A Brief Introduction to Basic Pilates Equipment

Basic Pilates equipment consists of several pieces that can be

seen in many Pilates studios all over the world.

Below we'll describe a few of the most popular ones and will add other descriptions of other pieces of equipment as time goes on.

It is important to point out that larger Pilates equipment should only be used in a home setting once you’ve received proper training from a certified Pilates instructor in how to use that particular piece of equipment.

Carefully research all the equipment and learn exactly what you need to do before getting started.

This is probably the most popular large single piece of the Pilates equipment. They have a sliding carriage with foot bars, arm and leg pulleys, as well as jump boards. There are two kinds of reformers: the gravity reformers and the spring reformers - and you can work on them either sitting or standing.

The main goal of the reformer machine is to provide an overall and comprehensive total-body workout for the user. A good reformer should offer several levels of resistance for you as you advance in training. Not only can this machine easily address every muscle group with as few as 32 exercises but is also folds up easily for the best in storage.

Want one of your own to use at home? Check these out:

Stamina Aero Pilates Pro XP 555 The AeroPilates(r) Pro XP 555 takes the traditional wood frame of a Pilates reformer and adds the Free-Form(tm) Cardio Rebounder for a low-impact cardio workout. The stylish-looking reformer takes the traditional Pilates workout to the next level. The rebounder is like jumping on a trampoline, for a cardio workout that's gentle to your joints and connective tissue yet you will effectively reach and maintain your target heart rate.

Stamina Aero Pilates The Stamina(r) Products Aero Pilates(r) features a Cardio Jump Board to provide a non-impact, fat burning cardiovascular workout. By simply lying on your back and rebounding off the Cardio Jump Board you on your way to achieving your weight loss goals. The Aero Pilates also is elevated for easy mounting and dismounting. The ultra-smooth rollers bear the weight of the sliding carriage as you move back and forth for a low-impact workout.

Watch a few Pilates reformer demonstrations

The Cadillac

This large Pilates machine also comes with a trapeze table. It kind of looks like a cage without its bars. It is also called "the rack". The frame has straps, springs, and other bars to be used in many different types of exercises. You can use the Cadillac either siting down or while lying down facing the opposite direction.

Watch a few Pilates cadillac demonstrations

The Wunda Chair

This is basically a small bench-like stool with springs. More than 75 exercises can be performed on this one piece of equipment. Exercises creating resistance, essential to improving muscle strength, can be performed either standing or sitting while on the Wunda chair.

Watch a few pilates wunda chair demonstrations

Mats

This is definitely one of the cheapest pieces of all exercise equipment used in Pilates. This is also definitely a must have piece of equipment especially when used for back protection while exercising on the floor. A mat can easily be folded and taken along anywhere so that you can continue in your exercise program.

Watch a pilates mat workout right here

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