While Pilates doesn't require any equipment, tools can be added to the workouts to increase resistance or add difficulty to the routine. Equipment can also be used as aid to increase flexibility. Pilates equipment varies from simple tools you can use at home to expensive machines that are most commonly found in Pilates studios.
Basic Tools
Mat pilates is the most common form of Pilates practiced outside of studios. For those working out at home, this is an excellent option, since it requires little equipment. It does, however, require a Pilates mat.
Pilates mats are thicker and longer than yoga mats. They're also less cushy and firmer. For those practicing Pilates at home, a series of DVDs is also a good addition, as it will be easy to perform the mat exercises if you're following an expert.
The roller, which is just a basic foam cylinder, can be used by those who already have good balance and want to push their workout a little further. The roller is placed under certain parts of your body, depending on the exercise you're performing, to throw your body off balance and force you to use your stomach and lower back muscles to regain your posture.
Advanced Tools
The big ball and the Pilates magic circle are nother inexpensive pieces of equipment that can be used in Pilates.
The circle is a cushioned metal ring that can be used to add resistance to your workouts. For example, it can be placed in between your thighs to perform leg exercises.
The big ball is an inflatable plastic ball similar in consistency to a beach ball. It's usually found in gyms and used for non-Pilates specific exercises as well. In Pilates, the ball is used to perform balancing moves, as well as to work the abdominal and back muscles.
Machines
If you are working at a Pilates studio, you will likely encounter a series of machines that are used to perform Pilates moves. The most popular one is the reformer, which is basically a rectangular frame with a spring-loaded tray on top. As you push with your arms or legs, the tray slides. The reformer works with your body weight, so it's good for strength exercises.
Two other machines that are frequently used to do Pilates are the trapeze table, commonly known as the Cadillac, and the low chair. They're both used to improve spinal alignment, the correction of balance problems and for coordination problems.
Most reformers and other Pilates machines are expensive. As of 2010, they start at about $2,000, except for the chair, which can be found for under $1,000. The reformer is the only machine popular for home workouts. The others are more commonly found in gyms or studios.
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