want to be part of a community. With group Reformer classes you can give all that to your clients.

And when you decide to start Group Reformer I strongly recommend to go for Basi beds. I was working with Basi beds for almost five years. Of course next to that they are beautiful and look amazing, their carriage slides very quietly, the footbar is comfortable, very stable and has a setting where it can come up to even 90 degrees angle, which not all the other beds can provide. My favorite part about the Basi beds is that the carriages are long and wide and the bed itself is very long too which creates much more range of motion for the exercises. I was teaching on beds where my torso didn’t have enough space so I kept feeling that I would fall off therefore I was restricted with my exercise choice. On Basi beds even my tallest clients felt comfortable. These beds are very durable. They need care and cleaning like every other equipment but we rarely had maintenance problems with them. Because of their expanded gear system I had much more options for creating the right resistance for every body. The headrest and shoulder pads have more set up options than any other bed. I was teaching on many other beds but Basi beds gave me and my clients the most comfort and variety with their workouts.

via Gladform - Blog https://gladform.com/blogs/blog/group-reformer

What Is a Pilates Reformer?

2023-03-02T18:08:08.951000Z

A Pilates Reformer is a type of exercise equipment used to perform a variety of Pilates exercises. It is made up of a wooden or a metal frame with springs, straps, and pulleys that are used to create resistance and provide assistance for various movements.

The reformer allows you to challenge your body in different ways by using your own body weight, gravity, and the resistance of the reformer's springs.

How to use a Pilates Reformer

Pilates reformers are multi-functional pieces of equipment that you can use to perform a variety of exercises. The exercises you do on the reformer can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Learning how to properly use the machine is essential in order to get the most out of your workout.

Start by adjusting the height and tension of the reformer.

When you first sit down on the machine, make sure that you are comfortable. Adjust the height and tension of the springs So that you can move freely throughout your workout.

Learn how to use the footbar and straps.

The footbar and straps can be used to assist with certain exercises or provide resistance for more challenging ones. Familiarize yourself with how to use them and the different ways they can be adjusted.

Begin by performing simple exercises.

It is important to start slow and work your way up to more advanced exercises. Start with basic moves such as planking and bridges in order to get used to the movements.

Increase the intensity of your workouts gradually.

Once you have mastered the basics, begin to add more challenging exercises and increase your workout intensity in order to get the most out of the reformer.

Make sure to use proper form and technique.

Good form and technique are essential for avoiding injury and ensuring that you get the most out of your workout. Make sure to pay attention to your posture and movements at all times.

Stretch after every workout.

Stretching is important in order to reduce any soreness or fatigue that may occur after a workout. Take some time to stretch your muscles before and after every session.

Have fun and enjoy your workouts.

The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience of using the Pilates reformer. You can get a great workout while still having good time.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively use a Pilates reformer to improve your strength, flexibility, balance and overall health. With proper instruction from qualified instructors or a trainer, you can get the most out of your Pilates reformer workouts.

Benefits of Using a reformer

There are several benefits to using Pilates reformer, here are ten benefits of using a Pilates reformer:

Improved flexibility and mobility.

When using a Pilates reformer, you will be stretching and lengthening your muscles while also increasing your range of motion.

Strengthened muscles.

The exercises performed on the Pilates reformer target specific muscle groups and allow you to effectively and efficiently strengthen them.

Improved balance.

By performing various exercises on a Pilates reformer. you will increase your coordination and balance.

Improved posture.

Performing exercises on the Pilates reformer can help improve your posture by strengthening and lengthening your muscles

Low impact exercise.

The springs of the reformer provide resistance but reduce the impact of movements, making it a great low-impact exercise option.

Improved breathing

The movements on the Pilates reformer can help improve your breathing by increasing the amount of oxygen that is delivered to your muscles and tissues.

Reduced risk of injury.

By strengthening your muscles, you will be less likely to suffer an injury.

Improved coordination.

Exercises on the reformer help to improve your proprioception and reaction time, which is essential for coordination.

Reduced stress levels.

Using the Pilates reformer can help reduce your stress levels by calming your mind and body.

Increased energy levels.

Exercising on the reformer can increase your energy levels and leave you feeling refreshed.

Overall, using a Pilates reformer is an excellent way to improve your flexibility, mobility, strength, balance, posture and overall health. It is important to use proper form and technique when performing on the reformer in order to get the most out of your workout.

Making sure that you are doing the exercises correctly will also help reduce your risk of injury or soreness afterward. As always, make sure to consult with a qualified instructor before beginning any new exercise routine.

Factors to consider when using a Pilates Reformer.

There are few important factors to consider when using Pilates reformer. The following are some tips to keep in mind when using the reformer:

Proper form and technique.

Make sure you are using proper form and technique when performing each exercise on the reformer. This is important for both your safety and to be sure that you get the most out of your workout.

Start slow.

When first starting out on the Pilates reformer, it is important to start slow and gradually build up your strength and endurance.

Use appropriate springs.

It is important to use the appropriate springs for the exercise you are performing in order to get the most effective workout.

Have a qualified instructor.

Having a good instructor can help you to be sure that you are using proper form and technique and get the most out of your workouts.

Listen to your body.

It is important to listen to your body and if something doesn't feel right, stop immediately.

By following these tips, you can make sure that you get the most out of your Pilates reformer workouts and staying safe while doing so.

In Conclusion.

Using a Pilates reformer is an excellent way to increase your flexibility, mobility, strength and balance. It is important to use proper form and technique when performing the exercises on the reformer in order to get the most out of your workout and reduce your risk of injury. Additionally, having good instructor can help ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly.

With dedication and proper instruction, you can reap all the benefits of using a Pilates reformer and improve your overall health.

Reformer Manufactures - About BASI Systems:

BASI Systems is a Pilates Reformer manufacturer, founded by Rael Isacowitz. Rael founded BASI Pilates over 30 years ago, creating a global Pilates school with thousands of Instructors around the world. He poured his knowledge and experience into the design of BASI Systems apparatus, with functionality and aesthetics in mind. The modern design of BASI Systems has won awards for its innovative approach while staying true to the principles of the founder of Pilates method, Joseph Pilates. Gladform proudly represents BASI Systems in the UK from its headquarters in London, since 2017.

via Gladform - Blog https://gladform.com/blogs/blog/pilates-reformer-machine

Gladform Pilates Equipment

2023-01-30T13:14:41.668000Z

Are you a professional or an active individual looking for high-quality exercise equipment? Look no further than Gladform! Since our establishment in 2017, we have been dedicated to serving individuals and businesses alike with our extensive selection of premium equipment for Pilates, physiotherapy, and group exercise.

CONTACT:

Gladform
Unit 4, 419 Wick Ln, Bow, London E3 2PX United Kingdom
Phone: +44 20 3633 7044
Email: hello@gladform.com
Web: https://gladform.com
Open: Monday-Friday, 9AM–5PM
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/q8yfVpfZ5exA36QF6

Our London-based business is proud to represent globally recognized and reputable brands, ensuring that our customers receive only the best products. Whether you're setting up a home studio or running a large Pilates studio, Gladform has you covered.

We understand the importance of investing in quality equipment that will last and support your fitness goals. That's why we only offer top-notch brands that have been tried and tested by fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.

So why settle for anything less than the best? Choose Gladform for all your exercise equipment needs and experience the difference of premium quality. We guarantee you won't be disappointed!

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