Warming up before a workout might seem like something you can skip when you’re short on time, but when it comes to Reformer Pilates, it’s absolutely worth the extra few minutes. A good warm-up doesn’t just prepare your body for the work ahead—it helps you move better, avoid injuries, and get the most out of your session.
Whether you’re brand-new to Reformcore or you’ve been practicing your discipline for years, here’s what you need to know about why warming up matters, what it should include, and how to make it part of your routine.
Why Is Warming Up So Important?
The work in Reformcore is all about control, precision, and activating those deep, stabilising muscles. Reformer Pilates isn’t the kind of workout where you want to dive in cold – a proper warm-up sets the stage for success by:
Loosening Up Your Muscles: It gets blood flowing to your muscles, which helps you move more freely and feel less stiff.
Prepping Your Joints: Gentle movement helps lubricate your joints so they can handle the dynamic exercises you’ll do on the reformer.
Switching on Your Core: Core engagement is everything in Pilates, and a warm-up activates those muscles so you can control your movements.
Preventing Injuries: Starting slow gives your body time to adjust and reduces the risk of pulling something or feeling sore later.
What Should Your Warm-Up Look Like?
A great warm-up doesn’t have to be complicated or take up a lot of time. Just aim for 5–10 minutes of movement that gets your body ready for what’s coming. Here’s a simple structure to follow ahead of class:
Get the Blood Flowing: Start with some gentle cardio to wake up your body. Think marching in place, a light jog, or a few jumping jacks. You’re just looking to raise your heart rate slightly.
Stretch It Out—Dynamically: Move your muscles and joints through their natural range of motion. Think of moves like cat-cow stretches for your spine, arm circles to loosen up your shoulders, and hip circles to warm up your lower body.
Activate Your Core: Since your core will be working hard on the Reformer bed, it’s important to engage it early. Try movements like pelvic tilts to wake up your abs, and bridges to fire up your glutes and hamstrings.
Ease Into the Reformer: Once you’re on the machine, start with some light spring work to prep your body for what’s next. Try some light footwork to get your legs moving, or simple arm pulls to warm up your shoulders and upper back.
How to Make Warming Up a Habit
The trick to sticking with a warm-up routine is to make it simple and intentional. Use this as an opportunity to connect with your body and get in the right mindset for your Reformcore class. Here are a few tips:
Set the Tone: Focus on your breathing and think of the warm-up as part of the workout—not an extra step.
Adapt to Your Needs: If you’re feeling tight or tired, don’t be afraid to take a bit more time. If you’re feeling great, keep it short and sweet.
Keep It Interesting: Switch things up now and then so your warm-up doesn’t feel boring or repetitive. Try new stretches or different sequences to add in some variety.
Ready to Be Reformed?
Next time you’re in the studio, give yourself the time to warm up properly. Your body will thank you, your workout will feel smoother, and you’ll leave the session feeling stronger and more energised.
Looking for more ways to level up your Reformer practice? Come see us at a studio—we’re here to help you feel your best, every step of the way.
