Guide To Purchasing A Pilates Apparatus For Home Fitness

By Olivia Cross


Pilates is an exercise program that is comprised of a series of key moves aimed at strengthening the core muscles and the body's alignment and flexibility. Certain equipment has been designed to be used with this form of exercise to maximize the final results, dedicated practitioners should find out about these types of Pilates apparatus and how they function, so they can purchase them for use at home.

It isn't necessary to attend private or group lessons in a studio or gym, those who are looking to learn this technique can also do so with an instructional DVD or online tutorial in the comfort of their own home. Students will become familiar with all of the equipment needed to set up a home Pilates studio and they will learn the specific moves each of these machines or contraptions is used for.

The mat is perhaps the most basic and frequently utilized piece of equipment in a Pilates program. They are used for floor exercises by all participants from beginners to instructors. Available in different sizes, with varying amounts of padding for personal comfort, most of them can be easily folded up for storage when not in use, or portability.

Workout accessories do not occupy a lot of space, are relatively affordable, and help intensify the results of the exercise program. Examples of accessories one should strongly consider purchasing include inflatable exercise balls, which are great for balance and strengthening moves and can be added to any floor routine. Also, medicine balls for upper body concentration, and resistance bands or rings for muscle targeting and resistance-focused exercises.

The primary machine used in the practice of Pilates is the reformer. It allows the user to perform several key moves on one versatile piece of equipment. Reformers consist of a metal or wooden frame that is outfitted with a padded sliding carriage, shoulder blocks, hand grips, and a foot bar, with resistance being supplied by a combination of pulleys and four underlying springs which respond to the user's movements.

The "Cadillac" is a machine which functions somewhat similar to the reformer, however it offers a more focused workout for developing the arm and leg muscles. Resistance is provided in varying degrees according to the exercise being performed by way of handles, loops, push-through and roll-back bars which are spring-loaded. It may also be used for warm-ups and as an alternative to floor exercises.

Pilates incorporates the use of several special exercise chairs as well, with each offering different results. The "baby" chair's primary purpose is for strengthening the core and upper body, while the "high" chair helps improve bodily posture and alignment. The "Wunda" chair is by far the most versatile, and can be adjusted into several configurations to provide a fine-tuned version of what the reformer offers.

If one's concern is to improve the flexibility and alignment of the spine and upper body, spine barrel correctors are the perfect workout companion. They resemble a wooden barrel covered with padding although they are stationary, and are used for various stretching and strengthening exercises of the shoulders, back, and upper torso.




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