Joseph Pilates carefully honed the equipment he used in the rehabilitation of soldiers and then dancers to strengthen and heal their bodies in a way that worked with (and around) their various injuries. Much of Pilates training is resistance training which uses the body as its own resistance to ensure bone density and flexibility while developing the core muscles to support the body and correct the posture. The range of equipment enhances this manner of training to get the most out of each workout. This is the equipment you’ll be working on once you begin your journey to a strong, healthy body.
Cadillac
The Cadillac is one of the most effective, dynamic and versatile pieces of exercise equipment in the world. You’ll be amazed at how many exercises can be done on the Cadillac and what you’ll be able to do when using it with your trainer. Strengthen, stretch and grow strong. All hail the mighty Cadillac. Also known as the Trapeze Table or The Rack
Spine Corrector
This “barrel” is used for exercises to correct or restore the spine’s natural curve. Exercising on the barrel strengthens abdominal, back, and shoulder muscles to keep the spine flexible. The chest opens, shoulders straighten, and any humpback disappears. An open chest allows for easer, deeper breathing. The Spine Corrector Barrel workout also tones and trims thighs and strengthens the body’s core. It’s also known as the Step Barrel or Hump Barrel. Handles or grips on the side allow for more security in movement. Like most barrels, this unit is effective for stretching the spine and shoulders in a safe, stabilized, supported way.
Wunda Chair (Stability Chair)
The Pilates Chair (most commonly known as the Wunda Chair or Stability Chair) is another versatile exercise machine. Just because it’s a chair doesn’t mean you get to take it easy. Hone your core strength and your balance on this fantastic piece of equipment. It’s only for sitting on, while many of the exercises are performed seated on top and pressing down on the step/pedal with your feet, others entail lying on the floor, standing straight up, lunging forward or doing push-up like moves with the arms. More than 75 exercises can be performed on the Chair – an excellent addition to your Pilates work out.
Ladder Barrel
The Ladder Barrel is a great piece of equipment to aid in strength, stretching and flexibility exercises. The barrel connects to the ladder by a sliding base that adjusts to accommodate different torso sizes and leg lengths. Designed for core conditioning and increased flexibility and mobility, the Ladder Barrel challenges core stability and strength in every student of Pilates from beginner to advanced. With many uses, it’s one of the best ways to strengthen the back muscles through back extension exercises, allowing for relatively safe experimentation with a range of flexion and extension exercises for the back. It is also a good overall strengthener.
Arc Barrel
Lightweight, portable Pilates barrels are an excellent accompaniment to a mat workout or circuit session. Essentially, the arches help to support the back and shoulders as well as to open up the neck, hips and thighs, all depending on how you use them. They’re great tools for rehabilitation when you’re recovering from stress, tension or injury by making a safe surface for deep stretching.
Resistance bands / Thera-bands
Resistance or Thera-Bands are thick elastic bands that provide a way to strengthen muscles by using the resistance that they provide. Great for stretching as well as creating resistance that allows for muscles to be easily strengthened. There are various levels of resistance (indicated by the different colour bands) that allow you to progress as you gain strength. These are a great addition to the mat workout as well a machine based class and can even be used at home to help you with stretching and strengthening.
Reformer
This is the most well known of all Pilates Equipment or apparatus. The Reformer’s versatility boasts over 100 exercises by making use of its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys. Before you know it you’re body will grow strong thanks to an array of various exercises as you master the Reformer
Stability Ball
Also known as the Stability Ball, Gym Ball or Fit Ball – whatever name it goes by, these balls are a great addition to a Pilates workout. Testimony to the productive uses of the Pilates Ball is that a variety of physical fitness and therapeutic regimens make use of these versatile balls. They are even recommended for use when sitting at your desk or working at your computer as they encourage the body to find its natural centre which greatly aids in maintaining good posture.
Magic Circle
The Pilates magic circle is a flexible ring, usually metal, with padded handles, approximately 33cm in diameter. The magic circles are used to provide resistance and neuromuscular feedback in an exercise. They are especially popular for toning the arms, chest, hips and thighs. Also known as an exercise ring, exercise circle, workout ring, power ring, power circle, fitness ring or fitness circle this lightweight and portable pieces of resistance exercise equipment is an effective and convenient addition to your Pilates workout. Basically when you squeeze the sides of the magic circle together (or pull them apart) you will feel resistance to the movement.