Reformer Bed Safe
A reformer bed is the large Pilates machine with springs and straps you might see in a studio alongside the barrel, trapeze table and Pilates chair. Despite their intimidating appearance these pieces of equipment have a lot to offer people who want to strengthen their core and improve the way they move through daily life.
While there are many things that can cause back pain, a weak core is often to blame. By strengthening the muscles of your back and improving posture through the use of the reformer bed you can alleviate or even prevent back problems. However, to make sure you don’t end up causing more pain than you can handle it is important to work with a fully qualified instructor to start with.
The reformer is a piece of Pilates equipment that consists of a frame, platform bed and a carriage attached to a system of springs and gears. The carriage can be lowered into the frame to allow for a more challenging workout, or raised up to target the arms and legs in different ways. The springs can be adjusted to vary the level of resistance, but beginners should always avoid placing their feet or hands in the spring area to reduce the risk of injury.
Is a Reformer Bed Safe For People With Back Pain?
When working out on the reformer it is important to focus on using the muscles of your core and not letting the momentum of the carriage carry you through the movement. In particular, when lifting the carriage to the ceiling and then lowering it back down, your upper back muscles are required to control the movements. In addition, you should always aim to keep your shoulders away from the carriage and your neck long to prevent over-stressing the neck muscles.
One of the main reasons that people seek out Pilates is to improve their posture and strengthen their core. Poor posture is often a major contributing factor in back pain and can be improved significantly through the practice of Pilates. Using the reformer to perform exercises that help to align and lengthen your spine can not only relieve back pain but also prevent future problems by encouraging good posture throughout your daily life.
Getting started with Pilates on the reformer can feel daunting, particularly for those suffering from back pain, but there are lots of benefits that can come from starting slowly and working with a trained professional to ensure your safety. Even if you don’t end up using the reformer on a regular basis, learning to do some of the basic mat work (cat/cow, 4 point kneeling etc) can help strengthen your core and improve how you move through your day to day activities.
If you are interested in taking up a new exercise or starting to do a bit more strength training, make sure you speak to a fully reps-qualified instructor first to avoid injury and ensure you get the most out of your workouts. For more information about the benefits of Pilates and how it can improve your posture contact a reps-qualified instructor today.