Supreme Pilates is a home-gym version of Joseph Pilates' trapeze table, also known as the "Cadillac." Pilates is said to have used bedsprings to create resistance exercises for hospitalized soldiers during World War I. Today his system of exercise is a multimillion-dollar industry with modern versions of the Cadillac priced at $3,000. Inventor Ellen Croft distilled the most effective features of the Cadillac into a compact and affordable piece for home users. Consult your health care practitioner before beginning any new exercise regime.
How It Works
Pilates exercises use eccentric contraction, which requires a muscle to engage while lengthening. This method is famous for creating long, lean muscles. Adding resistance makes the movements more intense. Croft mentions that her clients, "burn more fat, lose more weight and sculpt a better body," while using spring resistance. More than 500 exercises exist for her machine.
Features
The base of the Supreme Pilates machine is a tall metal arch that can fold flat to be stored under a bed. Two sets of long springs, a heavy set and a lighter set, attach to the arch. Users work in all planes of movement by attaching handles, loops, a pole or a push-through bar to the springs. The unit comes with an attached workout mat and adjustable neck and lower back cushions. Unfolded, the unit is 25.5 inches wide, 51 inches tall and 57 inches long. It can accommodate users up to 300 lbs.
Sample Exercise
Frog is a Pilates leg exercise. Attach the loops to the heavier set of long springs. Lie with your head toward the arch, placing the loops on your feet. Grasp the arch with your hands, actively extending your arms back. Bend your knees toward shoulders. You should look like a frog about to jump. Keep your heels together as you extend your legs out at a 45-degree angle. Press them out all the way, then bend in. Do 10 repetitions.
Similar Systems
Supreme Pilates was previously offered by QVC for $215, including instructional DVDs. Croft expects to put the unit back on the market in 2011. Other systems based on the Cadillac are available for home users. The portable WinsorSlim system, priced at $70, includes a weighted bar, resistance cords and handles. The Pilates Springboard, priced at $600, installs permanently to your wall. It is a 24-inch x 60-inch board with two sets of springs, handles, loops and a pole. The PilatesStick, priced at $150 to $260, includes springs, a wooden pole, handles and loops. These pieces can attach to a wall base, similar to the Springboard, or to a door anchor. A ballet barre option is also available.
Supreme Pilates Relaunch
Croft expects to relaunch Supreme Pilates with a new name in November 2010. The updated system will include a sturdier base, higher quality mats and pads, additional spring weights, soft fabric handles and new workout DVDs. Infomercial giant Guthy Renker licensed and marketed the original version of Supreme Pilates. "The expiration of their license has allowed me to create a new design with upgrades manufactured right here in the United States," Croft says. "I'm excited to offer the machine again."
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