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Pilates Machines

A List Of The Most Popular Pilates Equipment As Well As The Benefits Of Their Use

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Pilates machines and all the Pilates equipment were designed by Joseph Pilates in the early 1900’s. Ingenious for his time, Pilates machines have changed a bit over the years, but the integrity of his vision remains.

  • The Reformer: A classic piece of Pilates exercise equipment. It consists of a moving carriage, a foot bar, straps to pull against and various removable parts like a box and a foot plate or jump board.

    Benefits: The springs add resistance to your movements so legs and arms are worked as well as core muscles. You can spend a whole hour on the reformer and get a total body workout, so it is * versatile as well as fun!
  • The Cadillac: also known as the Trap table: Looks like a table surrounded by four vertical poles that frame the table. From those poles hang various accessories like leg springs, fuzzy straps, the trapeze, and the push through and roll down bars.

    Benefits: The springs once again offer resistance to work legs, arms, balance and core stability. Because of the small platform, balance is key when performing the foot chair exercises.
  • Arcs and Barrels: The ladder barrel, arc barrel, spine corrector, and variations on the barrel, all have arcs of varying sizes. The ladder barrel has a ladder on one side and a large padded barrel attached to the other side.

    Benefits: Used for stretching and lengthening the spine, you can bend backwards and forwards to achieve length and stretch. The barrels can also be used for supporting the spine.
  • Foot Chair: also known as the wunda, low and electric chair: Joseph Pilates designed his chairs to be a part of your living room. It looks like a chair, but remove the pad, flip it over and you’re ready to workout! Exercises include pushing the pedal up and down with feet or hands or standing up on it to work balance and legs.

    Benefits: The springs once again offer resistance to work legs, arms, balance and core stability. Because of the small platform, balance is key when performing the foot chair exercises.
  • Tower: A new design to replace the Cadillac. It looks like a caddy cut in half and placed on the floor. All the add-ons are on one side rather than on a large frame like on the Caddy.

    Benefits: Meant to save space, Pilates studios can have many Towers all in a row allowing them to offer Tower classes. It is efficient and less costly than a traditional Cadillac.
  • Ped-a-pul:A classic Pilates machine. Looks like an over sized hat rack with two springs hanging from either side.

    Benefits: Because most exercises are performed standing up, it works balance, arms and even legs in some exercises. The ped-a-pul requires a strong core to push against the springs and not fall over.
  • Foot Corrector and Toe Gizmo: Two original Pilates designs. Both small pieces. They were not regulars on the scene until recently unearthed. They look like small crossbows and quite frankly, I can’t comment because I have never used them!

    Benefits: To work the muscles of the feet and to correct misaligned toes. Joe really thought he could cure the world with his exercise inventions!

So there you have it. Pilates machines for keeping fit. Visit any Pilates studio and you will most likely find two things; a Reformer and a mat. Other studios might also include a Cadillac, a Ladder Barrel and a Foot Chair. Whatever Pilates machines you see, each one holds the key to well-rounded workouts and variety.

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Whale Bench

Get a full stretch with a Whale bench

The Whale Therapeutic Back Bench derives its name from its elegantly curved profile is a multi-use tool designed to stretch and elongate the spine while rejuvenating and energizing the entire body. By positioning oneself in a gentle back bend the spine is stretched in a way opposite to that required by normal everyday activities thus reversing this tendency toward forward rounding.

The" Whale" supports the users weight allowing the practitioner to focus on opening and releasing specific muscle groups. A great Pilates machine addition for homwe or office it is not just furniture.
• greatly reduces vertebrae and disc compression
• helps correct posture
• gain flexibility
• takes up very little space

For more information on Whale Benches


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Exercise Balls

An excellent must for any home Pilates studio is a burst resistant stability ball. We love the exercise balls that are friends at WholeBodyMarket carry especially the burst resitant latex free ones. Burst Resistance Stability Balls at WholeBodyMarket.com


Do You Have A Special Need?

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Looking for information on weight training? Read our weight training guide article. Trying to get a flat stomach? Read our series on Pilates Exercises For Abs.Getting married? Read about Pilates Bridal Fitness here.



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We started this site because of our love and belief in the amazing work Joseph Pilates invented over eighty years ago. It’s changed our lives and we want you to discover it as well.

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