Muscle tone
Muscle tone is your muscles' ability to stay gently engaged, support your joints and sustain effort over time. A well-toned body holds itself better, tires less quickly and feels more balanced, without adding bulk.
Why the Reformer works so well
The Reformer's springs provide adjustable resistance that supports the movement in both directions, as you push out and as you return. Your muscles stay engaged throughout the full range of each movement, with no jolts and no excess load on your joints.
Adjusting the springs also lets you fine-tune the effort: more support while you learn a movement, more resistance as you build strength.
In the studio: the bridge, a key exercise
Lying on the carriage with your feet on the footbar, you peel your spine up to lift your hips, then roll back down one vertebra at a time. Glutes, hamstrings and abdominals work together, while the springs set the resistance.
It looks simple, but it only pays off when it's done precisely. If your pelvis tilts, your lower back arches or you lean more on one side, other muscles take over from the ones that should be doing the work.
Alexandra's eye
Certified in Reformer Pilates and trained in anatomy and movement, Alexandra watches every detail: the alignment of your pelvis, how your weight is distributed, the rhythm of your breathing. She sets the springs for your level, then increases the resistance as you progress.
Her approach stays true to the spirit of the studio: not performance at any cost, but lasting progress. Muscle tone builds session by session, through consistency and precision.
Curious to learn more or give it a try? Book your session at the Alina Pilates Reformer studio in Carouge.
