Not surprisingly, the Contrology Reformer has a lot to say about my workout.
I've been the proud owner of a Contrology Reformer since 2018.
I purchased it somewhat impulsively, based on a notion that I had felt something "different" in my center. I'd done a handful of exercises on it at Vintage Pilates in Los Angeles, and I couldn't stop thinking about it.
My Pilates journey began in 2000 with a Mat class. Soon, I was hooked and joined a Small Group Apparatus Class. In 2003, I completed my first Teacher Training Program.
I continued to practice and learn, completing two additional training programs, with Romana's Pilates and Vintage Pilates, respectively.
As a result, I became thoroughly entrenched in the original work, method, and apparatus of Joe Pilates.
I also thought I knew everything about what a Reformer would do for me.
The original geometry of the Jay Grimes 80" Reformer was beckoning. My studio had an 86" Reformer by another manufacturer, and I longed to compare, contrast, and essentially nerd out.
If you've ever learned that your Pilates apparatus should provide you with support, assistance, and information, rest assured the Contrology Reformer delivers in all the best ways.
The Reformer immediately alerted me to address the vast uncharted landscape of my back. My mind knew what it was like back there, but I had never felt it.
The Contrology Reformer barely knew me yet had already revealed valuable intel about the left side of my body.
This was a game-changer.
The reforming began the moment I sat down.
Unaccustomed to the firm upholstery - and habituated to a softer apparatus - I hit the mat hard, suddenly, and decidedly not in control.
The carriage had an unyielding surface, which caused my body to bolt upright like a shot!
Jay Grimes spoke of Clara Pilates poking you firmly on the head with an iron finger making your whole nervous system zing up to attention.
My new Reformer gave me a Clara Pilates poke right on the bottom.
"Zing!"
The reformation had begun.
Undaunted, I lay down for Footwork.
Immediately, I had the same initial information: my left side didn't lie along the carriage like the right.
It was surprisingly absent.
Also, Jay,
"Well, what are you going to do about that?"
Let's see.
I got to work right away with my very first exercises.
The springs were supportive and firm, and even with three springs for Footwork, they were quite stout.
But using my center to help my left side find more contact with the mat surface, my body easily managed those springs.
The Reformer soon let me know:
If you use only some of your muscles - be it arms for Pulling Straps, or Teaser, or half of your back for Footwork or the Hundred - the springs can feel impossible, and the straps groan in protest.
But connect your body to work in concert, and the carriage glides easily.
This feedback is unmatched. Essential.
The *groan* that says, "That's just your arms."
The jingle of clips and handles asks, "What if you used your stomach?"
Right… use my stomach.
The evergreen correction.
What can I say?
It knows me.
Andrea Maida
Owner of Pilates Andrea
Andrea is a graduate of Vintage Pilates’ The Work and Teaching the Work, intensive programs led by Jay Grimes. She trained through Excel Pilates and Romana’s Pilates. Andrea is an international educator and contributor to Pilatesology and PilatesAnytime. Her award-winning blog, pilatesandrea.com, was ranked a top Pilates blog by Feedspot and About.com. She teaches privately in Solana Beach, CA. Learn more at pilatesandrea.com
