The Anatomy Of A Pilates Reformer
Before you even begin on a Pilates exercise, you must be knowledgeable about the equipment that you are going to use. You have to know the differences between the gadgets in the exercise. For example, you have to learn the difference between an aero pilates reformer and a stamina type of reformer. When you understand the use of every Pilates equipment, you will be guided accordingly to its use.
Pilates Reformer: The Spring System
A Pilates reformer is composed of a foot bar and a spring system which helps meet the resistance that you need. It will be adjusted to specific heights by your instructor. The springs will be the one responsible for the resistance; it can be hooked and unhooked from time to time to make adjustments with the resistance. These springs in the gear system are usually color coded. Typically, a green color means light spring while blue and yellow provide medium resistance. The red color of the spring will give you maximum resistance. If you are a beginner in Pilates, your instructor would tell you which spring is needed by your body.
Pilates Reformer: The Carriage
One of the essential parts of a Pilates reformer is the carriage. It is where you put your body on when you exercise. When you push against the foot bar or when you pull the ropes and straps of the equipment, the carriage will be the one responding to the resistance that is being met by your body. You can either sit or lie down, and stand or kneel on your carriage depending on the exercise that you perform.
Pilates Reformer: Shoulder Block And Head Rest
In a Pilates reformer, the head rest can be flat or propped up depending on the type of exercise that you are going to perform. If the exercise would require you to pull your legs up against your body, the head rest should be flattened for safety. However, there are also exercises which require the head rest to be in an upward position. The shoulder blocks in a Pilates reformer are used not by your shoulders alone but can be utilized in several exercises which involve the knees, arms, and even your feet.
Pilates Reformer: Ropes And Straps
The ropes and straps in a Pilates reformer provides for the resistance you need. You have to pull yourself against these ropes so you can exercise every muscle in your system. The basic principle involved with the use of straps and ropes is the resistance met during the push and pull exercise.