Research Corner - Q&A Pilates Reformer and Strength Training by Kristy Hoornick | Date Released : 27 Nov 2007 0 comments Print Close Question: Can the Pilates reformer replace strength training? Answer: On a Pilates reformer, you are working with resistance, and your own body weight acts as resistance as well. Some of the benefits of working on the reformer include: Increased core strength, flexibility and mobility Better balance and body awareness Spinal lengthening and posture Heightened neurological coordination Increased joint range of motion Correction of over trained muscles groups Better mind/body connection Pilates reformers are great for building longer leaner muscles without bulking up. You can get a total body workout on the reformer and perform rehabilitative exercises. A Pilates reformer is also great for athletes and, depending on the accessories of the reformer, it is also great for a cardiovascular workout with the jumpboard. Whether the Pilates reformer will replace strength training or not depends on your fitness goals. I don’t think one will replace the other as they both have great benefits and can be done together. You can get a lot of variety of movement from both strength training and the reformer, and you can also be muscle specific with both. If you wanted to bulk up for a competition or something like that, then I would add in strength training with free weights or machines on top of a Pilates workout. If you are looking to simply tone up without bulk, or if you are working on injury recovery and improving posture while gaining a greater sense of core strength, a Pilates reformer workout a few times a week is perfect. Back to top About the author: Kristy Hoornick Kristy has been active in the fitness industry for over 12 years. Currently, she is the Fitness and Wellness Director at Hutton House, working with adults and youths with disabilities, assisting to develop fitness programs and community workshops. Her goal is to be able to provide information with regards to exercise and disabilities to the community. Kristy is a certified Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer, Mind Body Specialist, Pre and Post Natal Pro Trainer, Nutrition and Wellness Specialist through Can Fit Pro, and is a certified Fitness Therapist. She has a diploma in Fitness and Wellness and has taken certifications through NESTA, Packard School of Nutrition, ISSA, AAHFRP, Satyarum Yoga, Paul Jerard (Restorative and Kids Yoga Diploma), Stott Pilates Matt and Reformer, East to West Yoga and Pilates, Body Harmonics and more. Kristy has created nine accredited workshops offered through Can Fit Pro and is working on a Pre and Post Natal DVD and an at home video for people to train with if they have a disability. Kristy is an Instructor Trainer for East to West Pilates, Canadian Master Trainer for Yo Wei, yoga and weighted balls, Family Passages Ontario Facilitator offering Pre and Post Natal Courses including Yoga for Fertility and Postpartum Moms, Can Fit Pro Pre and Post Natal Instructor Trainer, and Gait and Posture Analysis Instructor Trainer. Full Author Details Related content Content from Kristy Hoornick Gyrotonic Marci Clark | Articles Restorative Pilates for MS Kristy Hoornick | Articles Pilates for the Personal Trainer Marci Clark | Articles Pilates and the Cyclist Marci Clark | Articles Introduction of Pilates by Christine Romani-Ruby | Videos Pilates Programs for Profit Shirley Archer | Articles Pilates: The Exercise Method for Rehab Christine Romani-Ruby | Articles Client with Cerebral Palsy Kristy Hoornick | Articles Addison's Disease Kristy Hoornick | Articles Exercise and Multiple Sclerosis Kristy Hoornick | Articles Williams Syndrome Kristy Hoornick | Articles Pilates Reformer and Strength Training Kristy Hoornick | Articles Restorative Pilates for MS Kristy Hoornick | Articles Please login to leave a comment Comments (0) Back to top