Balanced Body Reformer in a Group Class Setting
The reformer is one of Joseph Pilates’ most popular machines. This versatile system uses springs to provide resistance, allowing students to work their entire body in various positions—reclining, sitting, kneeling, and standing. It challenges the core and engages every muscle group to create a lean, strong, and flexible physique. The reformer can also be used for advanced exercises and movements that require a high level of strength or flexibility.
The reformer has a spring bar that allows you to change the number of gears in and out, which can adjust the challenge for different moves. For example, a student can do a chest press with no springs or as many as three springs attached. This feature provides variety to the workout and a sense of progression for students.
One of the most important components to a successful reformer class are f l ow and s m o t h i n g. If you can master these two elements, students will leave class feeling invigorated and happy, wondering where the hour went! If, on the other hand, they feel like class was choppy and they constantly changed positions for what felt like no reason, they will leave disappointed and frustrated.
To facilitate flow, it is crucial to know how much space you have to move and how to best utilize the props in the room (this goes for any group class, not just reformer). For example, if you are teaching in a studio that has a wide but shallow room, you may need to eliminate or modify certain movements that take up a lot of space. It is also helpful to do a thorough check of Mindbody or whatever scheduling software your studio uses before class so you can see what injuries or pathologies are coming into the class and pre-plan modifications.
How to Use the Balanced Body Reformer in a Group Class Setting
Lastly, it is important to remember that group classes are about the community that you are building with your clients. To foster a safe, supportive environment, be sure to introduce yourself to your students at the beginning of class. This not only helps build rapport, but it also allows you to gain valuable insight into the health, fitness, and movement goals of each individual student.
The Allegro 2 reformer is the ultimate solution for group classes—the perfect combination of form and function. Its sleek wooden frame and anodized aluminum carriage ensure a quiet, smooth ride, while its smart design allows for maximum versatility. Now that you understand the importance of spring adjustments, let’s walk through the process of adjusting the springs on a balanced body reformer.
Before you begin adjusting the springs, take some time to familiarize yourself with the spring settings on your Reformer. Most Balanced Body Reformers have a series of hooks or pegs on the frame where you can attach the springs. The springs can typically be hooked onto any one of these pegs, which are often color-coded to correspond to different resistance levels.
The resistance level you choose depends on the exercise you’ll be performing and your current strength level. For example, beginners often start with lighter springs (yellow) and gradually move to heavier springs as their strength improves. More experienced practitioners may use a combination of red, blue, and green springs to increase the challenge.
