A Pilates machine can help you maintain proper form, reach muscles that would be difficult for a beginner to isolate without injury and add novelty to your workout. However, you do not need equipment to do Pilates. If space and expense are limited, consider simply using a mat. Otherwise, the Wunda Chair, the Reformer and the Cadillac are top-ranked pieces of Pilates equipment for home and for the studio.
The Wunda Chair
Joseph Pilates designed the Wunda Chair to fit into a Manhattan apartment and function both as a piece of furniture and as an exercise apparatus. The Chair looks more like a box with a padded top and a spring-hinged platform or two pedals underneath. Unlike most Pilates routines, the Chair workout has several exercises that are done standing up. Many of the movements may look similar to conventional weight-training exercises like leg extensions. However, because the Chair has no back support, you work your lower abdominal muscles to hold your torso steady. Choose a Chair that is solid enough to support your weight. You can find Pilates chairs made from wood or metal. The box frame should not flex; select one with cross braces.
The Reformer
Joseph Pilates created the first Reformer, which he called a "bednasium," from mattress springs and a bed frame. Consider how much space you have to use and store your Reformer. To complete the full intermediate and advanced workouts, your Reformer will need to be raised on a frame and you will need a box to put on top of the carriage for some of the exercises. Consider the brands that manufacture equipment for Pilates studios. They tend to offer the best warranties. Be mindful of your delivery options, as Reformers should be heavy enough to support your weight. A Reformer that uses springs, not bungee cords, will have more robust resistance and support. Make sure you can buy replacement straps and bolts form the company. Take lessons with a certified Pilates instructor to get the full effect of the Reformer workout.
The Cadillac
The Pilates Cadillac is sometimes called the Rack or the Trapeze Table. This sturdy padded table has a metal frame over its entire length with springs, swings, bars and fuzzy ankle straps attached. The Cadillac is not collapsible and is appropriate for studio, not home use. You can do over 80 beginner-through-advanced exercises on this piece of equipment. For smaller spaces, a Wall Unit can approximate most of the Cadillac exercises. Some studios attach a Tower to one end of their Reformers for this exercise series. The Pilatesstick gives you the ability to do some of the Cadillac series with a piece of equipment small enough for travel. The Cadillac itself is the prime piece of Pilates equipement.
References
- "Complete Idiot's Guide to the Pilates Method"; Karen Karter, 2001
- "Pilates' Return to Life Through Contrology"; Joseph H. Pilates and William Miller, 1998
- Balanced Body Pilates Homepage
- Stott Pilates Homepage
- Peak Pilates Homepage
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