The Pilates Performer and the Aero Pilates are home exercise machines made by Stamina Products. They were designed to be smaller and cheaper versions of the type of equipment found in Pilates studios. Both machines are based on the Pilates reformer and the Pilates jump board.
History
The original reformer was inspired by the springs of a hospital bed. During World War I, Joseph Pilates, the creator of the Pilates technique, was living in England. Since he was a German citizen, he was sent a British internment camp, where he rigged the hospital bed springs to provide a resistance training workout for his fellow trainees. Years later, this spring-adjusted resistance became the basis for the reformer. The jump board, also known as the foot plate, was a later addition to the reformer.
Pilates became popular with the general population in the 1990s. In May 1991, Stamina Products began making a home version of the reformer, calling it the Pilates Performer. The Aero Pilates, which is a Pilates Performer with a jump board, is a more expensive machine.
Features
The Pilates Performer consists of a movable carriage with a foot bar and a set of pulleys. The resistance is controlled by a series of springs, which are located under the carriage. The Aero Pilates machine features Stamina Products' version of the Pilates jump board. The board is placed at the foot of the machine. The student lies in a supine position and places his or her feet on the padded board to perform rebounding movements.
Benefits
Both the Performer and the Aero Pilates can be used for enhancing core strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. The Aero Pilates machine adds additional strength and power to the workout. It may also have some aerobic benefits. The jump board may also help enhance jumping biomechanics, which can be applied to jumping from an upright, standing position.
Considerations
In 2006, the American Council on Exercise sponsored a study to determine the aerobic benefits of Pilates exercise. The research, which was conducted at the University of Wisconsin, found that despite the many benefits of the Pilates technique, its cardiovascular benefits are limited. The Aero Pilates website claims that "recent studies" have proven that its equipment increases aerobic endurance and reduces body fat. The source of that research is not listed, nor can it be found on any peer-reviewed research websites. While the Aero Pilates machine may provide greater aerobic benefits than the Performer, you should not expect to get a full-fledged cardiovascular workout while lying on your back or side.
Warnings
Both the Pilates Performer and the Aero Pilates were designed for home use. This means that they should not be purchased for a fitness studio. Like most pieces of home equipment, they are designed for limited, as opposed to constant, daily use. Your proficiency at performing the Pilates movements should also be considered. As the technique gains popularity, many people are practicing it without proper instruction. This may lead to injury.
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