Pilates is an exercise program that is comprised of a series of key moves aimed at strengthening the core muscles and the body's alignment and flexibility. Certain equipment has been designed to be used with this form of exercise to maximize the final results, dedicated practitioners should find out about these types of Pilates apparatus and how they function, so they can purchase them for use at home.
While some may prefer to learn this technique in a group or private lesson offered by a gym or studio, others may feel more at ease doing so independently with either an online tutorial or instructional DVD they can follow at their own pace. Whichever method of instruction one chooses, the participant will soon get familiarized with the various types of equipment and the manner in which they are used, so they can then look into purchasing their own.
The mat is perhaps the most basic and frequently utilized piece of equipment in a Pilates program. They are used for floor exercises by all participants from beginners to instructors. Available in different sizes, with varying amounts of padding for personal comfort, most of them can be easily folded up for storage when not in use, or portability.
Accessories are some of the most affordable kinds of equipment used to enhance a Pilates workout and they occupy relatively little space, making them a good choice for anyone, even those in smaller quarters. Inflatable exercise balls, can be incorporated into floor routines and are excellent for strength and balance exercises, medicine balls are weighted for upper body strengthening, and for resistance work, there are rings and resistance bands.
The primary machine used in the practice of Pilates is the reformer. It allows the user to perform several key moves on one versatile piece of equipment. Reformers consist of a metal or wooden frame that is outfitted with a padded sliding carriage, shoulder blocks, hand grips, and a foot bar, with resistance being supplied by a combination of pulleys and four underlying springs which respond to the user's movements.
Another piece of equipment similar to but more specific than the reformer is the "Cadillac". This machine is primarily used to concentrate on the muscles of the arms and legs. Spring-loaded loops, handles, roll-back and push-through bars provide varied levels of resistance for exercises performed using the Cadillac. It can also be used as an alternative to floor exercises and for warm-ups.
Pilates incorporates the use of several special exercise chairs as well, with each offering different results. The "baby" chair's primary purpose is for strengthening the core and upper body, while the "high" chair helps improve bodily posture and alignment. The "Wunda" chair is by far the most versatile, and can be adjusted into several configurations to provide a fine-tuned version of what the reformer offers.
Those who wish to improve the alignment and flexibility of the upper body and spine, can try adding spine barrel correctors to their workout. Resembling a padded, wooden barrel, albeit a stationary one, these allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises for strengthening and stretching the back, upper torso, and shoulders.
While some may prefer to learn this technique in a group or private lesson offered by a gym or studio, others may feel more at ease doing so independently with either an online tutorial or instructional DVD they can follow at their own pace. Whichever method of instruction one chooses, the participant will soon get familiarized with the various types of equipment and the manner in which they are used, so they can then look into purchasing their own.
The mat is perhaps the most basic and frequently utilized piece of equipment in a Pilates program. They are used for floor exercises by all participants from beginners to instructors. Available in different sizes, with varying amounts of padding for personal comfort, most of them can be easily folded up for storage when not in use, or portability.
Accessories are some of the most affordable kinds of equipment used to enhance a Pilates workout and they occupy relatively little space, making them a good choice for anyone, even those in smaller quarters. Inflatable exercise balls, can be incorporated into floor routines and are excellent for strength and balance exercises, medicine balls are weighted for upper body strengthening, and for resistance work, there are rings and resistance bands.
The primary machine used in the practice of Pilates is the reformer. It allows the user to perform several key moves on one versatile piece of equipment. Reformers consist of a metal or wooden frame that is outfitted with a padded sliding carriage, shoulder blocks, hand grips, and a foot bar, with resistance being supplied by a combination of pulleys and four underlying springs which respond to the user's movements.
Another piece of equipment similar to but more specific than the reformer is the "Cadillac". This machine is primarily used to concentrate on the muscles of the arms and legs. Spring-loaded loops, handles, roll-back and push-through bars provide varied levels of resistance for exercises performed using the Cadillac. It can also be used as an alternative to floor exercises and for warm-ups.
Pilates incorporates the use of several special exercise chairs as well, with each offering different results. The "baby" chair's primary purpose is for strengthening the core and upper body, while the "high" chair helps improve bodily posture and alignment. The "Wunda" chair is by far the most versatile, and can be adjusted into several configurations to provide a fine-tuned version of what the reformer offers.
Those who wish to improve the alignment and flexibility of the upper body and spine, can try adding spine barrel correctors to their workout. Resembling a padded, wooden barrel, albeit a stationary one, these allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises for strengthening and stretching the back, upper torso, and shoulders.
About the Author:
Basil Blecher is now offering his collection of authentic Pilates apparatus on the Web. To find out more details, visit the Pilates Designs By Basil website today at http://www.pilatesdesignsbybasil.com.
