The Ultimate Holistic Exercise Plan

Looking great is only part of the fitness equation. When you introduce Functional Training into your routine, the improvements are far greater than simply appearance.

And as Reformer Pilates is based on functional spring-based resistance training, there really is no better way to take control over your body.

So what do we mean by functional training? We mean how you carry your workouts into every-day life, for the rest of your life. We all know Pilates’ approach is about the whole body; that it helps create leaner muscle and tighter abs. But it’s also about improving the way you walk, your posture when standing and sitting, working towards reducing pain (or living without pain) or, it improves the way you play your chosen sport. Golf, tennis, swimming, running, even just keeping up with young children in the playground. Pilates is designed to improve your every-day function.

Flex prides itself on offering a truly holistic approach to health and wellbeing. We want you to look good and feel good, in and out of the studio.

Functional Training afficionado, Juan Carlos Raches, is the best person to ask about spring-based workouts. Juan has been practicing Pilates for nearly 20 years, and is a huge proponent of how it increases physical awareness.

“Pilates works by utilizing a system of springs and pulley to provide resistance during exercise,” Juan Carlos says. “During a session, the individual performs a series of controlled movements that engage multiple muscles groups; the springs provide resistance against these movement, challenging the muscles and requiring them to work harder.”

The resistance can be adjusted to match the individual’s strength and fitness level, making it suitable for people of all abilities. Plus, the springs create a dynamic and three-dimensional resistance.

“This is unlike traditional weight training, where resistance is primarily in the vertical plane. Pilates spring-based training allows for resistance in multiple directions, improving functional strength, stability flexibility and body awareness, as the body is challenged to stabilize and control movements in various planes of motion.”

Additionally, the springs provide assistance as well as resistance. They can offer support during certain exercises, making them more accessible for beginners or those with limited strength or mobility.

For beginners, the adjustable resistance provided by the springs makes Pilates accessible for those who may have limited strength or mobility; the springs allows people to gradually build strength and progress at their own pace.

For athletes, Pilates can enhance performance by improving core strength, stability, flexibility and body control.

“It can also help prevent injuries by addressing muscles imbalance and improving overall body alignment,” Juan Carlos adds.

Furthermore, the controlled and low impact nature of Pilates makes it suitable for those recovering from injuries or with specific rehabilitation needs, while sessions can be tailored to suit the needs of older adults, helping to improve balance, posture, flexibility, overall strength, and really important improve and maintain bone density on this group.

If you’re simply seeking overall fitness and wellbeing, how you feel the practice working is what counts.

“The resistance challenges the muscles, leading to increased strength and muscle tone, overall strength and muscular endurance,” he says.

“It incorporates dynamic stretching and lengthening movements, which can help to improve flexibility and range of motion, emphasizes proper alignment and body awareness.”

Through this training, we at Flex see clients develop stronger deeps muscles, which support better posture and body alignment, and can lead to improved spinal alignment as well.

“As a regular practice, Pilates clients develop high body awareness and control, movement patterns and muscle activation; all this can be translate into improved control and precision in ANY others forms of exercises and or daily activities.”

There’s a good reason why Juan Carlos has practiced Pilates for 19 years and loves teaching every day.

“I believe in what the method does to people bodies,” he says, “and because I want to help others to life a happy and healthy life”.

This is the kind of dedicated trainer we have at Flex! Book your class today, and discover spring-based functional training – and make it a part of your holistic approach to health.

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