A New Approach to Fitness
I’ve never been the fittest gal around. In my teenage years, I tried out all the sports, but none really stuck. I was a fast swimmer and runner (thanks in part to my hypermobility and “loose ligaments”). However, I just didn’t have the drive to pursue sports. But when I moved to Australia in 2015, I realised that fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I may or may not have been influenced by all the beautifully fit people walking around Bondi Beach.
But thanks to my mobility issues, I have to deal with joint pain a lot (not just because my left kneecap pops out from time to time). My physiotherapist also told me I’ll likely have early-onset arthritis. That’s not exactly something you want to hear in your 20s, and now I’m well into my 30s, I feel it’s already kind of here. So, what to do?
I loved yoga, so I incorporated that into my routine. I also dabbled in Les Mills Body Pump and Body Attack and started Mat Pilates. But I remain too intimidated by the weight machines. One thing I never tried in my over a decade in Australia was Reformer Pilates. Friends and co-workers raved about the practice. But, in my mind, it was like one of the weight machines in the gym. It looked complicated, and I could potentially break it or myself quite easily.
I have hypermobility after all. My joints overextend when I’m relaxing. Or even when I’m standing still. I don’t need to get cables involved! Little did I know that requiring support is literally the point of Reformer Pilates machines.
Get fit while you work with these desk-friendly walking pads for small spaces
But then I was invited by Sweaty Betty to try out their new collection of activewear at a Pilates studio in Redfern for a Pilates session. I gladly accepted, as I’ve been following their brand for some time and their products are divine – and coming to Rebel Sport this year! The session took place at Scout Studios, which is a gorgeous two-storey studio in Redfern, complete with an ice bath, sauna and plenty of studio space. Scout have a couple of locations around the city, and I’ve wanted to check them out, so even more reason to accept the invitation. Short aside, Scout Studios are stunning, and if you are ever curious to do a class with them, their instructor was delightful and supportive, and the fit-out of the studio was beautiful.
However, after arriving and changing into my Sweaty Betty matching set, I walked into the studio and baulked. No mats. Only Reformers. I naively assumed that we would be doing a mat class. Oopsie. I instantly started sweating (but not too visibly, thanks to the new matching set). But I’m a professional, so I picked a machine by the wall. Perfectly placed so I could watch others and essentially fake it till I make it. But I wasn’t the only newbie, and the instructor said that after this class, I would be a Reformer for Lifer and leave mat-life behind. I wasn’t so sure. The machines looked complicated…surely mat Pilates is easier?
How very wrong I was.
After getting a brief overview of what the Reformer Pilates machine is (colour-coded cables for extra resistance, shoulder pads to keep you aligned and foot rests for stability), we got into the practice.
If you have only been doing yoga and mat Pilates and thinking they were easy…try your hand at Reformer Pilates. I have never felt more supported in a position before.
Why more women are starting Pilates in their 60s
With Mat Pilates, you have to constantly ensure your spine is aligned correctly, your feet are placed properly, and your core is engaged. But with Reformer Pilates, the machine helps you at every single step. I didn’t need to worry too much about my spine, because the shoulder pads kept me in the right position. Instead of using exercise bands for pulling exercises, the attached cables allowed me to stay straight without having to focus on it too much. To put it plainly, it was easier.
Now, I do have some mobility issues, but nothing too intense. However, in the class, I learned that Reformer Pilates was specifically made for people with mobility issues.
Joseph Pilates (real name) was a German physical trainer who invented Pilates (originally named Contrology), which focused on core strength and control and spinal support. However, while he was interned in the UK, he worked with soldiers who were injured from the wars, including those with missing limbs and reduced mobility. So, Joe invented a “sliding bed” specialised machine for patients to use to exercise without standing up. This became the “Universal Reformer” with springs for resistance.
He brought his tools and knowledge to New York and set up a gym with his machines. The rest is history.
The Scout Studio instructor told us all this during the workout, so it made for a scintillating session. Learning and working out at the same time. I will say that it was easier to adjust levels of resistance and positions for any joint pain than would be possible with mat Pilates. It really resonated that it is a practice that is suitable for all kinds of body types. Honestly, it was a revelation.
And now, even with knowing all of that, I don’t think I’m a total convert. Mat Pilates is still my number one. However, I am no longer intimidated by the sliding cable machine. I may even take a class or two at my local studio.
If you have joint issues and have been hesitant to take a class, I highly recommend that you check it out. And when you do, ensure you have breathable, flexible activewear to support your flow.
Sweaty Betty’s latest collection is available to shop at sweatybetty.com.au from Thursday, 7 May.
