Pilates and Bosu are effective workouts that have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to improve flexibility, core strength, balance, and overall fitness level.
Combining Pilates reformer and Bosu workout can help you achieve a better body, whether it’s for weight loss, strength training, or injury prevention. Here’s what you need to know about the Pilates reformer and Bosu workout.
What is Pilates Reformer?
The Pilates reformer is a piece of exercise equipment that was invented by Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates system. It consists of a sliding carriage, springs, ropes, pulleys, and a foot bar.
The carriage is moved by the user and the springs provide resistance. The Pilates reformer exercises can be performed lying down, sitting, kneeling, or standing, and can target several muscle groups at once.
Pilates reformer exercises challenge the body’s stability, balance, endurance, coordination, and flexibility.
What is Bosu?
Bosu balance trainer is a dome-shaped piece of exercise equipment that is flat on one side and inflated on the other. The name Bosu stands for “Both Sides Up” because both sides are used in workouts.
Bosu balance trainer can be used for various types of workouts such as cardio, strength, stability training, and flexibility training. The unstable surface of the Bosu challenges the user’s balance, coordination, and core stability.
The Benefits of Pilates Reformer and Bosu
Combining Pilates reformer and Bosu can provide several benefits that are useful for building a better body. Here are some of the benefits:.
1. Increased strength
The Pilates reformer exercises help to tone and strengthen the muscles. The resistance provided by the springs and the sliding carriage challenge the muscles and make them work harder. Bosu exercises also challenge the muscles and increase their strength.
The Bosu requires the muscles to work harder to maintain balance, which strengthens them.
2. Improved balance and stability
The unstable surface of the Bosu challenges the user’s balance and coordination. Pilates reformer exercises also require the user to stabilize their body while performing the movements.
When both workouts are combined, the user is challenged to maintain balance and stability, which improves their overall balance and coordination.
3. Enhanced flexibility
The Pilates reformer exercises are designed to improve flexibility. The sliding carriage and the springs allow for full range of motion, which improves flexibility.
The Bosu exercises also require the user to move through a full range of motion, which also improves their flexibility.
4. Weight loss and body toning
Pilates and Bosu both provide a full-body workout that can help to burn calories and reduce body fat. The exercises target several muscle groups at once, which makes the workout more efficient.
The resistance provided by the Pilates reformer and Bosu also help to tone the muscles and create a leaner body.
Sample Pilates Reformer and Bosu Workout
Here’s a sample Pilates reformer and Bosu workout that you can try:.
Warm-up
- 5-minute cardio warm-up
- Dynamic stretching (5 minutes)
Pilates Reformer Exercises (10-15 reps)
- Leg press
- Chest press
- Back extension
- Shoulder press
- Abdominal curls
Bosu Exercises (10-15 reps)
- Bosu jump squats
- Bosu mountain climbers
- Bosu planks
- Bosu Russian twists
- Bosu burpees
Cool-down
- Static stretching (5 minutes)
Repeat the Pilates reformer and Bosu exercises for 2-3 sets, depending on your fitness level. You can increase the resistance or difficulty of the exercises by using heavier springs or adding weights to the Bosu exercises.
Conclusion
Pilates reformer and Bosu are two effective workouts that can help you achieve a better body. Combining both workouts can provide several benefits, such as increased strength, improved balance and stability, enhanced flexibility, and weight loss.
If you’re new to Pilates or Bosu, it’s recommended to start with a beginner’s class or hire a certified instructor to guide you through the exercises. Remember to listen to your body and modify the exercises as needed to avoid injury and achieve the best results.