Between social media hype and real Pilates practice
Over the last few months, it seems as if everything to do with Pilates suddenly includes a reformer. Well staged on Instagram and co., often accompanied by upbeat music and athletic movements and bang: Pilates is suddenly „in“. But what's behind it?
I've been asked a lot recently whether I also offer Reformer Pilates. My answer is always the same: Yes, you can train on the Reformer in my studio, but not exclusively, as it is only one part of the whole Pilates movement system.
Joseph Pilates had a clear plan. He did not invent the reformer as a fitness gadget. He was part of a holistic system in which exercises are practiced in a clear sequence and build on each other. The sequence is no coincidence. It ensures that the center of the body is activated first and that the movements arise from the center. This builds connections in the body instead of working muscles in isolation. Put simply: it's not about feeling the „burn“, it's about making it work. Quality over quantity, or as Joseph Pilates said: „It's not how many exercises you do, but how you do them. And it is precisely this „how“ that often gets lost in the trend.
The Aldi reformer for €199 - does it fit in with the Pilates concept??
Joseph Pilates had already wished for Pilates to become more widely known during his lifetime! I am also pleased that most people have now heard of Pilates and that I hardly have to explain what Pilates actually is or make it clear that it is not the same as yoga. But a cheap reformer for at home? It was on sale at Aldi in January and was sold out in no time. But a closer critical look showed me that it doesn't work with spring tension, but with tension bands and therefore has nothing to do with an original reformer! These bands can never offer the same resistance and precision as springs. The instructions were available as a poster. This can also be dangerous, as performing difficult exercises, e.g. standing or kneeling, can lead to injuries because you simply fall off! Without working from the center of the body, which is trained with basic exercises, joints and the spine can also suffer from exercises that are not tailored to the individual.
Pilates studio vs. trendy course
We work differently in a traditional Pilates studio. The reformer does not stand alone in our studio. It and the mat training form the basis of a Pilates session. Other equipment such as the Cadillac, various chairs and barrels etc. complement the mat and reformer training. We follow a specific sequence here, which
- prepares the body
- Creates connections in the body
- improves strength, posture and movement quality in the long term
- Mentally relaxed
- compares us with ourselves rather than with other participants
- is also exhausting, but it puts conscious control above pure exhaustion.
I think it's great that people get moving and try Pilates. But if you want to experience Pilates the way Joseph Pilates meant it, then a classic Pilates studio is the right place for you. Your body will thank you for it!
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