Ready, Set, Streeetch!

What if we told you that we’ve discovered the world’s most effective Pilates workout? Not just the regular mat class, but also the real deal, like, on the machines. One that could get you into your skinny jeans in just 4 weeks, without hoisting a single dumbbell, would that be enough to change your workout regime? Here’s a supermodel approved way to get fit.

Superior to mat based Pilates, as the repertoire of exercises available is greatly increased, providing far more variety; Reformer Pilates can retool your routine. Reformer machines add resistance to exercises in the form of springs. There are a variety of reformer exercises that improve posture, as well as tone the arms, legs and core muscles.

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Spread across 500 exercises, the Pilates reformer is equipped with flexible lightweight bands, a carriage (at the foot of the reformer), which is attached by a set of springs that have different levels of resistance and shoulder blocks to keep you from sliding when you push and pull, off the carriage. However, we recommend that guidance of fitness professionals help to determine which band is right for you, depending on your fitness level and specific workout plan.

If you’re looking to not only lose weight but also tone your body and look slimmer, then making Reformer Pilates part of your exercise routine can help you in the long run. You can make a real difference in how effective they’ll be, depending on how you do your Reformer workout and how you combine them with other aspects.

Maintain a Good Form

If you’re looking for strength training, start with lighter weights so you can work on your form, which is the most important thing here. It’s good to have a professional who knows good form to help you, for the first month. Never think of sacrificing form for heavier weights.

Multitask With Routines

If you’re someone who heads toward doing lots of cardio, you’ll do better to lose fat without sacrificing muscle. If you switch to intervals, i.e. sprinting all-out for one minute and then slowing way down for two, it’ll speed you up and slow you down, altering resistance on each level to create an optimum interval workout.

Balance Your Intake

There is no getting around it - a complimenting combination of proper diet and exercise is the best way to stay fit. Five to six meals a day is the best way to go. Get as much nutrition laden food into your system, throughout the day, as you can. Switch your carbohydrate intake to fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Increase your protein consumption to help sustain muscle during weight loss.

Hydrate Before, During and After Workout

Every human has unique needs when it comes to hydration. It takes a couple of hours for the body to absorb the water, so one can’t drink it right before exercise sessions. By weighing yourself before and after exercise, you can estimate the volume of fluid your body requires to remain hydrated during workouts. For each pound lost during activity, drink 24 oz. of fluid. If your body weight increases, you have overhydrated and you should drink less fluid in future exercise sessions.”

Reformer workouts for abs have been shown to have numerous benefits, including increased body awareness, improved body control, increased flexibility, better posture, and improved balance. This regimen is based on specific techniques and for anyone who isn’t familiar with the Pilates reformer, it can intimidate the most well-versed fitness fans. With a variety of straps overhead, a moving bed and metal springs beneath you, who wouldn’t be afraid to use the muscle-burning contraption? Keep in mind that you have a good understanding of how to use a reformer before doing this workout on your own.

For most exercises, try aiming for 8 to 25 reps for 2 to 3 sets per exercise. Here are our recommended workouts.

Do or do not, there is no try!

Hundred

(A) Lie on your back with your legs in table-top position or extended at a 45-degree angle, pull the straps down next to your abdomen. (B) Curl the head and shoulders up and pulse your arms up and down, breathe in for five and out for five until you reach 100 pulses.

Upper Back: Pulling Straps

(A) Lie on your stomach with your chest just past the edge of the long box, grab the straps in front of you with straight arms.

(B) Lift the head and chest as you pull the straps down toward your hips. The long box will slide forward, with you on top. Release the arms back to the starting position. Do 5 reps.

Lunge With Biceps Curl

(A) Position your right foot about two feet behind you.

(B) With an underhand grip on the band’s handles, perform a biceps curl while bending your knees to lower into a lunge position. Complete 20 reps. Switch legs and repeat.

Shoulder Bridge

(A) Lie on your back and raise your hips into a bridge with your feet planted flat on the ground. Arms should be flat on the ground. (B) Start with your straightened right leg and slowly move it up and down while maintaining the bridge. Complete for one minute before moving to the left leg for 1 minute.

Short spine massage

(A) Inhale to prepare while you lift your legs 45 degrees off the mat.

(B) Exhale, slowly rolling your body as you bring your heels over your head. Once your feet and back can’t extend any farther, slowly bring your feet back, bending your knees, and then extending your legs back to 45 degrees. Do 12 reps.

The Snake

(A) Get into a plank position with your hands on the mat and your arms straight out to lift your body off the ground.

(B) Using your arm muscles and core, arch your back so your chin meets your chest and your upper body moves towards the back of the mat. Keep your body lifted throughout the entire movement. Peel your upper body back up to starting position so your back and neck are super extended. Do 12 reps.

Although Reformer exercises can do great things for you, they’re not without risks. If you are pregnant, have recently been pregnant or have had some type of injury or surgery, ask the expert for specific guidelines.

As always, consult a doctor before beginning any new workout program. It will save you from future injuries and will allow you to work out with more precise form. Also, in any kind of workout, listen to your body. Discomfort is fine, but pain is usually a sign that something is wrong.

A sound mind and a healthy body is that one thing that has the ability to make you feel on top of the world, so let’s start with the new year and make this a healthier one.

Bring true happiness and peace, maintain shape and mental discipline and let the weight lift off, from the body, from the soul!