Pilates has long been touted for its capacity to build core strength, increase flexibility, and increase body awareness. Pilates enthusiasts fall in love with the Pilates Reformer, an adaptable piece of equipment that provides resistance-based exercise using springs, straps, and a moving carriage. But within recent years, another apparatus has been causing a stir in the fitness world the Pilates Board.
While the Reformer is a studio classic, the Pilates Board is quickly becoming a favorite among those looking for versatility, portability, and the convenience of Pilates at home. If you’re already a fan of the Reformer, here’s why adding the Pilates Board to your routine can elevate your practice and give your Pilates workout a refreshing new twist.
The Pilates Reformer: A Classic for Good Reason
The Pilates Reformer has been referred to as the gem of Pilates equipment. The machine accommodates a large range of exercises, from core stabilization to whole-body strength training. Adjustable springs provide tailored resistance, and straps and a moving carriage facilitate flowing, controlled motion.
A Pilates exercise on the Reformer may incorporate:
- Footwork sequences to strengthen and tone the lower body.
- Leg circles to enhance hip mobility and stability.
- Arm work with straps to build shoulders and back strength.
- Bridging work for spinal movement and gluteal activation.
The Reformer’s control and stability make it a great piece of equipment for newbies and expert practitioners alike. Yet, for all its advantages, it isn’t always easily accessible—it takes space, investment, and in many cases, studio real estate. That’s where the Pilates Board comes in.
What is a Pilates Board?
The Pilates Board is a small, portable Pilates machine that replicates most of the movements you would do on larger Pilates equipment. With resistance bands, handles, and perhaps foot straps, it gives you the ability to do a variety of exercises without taking up much space.
It’s particularly favored among individuals who desire the advantages of Pilates equipment but require a more convenient and cost-effective solution. A Pilates Board is light, easy to store, and can easily be set up in nearly any room, making it perfect for home Pilates.
Why Reformer Addicts Should Try the Board
If you’re already comfortable using the Reformer, incorporating the Pilates Board can take your training to the next level. Here are several reasons to give it a try:
1. Portability and Convenience
In contrast to the Reformer, which is big and immovable, the Pilates Board is small and transportable. You can place it in your living room, bedroom, or even take it when you travel. This makes it a perfect choice for maintaining consistency in your Pilates exercise when you cannot reach the studio.
2. Smooth Transition Between Exercises
The Pilates Board design enables you to transition seamlessly between standing, sitting, and lying-down exercises. Similarly, the Reformer, it encourages smooth movement, with your muscles always active and your concentration maintained during the entire exercise session.
3. Inexpensive Alternative
Although Reformers are a worthwhile investment, the Pilates Board is an affordable alternative to practicing resistance-based Pilates at home. It provides much of the same benefit strengthening, toning, and flexibility without the hefty price.
4. Excellent for Pilates at Home
Even if you are already a studio Reformer user, you might prefer an option for continued home routine maintenance. A Pilates Board is ideal for supplementing studio classes so that you can train regularly between classes.
5. Brings Variety to Your Routine
Variety is the secret to maintaining any fitness routine interesting. Alternating between the Reformer and the Board introduces a new dynamic to your workouts, keeping you from getting bored and stimulating your muscles in different ways.
Sample Pilates Workout with Board & Reformer
Following is a sample of how you can interlink both pieces of equipment for an evenly balanced, seamless session:
Warm-Up on the Pilates Board
- Standing squats with resistance bands
- Arm rows for upper-body activation
- Core twists for oblique activation
Strength and Stability on the Reformer
- Footwork combinations on the carriage
- Bridging with springs for glutes and spine movement
- Arm extensions with straps for posture and shoulder strength
Dynamic Moves Back on the Board
- Planks with resistance bands for core
- Seated shoulder presses
- Leg lifts with bands for hamstrings and glutes
Cool Down on Either
- Gentle stretches with bands on the Board
- Or hamstring stretches with straps on the Reformer
This workout illustrates how well the Board and Reformer do together, providing variety as well as continuity.
Advantages of Using Both Board and Reformer
Adding both the tools to your Pilates routine brings the best of both worlds:
- Full-Body Workout: Both devices engage all major muscle groups, providing a well-balanced workout.
- Flexibility and Strength: The Reformer stretches deeper, while the Board tests stability.
- Mindful Flow: Smooth transitions on both units encourage focus and fluidity.
- Accessibility: The Board brings Pilates to your home, while the Reformer offers the studio experience.
Pilates at Home: Getting the Most from the Board
One of the greatest benefits of the Pilates Board is the ease with which it makes it possible to practice Pilates at home. To get the most from it:
- Reserve a compact workout area free of clutter.
- Take web-guided classes that are specifically tailored for the Board.
- Supplement your studio Reformer workouts with the Board.
- Be consistent with short, frequent workouts compared to infrequent long ones.
Final Thoughts
If you’re addicted to Pilates machines, the Pilates Reformer is definitely your favorite among your fitness tools. But don’t miss the Pilates Board’s potential. Inexpensive, portable, and multi-usable, it’s the ideal accessory to your Pilates routine particularly if you wish to have Pilates at home. Read This
By combining the Board with the Reformer, you’ll not only add variety to your Pilates workout but also unlock new ways to challenge your body and deepen your practice. For those who want strength, flexibility, and convenience all in one package, the Pilates Board is a must-try addition to your Pilates toolkit.