Increasing Mobility with Pilates
Mobility encompasses the ability to move freely and easily, and it's a cornerstone of physical health that impacts everything from daily activities to athletic performance. Engaging in exercises that promote movement in all planes of motion is essential for maintaining joint health, preventing injuries, and enhancing functional fitness. Increased mobility keeps muscles and bones strong as you age. Our bodies are designed to move in multiple directions: forward and backward sagittal plane, side to side frontal plane, and rotational movements transverse plane (Payne 2022). Moving in all of these planes of motions is a core principle of Pilates. Incorporating Pilates into your routine engages these various planes helps to ensure balanced muscle development and joint stability. All forms of Pilates are great, but let’s focus on Reformer Pilates.
An often-overlooked benefit of Reformer Pilates is its capacity to act as a form of assisted stretching. The machine's adjustable settings for springs and loops allow for a range of motion that can be tailored to your flexibility level, providing a deeper stretch than you might achieve on your own. Assisted stretching on the Reformer helps to elongate muscles, relieve tension, and enhance muscle recovery, making it a valuable addition to any fitness routine. Reformer Pilates at Niche provides a comprehensive approach to achieving this, with assisted Reformer stretching built into every class. For those who prefer a more self-guided approach, Niche’s Pilates Gym offers an ideal environment. Equipped with your own Reformer for 50 minutes and all the props you could dream of, including a foam roller where you can try out these Niche Top 10 Foam Roller Moves. Pilates Gym allows you to put on your headphones, zone in, and hold stretches for as long as you'd like. This freedom to focus on your body's needs, combined with the supportive equipment, makes it easier to achieve a deeper and more effective stretch.
The growing recognition of the benefits of stretching has given rise to specialized assisted stretching businesses, such as StretchLab. These establishments offer one-on-one sessions where a trained professional helps guide your body through a series of stretches. This personalized approach can significantly enhance flexibility and alleviate muscle tension. While this trend is gaining popularity, it's worth noting that Reformer Pilates classes at Niche provide a similar benefit, integrating the previously mentioned stretching into every class for a similar price point. At Niche, we understand the importance of incorporating mobility into every workout. Whether you're attending a Reformer or a Mat Pilates class, you can expect dedicated stretching segments designed to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Stretching is not just an add-on at Niche; it's a core component of our philosophy, ensuring that every client leaves feeling balanced and rejuvenated. Whether you're engaging in a group Reformer session, stretching after a mat class, or enjoying the independence of Pilates Gym, you'll find that Niche offers the resources and expertise to help you move better and feel better!
Sources:
Payne, Andrew. “Sagittal, Frontal and Transverse Body Planes: Exercises & Movements.” Blog.nasm.org, NASM, 2022, blog.nasm.org/exercise-programming/sagittal-frontal-traverse-planes-explained-with-exercises?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=organic&utm_content=ReasonsToBecomeCES.