Pilates Equipment Explained

For many pilates beginners, a mat is all that is used to perform a whole host of exercises. But it won't be long before you come into contact with a range of equipment that was pioneered by Joseph Pilates himself. Welcome to the world of The Reformer, The Spine Corrector Barrel and The Cadillac. The Low Chair, The High Chair and The Pedipull.

The Reformer

The Reformer consists of a series of springs, straps and pulleys on a frame with a gliding platform, not unlike that of a rowing machine. It is used to tone and strengthen core muscle groups and can be used to perform over 100 different pilates exercises.

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The Cadillac

The Cadillac or Trapeze Table was the first piece of pilates equipment developed by Joseph Pilates and was originally used with bed-ridden patients recovering from the 1918 flu pandemic. Given the limited resources available to Joseph Pilates at the time, The Cadillac was developed using old hospital beds and to this day the frame resembles a four poster bed. Various poles, bars, springs and straps hang from its frame, allowing around 80 different exercises to be performed. It is particularly good at strengthening back and abdominal muscles and will improve your flexibility too. And don't be put off by its other nickname - The Rack!

The Spine Corrector Barrel

Imagine a wooden barrel cut in half and then covered with a padded material and you will have a good idea of what a spine corrector or arc barrel looks like. It is used to support the back, shoulders, hips, thighs and neck while performing certain Pilates stretching exercises.

Pedipull

The Pedipull is a piece of pilates equipment not unlike a traditional wall mounted pulley machine with weights. It features two parallel spring attachments with handles hanging from a T-shaped pole which is bolted to a wall. As well as toning and strengthening the upper body, it is used for improving posture and spinal reallignment.

The High Chair And The Low Chair

When Joseph Pilates first designed his pilates chair, he wanted to create a piece of exercise equipment that doubled as a piece of furniture. Hence the idea of a chair. The low chair (often called the Wunda chair) is more akin to a stool while the high chair resembles a wooden chair complete with back. Despite its name, it was not designed solely for sit down exercising and its versatilty is one reason for its popularity.

Pilates Ring

A Pilates resistance ring is a band of latex attached to handles that can be used in a number of exercises to stretch and tone major muscle groups. They are a versatile and cheap alternative to the Reformer and perfect for home use alongside your mat.

Pilates Ball

A Pilates ball is another simple piece of equipment that is very versatile and can be used to strengthen your core back, abdominal and pelvic muscles whether at home or at the gym.

Pilates Mat

Alongside exercises on his specifically designed equipment, Joseph Pilates created a whole series of exercises that can be performed on a basic mat - again either at home or in a studio environment.