1. Exercise on a Reformer
Originally invented and used by Joseph Pilates in his New York studio, the reformer today is made of wood or metal and sits up off the floor. It's made of pulleys and springs and has a matted cushion that slides as you pull the spring handles. There is a foot rest, head rest and shoulder support. It's benefits are provided by levels of resistance as a result of hooking and unhooking the springs to provide varied levels of resistance. The other component of resistance is provided by your own body weight. As you pull on the spring handles the mat/cushion slides upward on a slider. Over 100 exercises have been developed for the Reformer.
2. Benefit from the Pilates Cadillac
Also known as a trapeze table, with its overhead pole system, feet and hand loops, push-down and roll-down bars, and a cushioned sturdy mat/bed, the Pilates Cadillac was originally invented by Joseph Pilates for the bedridden. It has evolved to a highly versatile piece of exercise equipment. At least 80 different exercises can be performed on the Cadillac, ranging from simple resistance to acrobatics exercises.
3. Get in Shape with the Half-Cadillac Wall Unit
This piece of equipment is attached to the wall or placed against a wall. The resistance benefits are comparable to the Reformer. What is nice about the Pilates Half-Cadillac is that it takes up less space than the Reformer or Cadillac. It offers resistance with springs and pulleys. A mat unit is needed to do exercises sitting or lying on the floor.
4. Use the Spine Corrector and Pilates Chair to Stretch and Strengthen
The Barrel and Pilates spine correctors help strengthen and exercise hard-to-get areas of the back, shoulders and torso. Made of wood, and comfortably cushioned with a rounded shape, you can curve and roll your back over the curved shape of this equipment to gain flexibility, agility and strength. The Pilates chair, like the spine corrector, is a small piece of equipment. It has feet pedals that offer different levels of resistance. It doubles as a real chair.
5. Magic Circle, Rubber Exercise Bands, Props and Pilates Balls
The Pilates magic circle was inspired by the ring around a keg of beer by Joseph Pilates. Many exercises can be found to tone and strengthen the arms using this circle that is now made of a modern bendable metal. Other props and small pieces of equipment are helpful in doing Pilates exercises. Exercise bands can strengthen the back and arms when pulled from behind and back while it is sat on or wrapped around the arches of the feet. Props are helpful for injured users or those who can't quite reach. Pilates balls are popular for resistance and strength building.
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