The reformer is an amazing piece of equipment if used properly, as it enhances the Garuda movement in a holistic and challenging way that helps your clients achieve a stronger, leaner and more flexible body.

Below, we will be covering the basics and the benefits of the reformer machine, as well as explain the top reasons why you should partake in a Garuda on Reformer workshop to enhance your fitness repertoire.

Back to Basics 

If you are not familiar with the Pilates reformer machine, it was invented by Joseph Pilates and is an apparatus that consists of a gliding carriage that moves on rails inside a frame.

The carriage is connected by springs to the frame and there are pulleys or straps attached to the frame. This allows you to stand or lay on the carriage and pull or push away from the foot bar to perform a wide variety of challenging and nourishing exercises. 

The springs provide the resistance and can be adjusted to fit how much tension the person wants in their movements and the pulleys can be used for stretching parts of the body. 

Understanding the benefits 

Before becoming a Pilates reformer instructor, it’s important to know that exercising on a reformer is much different than working on a mat. In Pilates and Garuda matwork, the resistance you need to perform basic movements is there, but you’re only affected by your own body weight. 

Using a reformer machine, you have more opportunity to experiment with a different range of exercises. This includes movements with resistance from the springs and pulleys, which can provide an extra challenge and extra support when needed. It is a machine that provides endless movement possibilities and can be tailored to the needs of each person who uses it.  

Reformer work focuses on core strength and proper muscle engagement which can improve back pain, injury recovery, weight loss, balance, bone density and posture, just to name a few. It is a movement system designed to improve our overall health and fitness as well as our mental well-being. 

Why teach reformer using the Garuda technique

As a Garuda practitioner, it’s vital to challenge your students and push them to try new things. Learning the Garuda technique on the reformer machine is a perfect way to introduce an intelligent and contemporary style of movement.

Garuda reformer work is low-impact and adaptable to all fitness levels. It benefits everyone from teenagers to the elderly and even athletes to people with a more desk-bound lifestyle. This means that whatever level your clients need, you will be able to deliver this to them. 

Using this traditional piece of equipment in a more contemporary manner will open doors for different ways to teach people. Everyone will have a preference for how strong the tension in the springs or pulleys is or whether they prefer to lay down or even kneel on the machine to get a better range of movement. 

If you love working with people and seeing their progression over time, then teaching using the reformer repertoire enhanced by the Garuda technique is ideal for you. 

Garuda on reformer

We regularly hold online Garuda on Reformer training courses that promise to be challenging, explore innovative movement possibilities and inspire innate confidence in the moving form. 

It is perfect for any professional Pilates instructor who wishes to find out more about using and teaching this traditional piece of equipment in a more contemporary fashion.

To see full details about any up and coming workshops, visit our Garuda Academy or contact us if we can help at all.