The Pilates Reformer and Jumpboard
A reformer is defined as someone who makes changes to something to improve it. I think it is only fair to conclude that Joseph Pilates was a reformer, no pun intended.
Joseph Pilates invented many pieces of equipment to advance Pilates as well as the overall wellbeing of himself and others using apparatus in Pilates. The equipment invented by Joseph Pilates included a Wunda Chair, Cadillac, Towers, and the world-famous Reformer – just to name a few.
What is a reformer?
A reformer is a bed-like frame with a flat platform that rolls back and forth on wheels. Attached to the reformer are springs of different colours that provide different resistance levels during exercises. The reformer includes different forms of attachments which allows one to work different parts of their body with creativity with attachments that include handles, loops, and a jump board. The best of all is that a Jump board can be added to the Reformer to enable plyometric exercises.
What is Plyometric exercises?
Plyometrics include different types of exercises, like pushups, throwing, running, jumping, and kicking. Athletes often use plyometrics as part of their training, but anyone can do these workouts.
What is a Reformer Jumpboard?
A jump board allows one to add low-impact plyometric exercises to the pilates session.
The jump board is a padded pad that replaces the foot bar on the reformer and it provides an excellent non-weight bearing exercise like a trampoline, for the upper and lower body as well as core strength.
The benefits of reformer jumpboard:
- Low impact
Just like using a rebounder, one will receive aerobic benefits at a low impact protecting the knees and back from the jarring impact of landing. Low impact exercises are beneficial for you because they are joint-friendly keeping the joint healthy, it promotes healing and recovery by keeping the joint mobile and increasing the joint strength.
- Calorie burn
Jump board reformer results in one burning a lot of calories due to the aerobic component.
- Increase in blood circulation
Blood circulation is responsible for moving nutrients as well as oxygen from one part of the body to the next. During the pilates jump board session the heart rate and breathing rate increase, your organs become more efficient at circulating oxygenated blood and nutrients to the rest of the body. This will result in your recovery after workouts being faster and improved blood circulation.
- Improve bone health
Beneficial for bone health alignments such as osteoporosis. The jump board is also found to provide relief for ankle and knee issues.
- Strengthening
The heavier the springs the more leg work with special attention to power. The lighter the springs more abdominal work and control. Light springs fire up the deep stabilizers encouraging stability in the pelvis, core, and spine.
- Endurance and stamina
Reduction in fatigue, your energy levels are bound to increase.
- The mind
Mastering jumping horizontally on the reformer bed and learning new moves and sequences is training your brain, improving your memory and cognitive function. The jump board also encourages deep breathing which does wonders for the nervous system.
- Improves coordination and flexibility.
You will learn to move and use your body effectively and do multiple movements to improve co-ordination. Strength, flexibility, and mobility are key factors that are included in a jump board Pilates session.
Why Pilates Dynamics Studio?
Pilates Dynamics not only offers client training sessions, but we also offer Pilates Instructor Courses, which includes Pilates Reformer Courses. At Pilates Dynamics you will get exposure to all the Pilates machines, including the Cadillac, Towers, Wunda Chairs, Ladder and Arc Barrels and a host of other smaller equipment.
Pilates Dynamics is a leader in international Pilates Instructor course tuition and training, so you can have total peace of mind that our Pilates instructors have expert knowledge, training, and experience. You are therefor in safe hands.
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Introducing the Reformer to your clients in your studio, gym or practise is one of the best strength and fitness training apparatuses you can add.  The beauty of reformer pilates is that it is for everybody and there is a modification for everyone. Reformer Pilates is good for everyone from supermodels to athletes and even those who have sustained physical injuries befits from Reformer Pilates classes.
For more information contact us here to book your Pilates Reformer course: 0729992229/ 0117925459 or email info@pilatesdynamics..co.za
