Joseph Pilates first designed the various pieces of equipment that are used to perform his namesake work and many of his contemporaries have since altered the original models. Ellie Herman, a renowned Pilates instructor, created Springboard so that people could get a great workout in a small space. The Pilates Springboard is approximately five feet tall, bolts to the wall and consists of arm and leg springs as well as a roll down bar. These attachments are also found on the larger pieces of studio equipment, such as the Reformer and Cadillac, thus allowing people to do many Pilates exercises virtually anywhere--all you need is a wall and a small amount of floor space.
What to Look for
The Pilates Springboard is a relatively new piece of equipment, and should be purchased through a reputable distributor such as Balanced Body or directly through Ellie Herman's website. Like most Pilates props and apparatus, the Springboard comes with an instructional DVD. However, because of the vast array of exercises that can be performed on the Springboard, people purchasing this piece should have at least some familiarity with Pilates.
Common Pitfalls
Due to the increase in popularity of Pilates, many equipment manufacturers have attempted to re-create Joseph Pilates' original designs, only to reproduce cheaper, less durable versions. The good news about the Springboard, besides its incredible versatility, is that there is no cheap imitation of Herman's product. If your knowledge of the Pilates repertoire is limited, the Springboard may not be the right choice for you. However, if you are someone who is looking for a great Pilates workout, but does not have a lot of space, the Springboard is a perfect addition to your home gym.
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