While Pilates is by no means a new workout method, the focus has shifted from the mat to something called a reformer machine, a flat piece of exercise equipment that incorporates pulleys and springs. We talk to Chandler Rossi, owner of Pilates Laboratory in Ruxton, about reformer Pilates and its benefits.

What is reformer Pilates?
Reformer Pilates encompasses the background and foundational principles of mat Pilates but is performed on a reformer machine. While the movements can affect your entire body, the focus is really about being mindful of your core and how it helps to power each movement. The great thing about the reformer is that you’re able to manually load resistance—which is controlled by springs on the machine—to match your needs or experience level.

What are the benefits?
Obviously, the ability to take time for yourself and be present in class is huge for your mental health. But physically it’s a great way to gain strength through lengthening, toning, and sculpting your muscles. It is particularly helpful for people dealing with back pain, hip tightness, or wanting to better their posture. It’s very customizable in that you can increase or decrease resistance throughout the class or when targeting certain muscle groups. Another benefit is [smaller] class size and the ability for your instructor to give you more personalized attention.

Who would benefit most from reformer Pilates?
Reformers are for anyone and everyone—that’s the glory of reformer Pilates. It’s a great resource for those who are post injury or postpartum just because of the strengthening, customization, and awareness it brings to your movement. You can easily alter the machine’s settings and any of the Pilates movements to meet you where you are in terms of fitness. It can also be beneficial for people who golf, play tennis, or do any other sort of activity where there is a swing, push, or pull, because it has that rotational aspect that connects to your core.

What are some misconceptions about reformer Pilates?
I think some people think of Pilates as stretching or yoga, and it is not that. There is a false belief that when we are tense or tight, it’s because we aren’t stretching enough and that stretching will help us be more flexible. That is not always true. With Pilates you will find strength and length but it is going to challenge you so that you are able to see results. I also think the reformer might be intimidating to some who haven’t used it before, but it can actually help a lot with your form. However, if you are nervous about trying it out, I would suggest maybe signing up for a private class until you feel more comfortable using the machine.

WHAT YOU NEED:

GET A GRIP: Wear a pair of grip socks to provide extra support and stability to your feet and ankles.

THAT’S A STRETCH: Wear fitted, stretchy spandex exercise clothes during your workout for freedom of movement.

HYDRATION IS KEY: Don’t forget your water bottle! While reformer Pilates is a low-impact exercise, you will still need to stay hydrated.

Since relocating to The Shops at Quarry Lake in April of this year, Robin Bille has been bringing the heat in her MEGAfit studio (that shares a space with barre.). Her high energy playlists and unique MEGAfit routine using Megaformer machines is like a pilates class on steroids. We talked to Billie about her career, favorite playlists, and the benefits of MEGAfit.

How did you start teaching MEGAfit?
I was a barre and yoga instructor and started teaching on Megaformer machines in 2013.

What are Megaformers?
Megaformers were created by a guy name Sabastien Lagree in California and he taught pilates and he was tired of having people come take a pilates class then saying they were still going to the gym. He believed you could get a full body workout with pilates and so he invented the Megaformer. There are a couple different variations of it, but they’ve taken off all across the country.

What are the benefits of MEGAfit?
You’re working on balance, strength, and coordination. It’s really resistance training because of the spring tension. Any kind of resistance training is really considered to be the best way to both tone the muscle and to increase your metabolism, so you’re also burning more calories throughout the day than you would be from doing other types exercise.

How frequently should people take MEGAfit?

The idea is that you’re supposed to take it, let your muscles recover, and then take it again. I don’t recommend doing it everyday although some people do, but most people do it 2-3 times a week.

What is your favorite kind of music to play during class?

I love Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and Pink.

What is your favorite fitness trend currently?

MEGAfit! Megaformers!

What is your least favorite fitness trend?

I’m not a fan of HIIT [high intensity interval training]. I like to do my cardio by myself either running or on the elliptical or something like that. I can’t sit through interval training, it’s just not for me.

What do you think is the biggest misconception about Megaformers or MEGAfit?

I think the biggest misconception is that it’s un-doable because it’s so hard. But it’s not! There are tons of modifications—it’s challenging, but it’s challenging in a way that works for everybody.

What would you tell someone who has never taken a class before to make them feel more comfortable?

Just challenge yourself everyday and know that some days are going to be not as good as other days and that’s okay, just work where you are on that day and don’t feel like you’re competing against anyone else, because we’re really adamant in the studio that it’s never a competition with anybody.