| So you want to get started on a Pilates program but | | | | equipment, the Reformer uses the resistance of |
| don't know what Pilates equipment you will need to get | | | | springs in order to create effort. The Reformer is |
| started. That's great news and a decision you will not | | | | made of a sliding platform anchored at one end of its |
| regret! | | | | frame with springs. The user can move the platform |
| Pilates is growing in popularity because it produces | | | | by either pulling on ropes or pushing off from a |
| results and has been doing so for decades. Now you | | | | stationary bar. So you gain the benefit of the reformed |
| can even set up a home workout studio that uses | | | | by tackling the challenge of moving the platform while |
| Pilates equipment similar to the original Joseph Pilates | | | | keeping your balance on a moving surface. You can |
| designed models. And we know what kind of results | | | | work the Reformer sitting or standing. |
| he described! | | | | The Pilates Cadillac is another classic. This machine |
| Joseph and his classic Pilates Method have such a | | | | consists of a padded platform with a cage-like frame |
| legion of followers and part of that reason is because | | | | above it. Sounds a little medieval...I digress...The Pilates |
| his Pilates equipment produced results. The good news | | | | Cadillac has a variety of bars or straps connected to |
| is that the huge variety in sizes of Pilates equipment | | | | the frame by springs. See the theme... Joseph Pilates |
| has made that equipment more affordable and more | | | | loved springs and believed in them for creating |
| size appropriate to fit into our homes instead of just a | | | | resistance! |
| gym somewhere. | | | | Another piece of Pilates equipment is known as the |
| Think back about when Joseph Pilates got started | | | | Pilates Barrel. This barrel is typically made with a sturdy |
| with his Pilates method. During World War I, Joseph | | | | wood frame with a well-cushioned foam and vinyl |
| was at an English internment camp and started to test | | | | curved form. The Barrel is a simpler piece of |
| his exercises on injured soldiers. Pilates started with | | | | equipment than the Reformer or the Cadillac and is |
| those patients who were immobilized and bed-bound. | | | | meant to be used with mat work in exercises that |
| To get them exercising, Joseph rigged up their hospital | | | | open the upper back to enhance flexibility and correct |
| beds with springs, creating resistance to help them | | | | posture. |
| regain their strength. Brilliant! It was from this | | | | So just because you know what type of Pilates |
| experience and experiment that Joseph went on to | | | | equipment is out there and you know that you can buy |
| develop the Pilates Reformer. | | | | it for your home, but stop before purchasing it and |
| Fascinated with spring-based pieces of equipment, | | | | think about it! |
| Joseph headed to New York in the 1920s. He'd spent | | | | Pilates equipment should only be used in a home |
| additional time creating more spring-based pieces of | | | | setting after you've received proper training from a |
| equipment as well as pieces that had lots of movable | | | | certified Pilates instructor. With Pilates it is not just |
| bars and adjustable straps. | | | | learning how to use the equipment but you must also |
| When he landed in New York, Joseph set out to be | | | | learn how to breathe in accordance with Joseph |
| successful and there was no stopping him. He'd seen | | | | Pilates methods. |
| the success with the immobilized in England and he | | | | There are many great Pilates videos and Pilates |
| believed in his product and his method. Early during his | | | | DVDs that you can use in between sessions in which |
| time in New York, he began to work with dancers to | | | | you are learning how to use your Pilates equipment |
| help them gain flexibility and lengthen their muscles as | | | | from a certified Pilates trainer. |
| well as to repair their bodies. He was fortunate enough | | | | Pilates equipment for the home is an exciting |
| to work with some very famous dancers who not | | | | proposition. Just take the time to research the |
| only hungrily embraced the Pilates method but they | | | | equipment and learn what you are doing before getting |
| told others about it too. | | | | started. Keep working with a trainer and then enjoy |
| One of the hallmarks of the Pilates program is the | | | | the results of your workout. Celebrate the new |
| Pilates Reformer. Like other pieces of Pilates | | | | flexibility and mobility that you will enjoy with Pilates. |