In recent years, the popularity of Pilates has skyrocketed in health clubs and workout studios across the country. Pilates is widely embraced for its methods of strengthening, stretching and balancing the musculature of the body. You can participate in a Pilates practice with or without the multiple pieces of equipment Joseph Pilates developed.
The Baby Arc is a lightweight half circle constructed of solid wood, padding and vinyl upholstery for comfort. This piece of equipment can be used to assist you during Pilates movements or as a tool to provide further challenge to your routine.
The Baby Arc if often used for stretching, yet if can also be used to improve your sense of balance and strength during mat-based exercises. Practiced faithfully, the benefits of working with the Pilates Baby Arc include enhanced breathing, stretching and strengthening the upper back and neck, and opening the chest.
What to Look for
There are two major styles of the Pilates Baby Arc: East Coast and West Coast. The East Coast style Baby Arc has a half circle shape and is often accessorized with two cotton handles on its upholstered sides. The flat side of this half circle maintains contact with the floor surface during exercise, creating a stable platform. Conversely, the West Coast style Baby Arc is U-shaped, making contact with the floor surface at the two edges of the open side of the U, creating a tunnel-like appearance.
The advantage of the half circle, East Coast style is the stability provided by the additional underlying material and its available handles. The East Coast style will be slightly more expensive due to the added material, but the handles and shape will provide both durability and stability.
After you have selected the style that best suits your needs, you want to choose the level of curvature and material that you find most comfortable. It is essential that you try a few models out for yourself at a local health club or Pilates studio.
Common Pitfalls
Many buyers underestimate the versatility of the Baby Arc and do not seek thorough training on its many available exercises. If an instructional DVD is not available from the manufacturer, schedule a few appointments with a local, certified instructor who can tailor a Baby Arc workout to your needs.
Additionally, as with any upholstered item, ask the manufacturer for the details of their repair policy. If the cover rips or tears, it will be expensive to repair if it's not covered by the manufacturer.
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