Location: Northwest Pilates & Yoga Centre
Session Length: 60 minute session
Class Size: Six participants
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Despite the somewhat medieval name, the STOTTPILATES Reformer machine is actually an amazingly elegant machine. The STOTTPILATES Reformer provides finely tuned exercise resistance that allows one to work very precisely to develop good alignment, core strength, and flexibility.
There are many styles of Reformer Machines. The Reformer Machine pictured here is the V2 Max Plus™ Reformer made by STOTTPILATES. Some Reformer Machines are wood and some are metal. There might be leather straps or ropes, and the Reformer may be on legs or not. Nevertheless, the basic parts and their functions will be the same. You will feel much more comfortable at your first Reformer class if you take a moment to look over the reformer and get a sense how it works. The height of the foot-bar is adjusted with the gear system. There will be two to four notches on the inside of the frame that will allow you to adjust the height of the foot-bar. Your instructor will help you figure out which is best for you
The springs provide resistance from the machine. The rest of the resistance is provided by your own body weight. The springs hook on the spring bar, and different springs can be unhooked to increase or decrease the resistance.
The springs are colour-coded by the amount of resistance they provide. Usually, white is the lightest spring, then blue, yellow, and finally, the most resistance from red. Many levels of resistance are achieved through varying combinations of the springs. There are some variations in colour-coding, but you will get to know the machines at your studio.
Your instructor will tell you which springs to use for each exercise. Beginning students are never expected to know which springs to use. The carriage is the part you put your body on. The carriage is moved by pushing against the foot bar, or by pulling the straps or ropes at the other end of the Reformer. The carriage glides back and forth along the inside of the frame, responding to the effort you exert and the amount of resistance set up by the springs. Reformer exercises can be done lying down, sitting, kneeling or standing on the carriage.
The straps are connected to pulleys at the top end of the Pilates Reformer. The straps have handles on the end that you can grasp to pull or push the carriage. You may also be asked to thread the straps through the handles in order to work with your feet in the straps. Again, the basic principle is that you will be pushing or pulling yourself on the carriage against the resistance provided by your own body weight and the springs.
Head Rest and Shoulder Blocks
Many Pilates Reformer Machine exercises are done lying down with the head on the headrest. The important thing to be aware of is that the headrest can be down flat or propped up. In many cases, it will be your preference whether the headrest is up or down. You will want to find out what is most comfortable for your neck. However, it is important to have the headrest down anytime you are going to bring your legs over your head. There are also exercises where you turn around and put your feet through the headrest area.
The shoulder blocks keep you stable on the STOTTPILATES Reformer as you push or pull the carriage. Often your shoulders are against the blocks, but there are also exercises that use the shoulder blocks as props for the feet, knees or hands.
Apart from the regular equipment, the newly acquired STOTT PILATES® V2 Max Plus™ Reformer class adds a cutting edge to our offerings and a unique opportunity for our clients.
Taught in groups of six, it is designed to help clients work against very gentle tension which is built up incrementally as strength increases. The STOTT Reformer offers restriction-free movement and limitless programming possibilities providing a superior workout as it allows the emulating of free, multidimensional movement of daily life.
"I'd strongly recommend Nisha's classes using the V2Max machines. They are great for improving general strength and flexibility but it's also helped me with various joint problems especially recovering from pregnancy and general childcare aches and pains. Nisha is a clear and direct teacher who understands what it's like to try and overprotect you. She'll push your abilities, showing you what you're capable of. I always feel better after a class and well worth attending on these dark winter nights to sort out aches and pains." Client Christa Price
Its innovative vertical frame pulley system accommodates three-dimensional range of motion, maintaining workout flow and providing even, constant resistance without jarring.
STOTT Reformer classes are essential/intermediate level workouts. The pace is moderate and you really enjoy the toning capabilities of this type of workout. All Staff are certified STOTT Reformer with STOTT PILATES.
