Pilates Workout Equipment As Seen On Tv

Like many highly creative people, Joseph Pilates claim to fame occurred long after his death. Pilates was developed based on his method in the early twentieth century; The trend soon took the commercial fitness market by storm in the late 1990s, as evidenced by the as seen on TV Pilates equipment sold in commercials and late night infomercials.

Before You Buy

Pilates is a complex exercise form, based on subtlety and precision. While it's relatively easy to fake the movements, a certified instructor helps you maximize the benefits. If possible, take some studio classes before purchasing equipment for home use. As-seen-on-TV Pilates equipments costs less than what you would pay if you were buying from a traditional Pilates equipment manufacturers. While the price may be appealing, the quality and service contracts are less attractive. Some machines are reasonably durable, but designed for home use for no more than a few users on a daily basis. They are not built for multiple users in a daily personal training practice.

Malibu Pilates Chair

The Malibu Pilates Chair is based on the original Pilates Wunda Chair. Like the original, the Malibu Pilates chair has a platform and a pedal, and facilitates leg, core and upper body exercise. It comes with an exercise chart, a DVD and a diet plan, and requires minimal assembly. The newer models come with side handles, for extra balance.

Stamina Reformers

Stamina Pilates Reformers are often featured on the Home Shopping Network. Their AeroPilates Pro XP556 adds an aerobic element to Pilates exercise. The eight-foot long machine has four resistance cords, a headrest, a foot bar and a jump board that functions as a cardio-rebounder. Neil Wolkodoff, Ph.D, published a 2008 study featured in "Athletic Business." The study results indicated that reformer exercise with a cardio rebounder increased energy expenditure to level equal to treadmill or elliptical exercise.

Bender Ball Core Method

Leslee Bender, owner of the Pilates Coach studio in Nevada adapted small ball exercise to Pilates training. When she first presented her program at fitness conferences in the 1990s, she called it Pilates Mini Ball Training. She now markets it as the Bender Ball. The method involves placing the ball under your back or between your legs to increase the intensity of the Pilates-evolved exercises. The 7-inch balls come with a straw for inflation, a method manual, a training video and a bonus butt and thigh video. Bender sites a 2007 study published in the "Journal for Applied Research," whose results indicate that small ball training presents a greater core challenge than the larger stability balls.