Busy schedules, traffic, crowded gyms, kids – we give ourselves a million excuses to skip our workouts. Could home workouts be right for you? Thousands of our clients have achieved their results by complementing their studio workouts (or trading them in completely) with home training or solo workouts on their own pilates reformers. Purchasing your own home gym has also helped our clients who have second homes and don’t want to commit to another studio membership while at their vacation homes. So how do you choose the reformer that is best for your needs?
IM=X® Pilates uses a unique version of the reformer, called the Xercizer. If you are looking for strength training, increased cardio training, or support for back pain or injury, the Xercizer may be the right fit for you. Let’s review some of the Xercizer’s unique attributes.
Strength Training: The Xercizer is not only the strongest, most durable reformer on the market, with a heavier frame and carriage and smooth glide, but it also has a heavier spring load. This brings an element of strength training into the typical stabilization-based routines you might find with a typical pilates reformer.
Accessible for All Shapes and Sizes: Because of several unique features such as a wider and taller carriage and frame, adjustable footbar and shoulder rolls, and removable lumbar support, the Xercizer is an ideal option of men, athletes, and taller clients, as well as clients with injuries or back pain.
Enhanced Cardio Abilities: An enhanced jumpboard makes it possible to do more with cardio routines on the Xercizer, allowing for more cardio programming and interval-style workouts.
Platform Add-On: One cool feature of the Xercizer is that it can be converted into a standing workout by purchasing the Platform. This apparatus sits over the springs at the foot of the machine, allowing you to stand on the carriage for squats, lunges, planks and other exercises.
More Appropriate for Back Pain and Injury: The Xercizer does not have a raised headrest and our program never flattens the natural curves of the lumbar and cervical spine, which is better for overall spinal strengthening. In addition, a unique fixture called the Lumbar Support can be added to the Xercizer to allow for lower back support and stability during exercise.
All Xercizers ship in four boxes with some minimal assembly required. You’ll also receive DVDs to follow along at home as you learn. If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, you can read more and purchase your Xercizer here.