Pilates Reformer Bed
“Pilates develops the body uniformly, correct wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit.”
Here at TMFC we are soo excited to have the latest piece of equipment in our studio – a Pilates Reformer Bed! Pilates was developed by Joseph Pilates who was a German fitness enthusiast. During WW1 he created the reformer fo aid bedridden patients.1 Everyone can benefit from this great technology, no matter your fitness level or abilities. The bed comprises of padded handles / foot stirrups, comfortable shoulder rests and handles, the bed platform, foot bar and of course the resistance springs.
The Pilates Reformer Bed aids in posture, stabilising muscles and muscle imbalances, through continual activation of core and spine muscles.
Posture. Pilates aids in the correction of posture through strengthening the postural muscles and correcting muscle imbalances. It teaches and emphasises proper posture, to which must be maintained throughout each exercise. 2.
Stabilising muscles. Pilates targets the stabilising muscles of the body. This involves working the stabilising muscle of the spine, pelvis, scapular (shoulder blade), transverse abdominals (core), pelvic floor, glutes (bum), serrates anterior (upper ribs), lower trapezius (mid back) and deep neck flexors. It also allows concentration on the peripheral joint stabilisers such as rotator cuff (shoulder) and inner hip flexors.3
Muscle imbalances. Aiming to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight muscles. Some common imbalances include glute medius and minimum (upper & inside bum). Hip flexors and quadriceps (thighs) dominating the glute max (outer bum) and hamstrings (back of legs). Pec minor (inside chest) and Upper trapezius (neck shoulder) dominating the serrates anterior (upper ribs) and lower trapezius (mid back). 4.
T-Zone. The T-zone is your core muscles collectively they transverse abdominus and pelvic floor muscles. The role of your T-Zone is to stabilise and support the spins and pelvis and keep bladder under control.
Spine Position. Neutral spine refers to have the natural curvature in your lumbar spine (lower back). This should not be over exaggerated – forced flat or curved upward. Everyone will be different due to shapes and sizes but generally we want to keep a neutral spine while exercising.
Are you as excited as I am?! Make sure to book your PT session to use this genius piece of equipment and get started on your postural and strengthening journey!
References – 1. Pilates, Joseph (1998) (1945). Pilates ‘Return to life through Contrology’ pp12-14
2. Studio Pilates 2017. Matwork Manual. 1st edt.
3. Pilates, Joseph (1998) (1945). Pilates ‘Return to life through Contrology’ pp12-14
4. Martini F. And Ober W, 2006. Fundamentals of Anatomy and Physiology.