Gaining Better Fitness with Pilates Equipment

How to Train the Core With Pilates

Who wouldn’t want a fitness program that is low impact yet produces high results?  Over the years, there had been a lot of highlight about Pilates which has been around for more than 70 years.  Pilates is a great fitness program that involves stretching with breathing techniques. It is becoming more and more popular globally as it is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels.  The program was designed to help improve the body’s core muscles, those in the abdomen, pelvis, back and shoulders.  Pilates as a fitness activity, practiced on a regular can help the participant to improve his or her posture, strength, flexibility, and mental focus.

Basically in Pilates, you can workout on the Mat and the various Pilates equipment and machines including the reformer, Arc Barrel, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair and the Pilates fitness ball. These machines are designed to strengthen the muscles with workouts using the body’s own weight as resistance. Below are some of the more widely used and popular Pilates fitness equipment:

1) The Mat:  The Pilates mat is a must-have for the beginner when performing as floor exercises as it helps to protect the spine during floor exercises. It is also the cheapest piece of Pilates equipment. The mat however does not provide much strength resistance during the workout as compared to the reformer. Sometimes small props such as the flex band is used to create resistance.

2) The Reformer:  This happens to be my favourite and is also one of the most widely used and versatile Pilates fitness equipment.  The Reformer consists of a sliding carriage, with foot bars, jump boards, and arm and leg pulleys and straps, which can facilitate to an effective full body workout.

The most basic exercise on the reformer requires the participant to lie facing up on the carriage with the spine, hips, pelvis, and knees must all staying relaxed (neutral spine).  Balancing this way, the participant pushes his body along the carriage backwards and forwards or up and down.  The core muscles control the push, getting a deep workout as the participant focuses on the breathing too.

Because of its versatility, the reformer can be altered to accommodate advanced workouts.  It can be adjusted to give the participant a more intense workout by adjusting the springs.  In every movement , the participant must use his core to perform the Pilates exercises. It is important that every workout be guided by a trained or certified Pilates instructor who is able to assist the participant in mastering a new challenge and to advise on safety issues.

3) The Ring:  The Pilates Ring is a lightweight, portable piece of equipment that the participant can use in workouts done on the mat or reformer. The ring can be positioned anywhere on the body and it targets the leg, bicep, tricep, lats, and pectoral muscles.

4) The Cadillac:  This piece of Pilates fitness equipment is also called the trapeze table.  This piece of equipment is supported by a frame or posts.  There are bars at intervals with straps, springs and removable bars attached.  The participant can use this machine for various exercises by using the springs and his own body weight for resistance. (see picture above)

If you are planning to buy any of the above Pilates equipment for fitness, always seek the advice of a certified Pilates instructor on the proper techniques before starting to use any new Pilates machine.  If used properly, Pilates machines and equipment can be used to strengthen the core by using the body’s own weight as resistance, which will build muscle and increase flexibility while increasing the person’s fitness level.