Reformer x Redcord: When precision meets instability in core training
Over the past two decades, boutique fitness studios have reshaped the way people experience exercise. From large commercial gyms emerged intimate spaces offering specialized programs—with high-intensity workouts and mindful movement classes like Pilates and yoga.
These studios create a warm, motivating environment that helps clients make fitness a sustainable part of their lifestyle. Instructors are also highly trained and certified by internationally recognized organizations, ensuring safety, precision, and results. Most boutique classes last for 45 (or even shorter) to 60 minutes, designed for focused training and smooth transitions between sessions.
One fusion workout that is now gaining global attention combines Pilates with suspension training, creating a more effective approach to core, full-body, and functional strength. This method helps prevent injuries, enhances daily movement efficiency, boosts sports performance, builds lean muscle, and improves metabolism.
A boutique Pilates studio that redefines core strength and control
B+B Studio, one of the pioneer Pilates studios in the country, is known for its precise Pilates methods and integration of functional training. The studio continues to cater to clients of all ages. Its small group and private sessions (with a maximum of six clients) provide a highly personalized approach that blends mindful control with real-world strength.
It’s this combination of precision and instability, through Pilates Reformer and Redcord, that keeps clients challenged, connected, and coming back.
Why you need a challenge or instability in core training
Training the core effectively means working beyond the surface muscles. To truly strengthen your midsection—from the superficial layers to the deep stabilizers—you need to move through all planes of motion with precision, mindful breathing, and proper form and execution.
Equally important is variety. Changing positions, tempos, and exercise combinations helps your body adapt, build resilience, and prevent plateaus. It also prepares you to move more efficiently and safely—not just during workouts but also in daily life and sports that demand multidirectional movement and balance.
A workout that respects the foundations of Pilates or core training, while integrating intelligent challenges (instability, coordination, and controlled resistance), transforms your body into a life-saving machine. And this is what Pilates Reformer and Redcord provide.
The Pilates Reformer focuses on mindful, controlled, and precise movements, synchronized with proper breathing (inhaling to prepare and exhaling during execution) that allow the ribs to expand while the abdominals gently draw inward. The Reformer guides the body to move with resistance while maintaining alignment and stability. This combination of stability and resistance activates the deeper core muscles, while the moving limbs strengthen the superficial muscles of the shoulders, arms, thighs, back, and waist.
And it is this mindful approach that has long been the foundation of Pilates.
Redcord suspension training, on the other hand, introduces an entirely new dimension to core activation—instability. Using ropes, slings, and bungee cords, your own body weight becomes the resistance as you work to stay stable while suspended. Every subtle shift demands control and awareness. Moves like suspended planks, push-ups, and standing leans awaken the deep stabilizers, strengthen the entire kinetic chain, and sharpen coordination and balance. It’s a challenging yet empowering way to train, training your body how to stay strong and steady, even when things feel unstable.
My husband, Armand, who is a licensed physical therapist and Pilates and Redcord instructor, testifies that the precision and mindful control of the Pilates Reformer—combined with the instability of the Redcord suspension—complement each other to build strength, balance, and confidence in every move.
An effective core activation at home
With creativity and the right tools, you can still achieve powerful results at home. Here are some ways to apply precision and instability principles to improve core and functional strength at home:
• Use sliders or rags if you don’t have a Reformer: You can replicate movements like pikes and side splits to challenge your core
• Use suspension trainers like TRX, which can easily be set up at home: You can perform squat rows, pull-ups, push-ups, kneeling side flexions, and side planks, leg abduction—all inspired by Redcord basic moves that challenge your strengths and stability
• Use resistance bands or tubing with a door anchor (or looped around a heavy and immovable object at home) to simulate Reformer exercises: Moves like rows, triceps kickbacks, side twists, leg circles, and ab preps can be done safely and effectively with bands, giving you controlled resistance similar to the Reformer’s springs
• Incorporate bodyweight basics: Never underestimate classic moves like push-ups, squats, and lunges. When done with control and using Pilates breathing and principles, they become super effective full-body exercises that strengthen your whole body
B+B Studio Manila is located at 9/F, Menarco Tower, 32nd St. cor. 9th Ave. BGC, Taguig. For inquiries, you may contact Lezlie Arandia at 0917-8992639 or email bbstudiomanager@gmail.com
