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Machine Pilates and Group Pilates ClassSome gyms offer Machine Pilates and Group Pilates Class. Does anybody have any idea what the difference between these two are, and the benefits and advantages for those two? 0
October 20, 2006 | In
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Joseph Pilates began his work with soldiers in their hospital beds during WWI. The cadillac is the apparatus designed originally from a hospital bed. Springs were attached for resistance and used by the arms or the legs. Later a press through bar was added and other equipment. The work that was done with equipment was always a part of the work done on the Mat.
The reformer is another piece of equipment used in the Pilates workout. it has a rythm and flow which can be as aerobic as the Mat work when done without stopping. Those sessions are usually taught one on one of in small groups of two or three.
The group classes are primarily Mat Work and there may be anywhere from 10 to 25 people in a class. The more individual
the sessions are the better results you will get.
By the way, we never refer to the Pilates equipment as a “machine.” As Romana Kryzanowska(student of Joseph Pilates) says, “A machine works you, this apparatus is like your partner in dance, you don’t work on it, you work with it.”
Comment by Diana Gore — October 26, 2006 #
The “machines” that you refer to are the Universal Reformers. A Reformer differs from gym machines in that you and the Reformer work together. As the reformer bed moves, so do you, challenging your body’s stability and mobility. In my opinion, if you must participate in a group format, do several weeks of mat work first before trying Reformer classes, alternatively only attend classes that are graded from beginners upwards. Although I was originally introduced to Pilates as a group instructer, I personally do not like the idea of anyone beginning Pilates instruction in a large group especially where equipment is involved. Pilates apparatus is very intricate and the work, even in the foundation exercises, is very structured and formatted. Each participant needs individual cueing on technique and not all exercises are suitable for all body types. Individual instruction in a reputable studio will give you better results and you will also be introduced to some really beautiful reformer repetoire that is often missing from group classes.
Comment by Sherrie Aprilovic — December 30, 2006 #