We Believe Traditional Pilates Surpasses Reformer Classes. Here’s Why.
At Recover Wellbeing, we’re passionate about Pilates and its many benefits for both the mind and body. To help you make the most informed decisions about your Pilates practice, let's explore the history of Pilates and the key differences between semi-private comprehensive classes and the increasingly popular reformer classes.
A Brief History of Pilates
Pilates was created by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century. Originally named "Contrology," the practice was developed during World War I to help rehabilitate injured soldiers. Joseph Pilates emphasised the connection between mental and physical health, promoting controlled movements to build strength, flexibility, and balance. Rooted in a blend of yoga, martial arts, gymnastics, breath work, and the study of the effortless and graceful movements of animals, Joseph Pilates created a method that was years ahead of his time. While Pilates has evolved over the decades, its core principles of concentration, control, and precision remain central to the practice.
Semi-Private Comprehensive Classes vs. Reformer Classes
Semi-Private Comprehensive Classes
Our semi-private comprehensive classes at Recover Wellbeing are designed to offer a personalised and therapeutic approach to Pilates. This is much like the way Joseph Pilates intended his method to be taught. These classes focus on individual needs and provide a holistic experience. Here’s what makes them unique:
Personalised Attention: With smaller class sizes, our instructors can offer more individualised guidance, ensuring that exercises are performed correctly and safely.
Holistic Approach: These classes incorporate all of the Pilates principles to enhance overall strength, flexibility, and balance, addressing specific therapeutic needs.
Customisation: Exercises are adapted to suit various fitness levels, injuries, or chronic conditions, making these classes suitable for everyone.
Reformer Classes
Reformer Pilates classes, which rely heavily on the reformer machine only, have gained significant popularity in recent years, often driven by their trendy appeal. While they may be a solution to offering Pilates at a more affordable rate in our modern climate, it’s important to acknowledge their deviance from the traditional Pilates method:
Equipment Dependency: The reformer machine, with its springs and pulleys, can create a false sense of security. This equipment can force the body into positions that may not be appropriate for everyone, especially those with underlying conditions or injuries. The machine’s complexity can lead to overexertion and improper form, increasing the risk of strain or injury when not used properly for the individuals needs.
Impersonal Group Settings: Reformer classes are typically conducted in larger groups, making it difficult for instructors to provide the personalised attention necessary to ensure safe and effective practice. In this setting, the focus often shifts away from the individual’s needs and toward keeping up with the class, which can be detrimental to one’s progress and safety. Not every body needs to (or can) move in the same way, and often shouldn’t.
Trend Over Substance: While reformer classes are often praised for their ability to enhance strength and flexibility, they lack the comprehensive therapeutic benefits that traditional Pilates can offer. The trendiness of reformer classes might attract those looking for a quick fix, but this approach can overlook the essential principles of Pilates—control, precision, and breath—which are crucial for long-term well-being.
The popularity of reformer classes may suggest they are a great fitness option, but it’s crucial to understand that what’s popular isn't always what's best.
Choosing the Right Class for You
Our semi-private comprehensive classes provide a more tailored and holistic approach, ensuring that individual needs are met effectively. Whether you’re dealing with a specific injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, our comprehensive classes are designed to offer the support and attention you need.
At Recover Wellbeing, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals through the highest quality Pilates instruction. Our team is here to guide you in choosing the class that best fits your needs and ensures you get the most out of your Pilates practice.
Stay well and keep moving!