EQUIPMENT Vs REFORMER PILATES

Pilates is a highly versatile form of exercise that focuses on supporting core strength, flexibility, mind-body connection, and overall body conditioning.  Originally named Contrology by Joseph Pilates, it only became known as Pilates after his death. 

Pilates' Three guiding Principles were:

• Whole Body Health - the coordinated development of the body, the
  mind, and the spirit.
• Whole Body Commitment - striving to achieve the highest accomplishments within the scope of our capabilities.
• Breath - a cornerstone of Pilates and Joe saw it as an integral part of the body’s overall functioning, nourishing all tissues with oxygen-rich blood and carrying away impurities and metabolic waste. 

Soul Pilates has taken these principles and coupled them with the latest movement science to create a Pilates style which creates meaningful and last change to the mind, body and soul. 

Equipment Pilates Classes at Soul Pilates
We are the only Fully Equipped Pilates Studio in Bristol offering group classes across all of the Pilates Equipment that Joseph Pilates designed all those years ago, which are still delighting clients the world over today.

A Soul take on Traditional Pilates, we take a small group of less than 7 and provide a full body movement experience with a strong focus on alignment & technique.

Equipment Pilates is a broader term that includes a variety of Pilates exercises performed on different types of Pilates large equipment. At Soul, this includes not just the Reformer, but also the Trapeze Table (sometimes called the Cadillac), Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and more. Each piece of equipment has its own unique design and function, allowing for a wide range of exercises that can be tailored to individual needs, whether that be to challenge or to support recover from injury. 

Benefits of Equipment Pilates:

• Comprehensive Full-Body Workout: with access to multiple pieces of equipment, you can engage in a more varied workout that targets every major muscle group, providing a holistic approach to fitness.
• Customisation: the variety of equipment allows for modifications and adjustments that cater to individual body types, fitness levels, and specific needs, such as injury rehabilitation or athletic training.
• Increased Challenge: each piece of equipment offers its own set of challenges, from the Cadillac’s trapeze system to the Ladder Barrel’s curved surface, helping you continuously progress and avoid plateaus in your fitness routine.
• Postural Alignment and Correction: all of the Pilates equipment is designed to support the body in finding optimal alignment, making it easier to maintain correct form and improve posture from your Pilates class.

Reformer Pilates at Soul Pilates 
​Bringing a little more flow and pace via a signal piece of equipment in a  group setting, classes can be more dynamic, with one exercise flowing into the next. At Soul we have developed a class format that not only honours the original principles of Pilates, but that also provides you with a fun and supportive workout. 

As the name suggests only the Reformer is used in this class. Whilst Reformer classes follow many of the principals and techniques of Joseph's original method, Reformer class formats have evolved.

Benefits of Reformer Pilates:

• Targeted Muscle Strengthening: the resistance provided by the springs allows you to perform precise, controlled movements that target specific muscle groups, particularly the core, glutes, and legs.
• Improved Flexibility: the sliding carriage and adjustable resistance levels help you move through a full range of motion, increasing flexibility over time.
• Enhanced Core Stability: the unstable surface of the Reformer challenges your core muscles continuously, improving balance and stability.
• Low-Impact Exercise: Reformer Pilates is gentle on the joints, making it suitable for people recovering from injuries or those who prefer low-impact workouts.

Why Doing Both Is Great for You
​While there are differences between both disciplines in terms of overall approach, exercises performed, pace, intensity and sequencing, the disciplines are complimentary; each improves the ability to do the other.

Whether you’re new to Pilates or a seasoned practitioner, exploring both Reformer Pilates and Equipment Pilates can offer tremendous benefits for your body and mind.

Reformer Pilates is fantastic for core stability, flexibility, and low-impact strength training, while Equipment Pilates provides a slow paced, more diverse and focused, full-body workout with endless possibilities and variations. By incorporating both into your routine, you’ll enjoy a balanced, challenging, and ever-evolving practice that supports your health and wellness journey in the long term.
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