People who begin Pilates exercise programs with the mat-work series eventually might become interested in working on Pilates equipment. Pilates mat and apparatus exercises all enhance strength, flexibility, coordination and core activation, but the equipment workouts add variety. The Reformer, the Chair, the Cadillac and the Arc Barrel are examples of Pilates apparatus. Equipment sessions usually involve one or more of these pieces of equipment.
Preventing Burnout
The Pilates mat series consists of a set selection of exercises that usually are performed in the same order. Although more advanced exercises are added as the student progresses, the routine lacks variety. In contrast, the complex Pilates machines invoke a spirit of play and discovery.
Adding Resistance
Once you get into reasonable condition, some Pilates exercises might not be challenging anymore. A Pilates apparatus, with its cable-and-pulley system, provides added resistance for some of the mat exercises, adding additional strength-training benefits.
Providing Assistance
If you tend to have tight hip flexors, lower-back muscles or neck muscles, some Pilates mat exercises might be uncomfortable. The machines have supplementary features that can help you maintain more comfortable working positions. The Reformer, for example, has neck and shoulder pads. People with knee problems, leg or hip injuries, or low or high blood pressure often have problems getting up and down from the floor. Since the equipment is on elevated platforms, it might be more comfortable to use. Anyone who has trouble lying in the supine position, such as pregnant women past the third trimester, can use the equipment to perform the exercises from an upright position. The Pilates Chair is an example: If you can't lie supine for the footwork exercises, you can perform foot and ankle exercises on the pedals of the chair.
Eliminating Subtlety
When performed without any form of resistance, some of the mat exercises are too subtle. Novices often are confused about which muscle groups they are supposed to use. The cable-and-pulley systems in Pilates equipment provide just enough resistance to clarify the proper mechanics of the exercises.
Enhancing Athleticism
Many of the Pilates machines have features that enhance athleticism. The Cadillac has furry cuffs, which enable you to hang from the frame and perform gymnastics-inspired exercises. A jump board can be added to the Reformer to provide plyometric training.
Increased Range of Motion
Pilates exercises are designed to balance spinal flexion with spinal extension. Factors such as stiff neck and shoulders might limit extension, and tight hip flexors could limit flexion. The Arc Barrel supports your back during extensions, increasing spinal extension. Sitting on an elevated platform, such as the Reformer carriage, makes it easier to sit in an upright position.
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