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London is buzzing with the rise of Reformer Pilates. With studios springing up like mushrooms and A-listers like Harry Styles and Jennifer Aniston swearing by it for their toned bodies, it’s no wonder you’re intrigued. Reformer Pilates, a series of strength training exercises performed on a carriage, was designed by German trainer Joseph Pilates during WWI. It focuses on core strength, muscle building, and stress reduction. However, the cost of classes, which can be up to £30 each, might be a barrier. So, can you achieve similar results at home?

The Rise of Reformer Pilates at Home
Louisa Drake, a personal trainer and founder of the Louisa Drake Method, has introduced an innovative solution: the Invisible Reformer Workout. This streamable exercise series mimics the movement patterns of Reformer Pilates, targeting the same muscle groups for a comprehensive full-body session. Instead of using a carriage, you lie on a mat with the Invisible Reformer Kit, which includes gliders, a mini stability ball, and various resistance bands.

While the kit costs £52, you can find similar equipment online for less. This at-home method differs from mat-based Pilates because it offers more external resistance and feedback to help you maintain correct posture, making it a viable alternative to traditional classes.

Reformer Pilates Workouts
As someone who practices Reformer Pilates a few times a week, you might have noticed the financial strain. Trying Louisa’s method can provide a similar sensation and results, such as achy muscles, without breaking the bank. Plus, the portability of the kit allows you to maintain your routine even while traveling.

The key to any exercise is consistency. Louisa’s workouts are designed for the time-poor, with short, express sessions that can be done alone or combined for a more extensive workout. Joseph Pilates, the creator of the discipline, recommended doing 10 minutes of exercise daily to increase blood circulation and raise energy levels throughout the day. This makes the Invisible Reformer Workout an excellent option for fitting exercise into a busy schedule.

Top Invisible Reformer Workout Moves to Incorporate into Your Routine

Glute Bridge with the LDM Mini-Stability Ball

Targets: Hamstrings and glutes, focusing on the posterior chain.

How to:

Lie flat on your back with legs bent at a 90-degree angle, the ball under your heels, and toes apart in a V-shape.

Inhale to prepare, exhale to tilt your pelvis, and lift your hips slowly off the mat, peeling your spine off the floor. Stop at your shoulder blades. Inhale and hold.

Exhale and lower your hips back down in a controlled motion.

Duration: 30, 45, or 60 seconds.

Frog Press with the LDM Resistance Band

Targets: Legs (quadriceps, hamstrings) and core.

How to:

Lie flat on your back, knees bent into your chest, tailbone down, resistance band around the balls of your feet, heels together, and toes apart.

Inhale to prepare, exhale to scoop your abs to your spine, extending your legs to a 45-degree angle. Squeeze your glutes and keep them extended.

Inhale to bend your knees back into your chest, tucking the tailbone.

Duration: 30, 45, or 60 seconds.

Side Splits or Standing Abduction with the LDM Gliding Discs

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Targets: Inner thighs, glutes, and core stability.

How to:

Place discs under the balls of your feet, standing tall with chest open, hands on hips.

Exhale to abduct the right hip, sliding your leg outward. Perform the movement slowly, feeling a stretch in the inner thighs.

Pause, inhale, then exhale to slide your leg back to the starting position, squeezing your inner thighs.

Duration: 30, 45, or 60 seconds on each leg.

Side-Lying Leg Series with LDM Loop Band

Targets: Gluteal muscles.

How to:

Place a loop band around both thighs. Lie on your side with hips stacked, feet flexed, and shoulders aligned. There should be a gap between the waist and the mat.

Inhale to prepare, lift your top leg higher than your hip, exhale, and extend the leg slowly. Hold the extension before returning to a 90-degree knee bend.

Duration: 30, 45, or 60 seconds on each leg.

Benefits of At-Home Reformer Pilates
Regular practice of Reformer Pilates, whether in a studio or at home, offers numerous benefits:

  • Improved Core Strength: Strengthens your core muscles, leading to better posture and stability.
  • Muscle Tone: Helps in muscle building and toning, giving you a leaner physique.
  • Flexibility: Enhances flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of injury.
  • Stress Reduction: The focus on controlled movements and breathing promotes relaxation and mental wellness.
  • Convenience: The ability to perform these workouts at home saves time and money, making it easier to stick to a fitness routine.

Conclusion
At-home Reformer Pilates workouts, like Louisa Drake’s Invisible Reformer, can effectively mimic the results of studio classes. With the right equipment and consistency, you can enjoy the same benefits, from improved core strength and muscle tone to enhanced flexibility and stress reduction. While traditional Reformer Pilates classes offer the advantage of professional supervision, the at-home version provides a practical, cost-effective alternative that fits into your busy lifestyle. So, why not give it a try and see how it transforms your fitness journey?

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