Initial Pilates session, centered on the Reformer, challenge my prior beliefs concerning muscular development.
Take a (Reformer) Pilates Leap:
If you're an experienced lifter with a handful of injuries or a beginner looking for a low-impact workout, chances are you're intrigued by the hype surrounding reformer Pilates. After trying my first session with Avalon Pilates, I'm here to share my experience and what I learned.
Sporting some fashionable workout gear from sustainable clothing brand Vuori, I found myself in the capable hands of Anna Mounsey-Jennings, founder of Avalon Pilates. Our class, all guys, began with an activation sequence on the reformer bed, taking our muscles on a tour of unusual movements. From single-leg planks to Russian twists, our 'mirror muscles' of the chest, shoulders, and abs got a good wake-up call.
Next up was a test of balance, lactic acid tolerance, and quads. We focused on half lunges, pressing against the spring-loaded resistance of the reformer. As if that wasn't enough, we pulsed up and down while straining against the eccentric resistance, secure in the knowledge that our classmates were grunting just as loud as us.
Core Focus: The Powerhouse
After an hour of challenging each major muscle group, we finished with a 10-minute core focus, using straps and dumbbells for a relentless set of side planks, leg raises, Russian twists, and oblique crunches. My post-workout ache proved that my core had been thoroughly scrutinized, to say the least.
Slowing down and focusing on keeping engaged muscles rather than racing for the finish line was Mounsey-Jennings' priority throughout the workout. Volume and time under tension formed the winning muscle-building formula, giving me a total of 444 active calories burnt (564 kcal total).
Expert Take: Less Sweat, More Gain
"Pilates isn't about beefing up. Integerating heavy weightlifting is where you build bulk," Mounsey-Jennings explained later, answering my questions. "Reformer Pilates promotes muscle endurance, toning, and functional strength," she continued.
Dispelling common misconceptions, Mounsey-Jennings emphasized that Pilates isn't just for the yoga enthusiasts or even the girls. "Pilates harks back from WW1 and its rehabilitation of soldiers, making it suitable for all ages and physical abilities," Mounsey-Jennings said, explaining the history behind the studio's equipment.
Reformer Pilates can help prevent injuries by strengthening the core and promoting better posture. With an increasing sedentary lifestyle, it's an essential addition to any fitness schedule.
The Verdict: A Game-Changer for Your Goals
The next day, I felt refreshed, strong, and invigorated, with newfound awareness of tiny stabilizing muscles in my body. The workout reinforced the importance of including a regular Pilates routine in my week, offering benefits beyond my typical weightlifting workouts.
For those seeking an affordable alternative to reformer Pilates, a Pilates bar can provide many of the same advantages. Give it a try and let the benefits of Pilates make their way into your life!
- The workout with Avalon Pilates, led by Anna Mounsey-Jennings, focuses on muscle endurance, toning, and functional strength, making it a suitable addition for individuals seeking a low-impact workout beyond traditional fitness-and-exercise routines.
- Yoga enthusiasts may find benefits in Reformer Pilates, as it shares a common goal of improving flexibility, but Pilates harks back from WW1 and was originally used for the rehabilitation of soldiers, making it suitable for all ages and physical abilities in the health-and-wellness domain.
- After incorporating reformer Pilates into my fitness-and-exercise routine, I noticed a newfound awareness of tiny stabilizing muscles in my body that weren't engaged in my usual workouts, contributing to better posture and a reduced risk of injuries, enhancing my overall health-and-wellness.
