Pilates Machine Benefits

Pilates is a exercise system named after its creator, Joseph M. Pilates, who developed the series of exercises in the 1920s. Pilates devised a sequence of movements that he purposely designed to work the mind and body in harmony. Equipment became a part of the Pilates method during World War I when he rigged springs on hospital beds to offer resistance exercises to wounded soldiers. Today, Pilates equipment like the Cadillac and the Reformer are modern versions of his original designs.

Benefits of the Reformer

The Pilates Reformer is a rectangle-shaped box that has a spring-loaded moving carriage, arm straps for resistance and various removable parts for a variety of exercises. According to Vicki Berman, certified Stott Pilates instructor and owner of Empowering Movement Pilates Studio in Charlotte, N.C., "The Reformer is unique in its ability to either assist a beginner to the Pilates based method or to challenge and demand more from those in the intermediate or advanced level. In addition to the benefits of improved posture, increased strength and flexibility, another big plus of exercising on the Reformer is that anyone, no matter what age or fitness level, can do the exercises." Additional benefits include enhanced balance and proper body mechanics. For people who need exercise that is gentle on the joints, the Reformer offers a non-impact form of exercise that strengthens the core and tones all the muscles in the body.

The Cadillac or Trapeze Table Benefits

The Pilates Cadillac, also known as the trapeze table or "the rack" (because it resembles a medieval torture device), is an apparatus that offers more than 80 exercises based on spring resistance. Benefits of exercising with the Cadillac include strengthening the core muscles while developing spinal flexibility, as well as toning of the shoulders, back and other muscles.

Pilates Chair

The Pilates Chair is also known as the "Wunda" or stability chair. Berman confides that she and many other Pilates professionals believe the Chair is one of the most difficult Pilates machines to master. The Chair is one of the smallest machines, but like the Reformer and the Cadillac, works with spring resistance. Benefits of exercising with the Chair include increased strength in torso-stabilizing muscles, activation of the buttocks and pelvic region muscles, in addition to heightened coordination skills. For strained or injured muscles, the Pilates Chair offers an effective stretch rehabilitative workout.