Common Pilates Equipment

In order for Pilates exercises to be more fun and effective, you just need to have few essential materials. These Pilates items will be worth it for they help you get a strong body and good figure. Also, the resistance that you need in order to tone those muscles of yours comes from the Pilates equipment. For this reason, maybe you should familiarize yourself with Pilates equipment so you have a a broader idea of what they do.

Pilates practitioners usually make use of a reformer in order to work out the different parts of their bodies. A reformer is usually present in every Pilates studio. Basically, it is a sliding carriage with leg and arm pulleys, jump boards, and foot bars. You should be aware that there are two kinds of Pilates reformers — gravity reformers and spring reformers.

A spring reformer consists of a spring that provides resistance to the person who is using it. This is used while lying down. From such a position, the person is expected to push with the legs and pull with the arms. On the other hand, a gravity reformer requires the weight of the person performing the exercise to act as a resistance. It has the same concept as the spring reformer of push and pull. However, the person needs to be standing. In which case, gravity will pull upon the person.

Another piece of Pilates equipment being used is the trapeze table or the Cadillac. If you are wondering, a Cadillac looks like a cage without bars. It consists of frames, straps, strings, etc. that are all needed for different kinds of exercises. For instance, the strap may be used if you are going to work out your calves and thighs. You just have to lie down opposite from the strap and put the strap around your leg. After which you pull it down and this creates the resistance that you need in order to tone your target areas.

Also, when using the Cadillac, you can sit down in order to tone your abdomen. This exercise is easy to follow. First, face the strap, which you will use, while sitting down. Next, hold the strap and pull and lie down at the same time. Then, sit up again. Just repeat this a number of times and you will see the effect in no time.

Also, a Wunda Chair that is slightly higher than a bench is being used in Pilates as well. It is composed of two bars and has spring in with it. Furthermore, the most essential must-have in Pilates is a mat. It can improve your hip, trunk, and spine strength. It is the least expensive among others but it is very effective.

Aside from these, other Pilates equipment include: Pilates rings, Pilates balls, and barrels. You are free to choose whatever you want as long as you know how to use the equipment properly.