I know.  With that title you’re expecting a Western, or a Cop story.  Instead, you’ll be getting a blog about exercise.

Yup.

Exercise.

Reformer is a form of Pilates, which is (per dictionary.com) a “system of exercises using special apparatus, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental awareness.”

Now, in layman’s terms, if you’re a devotee of the Fifty Shades stuff, you’re going to love Pilates.  You are laying on a rack, with your feet and arms in various types of straps, pushing your body to do things that will probably cause you to scream out “Oh God”, and thoroughly understand the concept of pleasure and pain.  There’s a Rihanna song that totally plays in your head when you’re on the table, feet in straps, and moving your legs side to side and up and down.

Seriously.

I am stretching muscles that I didn’t know existed.  My inner thighs burn from leg movement.  And my core (more commonly known as abs)- I understand how someone can have a “6 pack” because I actually feel the muscle movement in at least 6 stomach areas.

So, what’s the verdict?

I feel better after class.  I have gone to 3 classes so far (I’m going once a week, every Friday).  I have better movement in my joints- I feel my hips opening up.  I have/had planters fasciitis in one foot and tendonitis in the other, and the series of stretches I do is actually relieving my foot pain.  My abs are stronger, which in turn is making my back stronger.  But I feel every area of my body getting a little stronger, a little looser, a little more flexible.  Though I do ache and “need” to take a hot bath with lavender and Epsom salts (candle and soft music also essential), it is a good ache.  I feel like my muscles have been exercised, but not hurt.

My body feels good.

But my mind also feels good.  I am  sleeping better.  Don’t get me wrong- I’m still a crazy type A lunatic, but I’m a little tiny bit calmer.  it’s a start.

I will also say that the teacher I have is probably the best teacher ever.  No lie.  She is patient, explains what the exercise is, what it will work, and why it’s important.  She walks around the class to make sure we are all doing things properly.  She is calm and laid back, and while those are not qualities I normally look for in others, it is totally welcome, wanted and needed during this class.  I feel like her presence is a good warm hug.

Trying Pilates was one of my goals for 2018.  I’m glad I was able to fit it into my weekly routine.  My other goal was to work out at least 5 days a week, which I exceeded by exercising every day this month.  (though I may not go to the gym today because I have a stupidly packed schedule- Tuesday is my crazy day)

Onward and upward….

58 thoughts on “The Reformer”

  4. Wow! Every day this month?! I am seriously impressed by that- I know how hard it can be to get in a good gym routine, and you are killing it! I have been toying with the idea of taking a pilates class at my gym- mostly, I have been nervous about trying something new with people I don’t know at my new gym. Maybe it’s time for me to take the plunge!

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    1. Ok…first…I’m really shy and not really a joiner…so if I can do a class so can you….second…just find a half hour this week, write it in your planner and go work out. Baby steps. You can do it!!

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  5. That sounds like a great total body workout! Maybe when I am fully recovered I will find a class, or I guess I could find a beginner class that warms up to torture 😉

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  6. Interesting. I’ve heard mixed reviews of pilates, some people like it, others think it’s a con job. I always like yoga, but am open to whatever works. Now if only the pilates studio around here hadn’t gone out of business…

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    1. I think teacher is extremely important in Pilates. My teacher is 71, and has been an instructor for about 35 years. She is the embodiment of healthy and fit. Her posture is amazing. She is also so knowledgeable on the body, and how things work. It helps that it’s a service offered at my gym…she doesn’t have to worry about making rent or paying utilities…she gets paid because it’s an add on feature. And I’ve met people who have been her students for years!!! But, I can see why some people could be turned off by it…

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      1. Great point about the teacher. I hadn’t thought of that variable. I wonder if the people who I know who didn’t care for pilates, just didn’t like the teacher. And vice versa.

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      2. I’m going to flat out say that in Pilates, the teacher is most important, because if teacher not teaching right, whole experience is a bust

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  8. I do Pilates twice a week and it has honest to God helped me so much! I strongly think that every woman should be doing Pilates. It helps you with everything because you know have a source of strength (your core) to help you carry things and believe it or not but it is very beneficial for child birth 🙂
    One important thing I always forget though: BREATH! it actually makes the exercise flow better and you feel a whole lot better at the end!
    Also, try the rowing machine. I do it at Pilates and it honestly is the best.

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    1. I am the worst at actually breathing during exercise! It’s horrible and I try to correct myself every single time!! Do you do reformer, tower or mat? I feel like I’m talking about lord of the rings movies….

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      1. I do a mix of everything because I do a one on one class so it is really what my body needs next, thank God my teacher knows my body well!! They started offering this new thing, I don’t know what it is called but something ‘meshing’ or something like that. It is basically where the lady uses her body to stretch your body (she like stands on you- sort of like those Japanese massages? but not). Anyway, I tried it out and it was amazing and the lady told me about this book called: Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program to Improve Your Mental and Physical Health by Dr. Belisa Vranich. (ISBN-13: 978-1250106421). I will admit I have not finished the book but the beginning already made so much sense… just need to find the time lol. Anyway, I would suggest it because you cannot imagine how just breathing can change your day!

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  12. I took a Pilates class regularly awhile ago. It was a good experience. My schedule is haywire right now but I do exercise regularly when I can fit it in. I look forward to the summer when I have more time. Good for you.

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  14. I am delighted! I have been a Pilates teacher for 10 years this year, and am still deeply in love with the Reformer… Pilates is SO GOOD for women, whether on mats or equipment, but the equipment can be tailored to the individual so well, and be so efficient. Enjoy x

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  18. Congrats on your output. That is fantastic, it really is. Our goal is gym four times a week, and more times than not we’re more like three times because of appointments or other conflicts. But you’re off to a great start. – Marty

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    1. To be fair, I’ve had this same gym routine for years….I added the Pilates this year. But I’ve gone almost every day for years! Not that I look like it though….😉

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