Judy Herbert Studio
Reformer Pilates
The Reformer is the first piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates and the most well-known.
The repertoire can take the student from Beginner to Advanced, and can be adapted for injury rehabilitation, pregnancy, joint replacements and neural sensitivities such as fibromyalgia.
As with all Pilates exercises, the muscles are strengthened and lengthened, with emphasis placed on few repetitions and accuracy of placement. This is in order that we might build new patterns of movement, rather than repeat old habits.
With 45 years of experience working with the Pilates equipment, I like to lead my students to recognise how the same material differs on the different pieces of equipment - to take the understanding of the Footwork on the Reformer to that on the Wunda Chair, for example.
Classes on the Reformer strengthen our capacity to execute the Matwork successfully, and increase our competence and enjoyment of the Pilates Method overall.
Coaching for Teachers: Duet Classes
Part of my job as a teacher for Body Control Pilates was to train, mentor and examine the students on the Reformer.
Whilst it is an accessible piece of equipment for clients of all levels, there is a depth of understanding that is required on the side of the teacher for sustained progress to be made.
In duet classes, the focus is both on our own placement and execution of the material, plus improving our skills at recognising and correcting the misalignments that we perceive in another.
All teachers need time and space to explore the common pitfalls that we experience in our journey through the Pilates repertoire.
Confidence and precision come from the freedom to ask questions, experiment with variations and mature in our work with the Reformer.