Sometimes it seems like everything revolves around Harry Styles —even the recent collective interest in Reformer Pilates —do you like nail polish and pearl necklaces? He is responsible. Do we get swept up in a celebrity drama based on who he kissed in his last movie? He is responsible.

However, Harry Styles ' latest move could be good for you. Because, yes, the rumors are true. Harry—the one with the abnormally toned abs—has delved into the Reformer Pilates method of training .

And since this is Harry Styles ' world and we all live in it, it's time to dive into Reformer Pilates to see just how useful this training trend really is. To help us on our journey, we've turned to PT expert Ben Dillon, founder of Myo Room, and Ellie Maud, founder of Brighton Pilates for an update.

What is the Pilates Reformer? And how is it different from traditional Pilates?

“Formerly known as ' Controlology ,' the pilates reformer is simply the art of control,” explains Maud. While Dillon describes it as: “a variant of Pilates that uses a machine called a reformer ”, explaining that the goal of the reformer – a contraption of ropes and sliding pieces of wood – is to reduce the load on the joints.

All of this sounds, frankly, more like a medieval torture chamber than a gym. But let's not get carried away: “The reformer is a wooden frame consisting of: a bed on wheels with shoulder blocks, four springs, gears, leather straps and handles,” explains Maud. "At first glance it may be intimidating, but in reality the reformer provides support and feedback to the body."

“ Reformer Pilates is naturally a different experience than mat Pilates , the key difference is in the stretching and how much resistance you add,” says Maud, “but don't be fooled, more stretching doesn't always mean a harder workout. , If not the opposite".

In other words, Reformer Pilates requires more equipment, but it can also be more joint-friendly and offer, if chosen, just as tough but less strenuous a workout. Naturally, you'll need to sign up for a class, unless you have plenty of room for the Reformer at home.

Why is it good for us?

“The most common misconception is that Pilates is all about breathing and stretching, and that it's kind of boring and easy,” says Maud. In reality, "it's a long way from these things and when taught correctly, it's a full-body workout , with endless possibilities for progression."

Maud explains that her clients quickly discover that Reformer Pilates is an addictive and fun way to exercise, and that it presents a different challenge than their regular session at the gym.

Plus, science backs up the benefits, too. Maud points to a study that found regular practice of Reformer Pilates can make the practitioner happier, and another that claimed that practitioners' functional capacity improved in a group that did not regularly exercise.

Additionally, “Research indicates that Reformer Pilates can have a significant effect on reducing joint pressure, improving balance and stability, and reducing weight and body measurements,” Dillon explains.

“Other research on Reformer Pilates shows improvements in spinal and shoulder stability,” adds Dillon. “This indicates why many people recovering from injury turn to private professionals for their rehabilitation .”

What's more, Reformer Pilates has been touted as a safe way to improve endurance training for older adults .

Why is it fashionable now?

Aside from Harry Styles , Maud believes that many people turn to Reformer Pilates because it's a system that progresses easily; Unlike weight training, even a beginner can safely attempt all movements. Through regular practice, Maud believes she can help "unlock" the body, improving movement and quality of life.

However, both she and Dillon insist that while Reformer Pilates is all the rage, it's not a passing trend, as it's been a popular and effective training method for over a century, and continues to challenge his followers.

What should I know before starting?

Unlike a weight regimen, you don't have to be a regular at Reformer Pilates . “One of the biggest benefits of the Pilates Reformer is accessibility, due to its ability to increase the load,” says Dillon. "It can be performed in your standard exercise attire, with research suggesting training for two sessions per week to show significant results to muscular endurance and abdominal stability."

“In an ideal world, everyone would practice in the studio and then use the mat work exercises as homework, doing Pilates on a mat or in the studio three to four times a week,” Maud adds. It seems like a good goal to replace or complement the practice of yoga .

“If you're thinking of trying Reformer Pilates for the first time, consider booking a private session or a beginner's group session with a certified Reformer Pilates instructor . It will guide you through the principles, the movements and show you the correct technique”, advises Dillon.

How can I warm up and practice at home?

“The great thing about Pilates is that it's a complete workout ,” Maud explains, “you show up at the studio and we take care of you from start to finish. You don't need to prepare, the method does it for you. However, if you want to train at home, these are my best options.

Perform three rounds of the exercises below, aiming for 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds of rest on each exercise.

The hundred

Lying on your back, raise your legs with a 90 degree bend at the knee. Lift your head and upper back off the floor, contracting your abs. Inhale and exhale five times in a controlled manner, all while patting the ground with the inside of your hands. Try to do 100 breaths/pats.

The roll up

It's like doing slower crunches CrossFit style. Lying down, raise your arms above your knees. From there, reach your arms forward so that your upper body rests on your knees as your torso slowly rises up. Then slowly back up to complete one rep.

Criss cross

Also known as bicycle crunches. Lying on your back, lift one knee up as you cross your body with the opposite elbow. Extend the lead leg as you bring the other leg up, switching elbows.

[Via GQ Mexico]