To begin with the term “Pilates machine” is kind of a catch all phrase for beginner Pilates fans. (At this point you may only be familiar with the yoga/pilates mat.) As you become more knowledgeable you refer to it as Pilates apparatus, Pilates fitness equipment or simply Pilates equipment for larger pieces. Advanced Pilates enthusiasts would simply call each machine by its specific name.

If you’ve been doing mat Pilates you may be wondering if you need a Pilates machine? To get the full benefit of your Pilates workout you need more than a mat. A Pilates machine takes typical Pilates mat exercises to the next level by adding resistance.

The Pilates machine is a self-contained piece of workout equipment providing low impact conditioning. It is a complete workout in itself. It has you workout in a slow manner which increases the intensity of your workout resulting in a good cardiovascular workout. It is designed to tone your body without building muscle mass as well as increase your cardio fitness and overall well-being.

Pilates fitness equipment is generally placed in two categories: small and portable like the Pilates circle (circular rubber pieces with pads that provide resistance), Pilates band and Pilates exercise ball. (To be politically correct the Pilates magic circle is the only small piece of equipment that was invented by Joseph Pilates. In fact some in the Pilates community, maintain that exercises done on any piece of apparatus not designed by Joseph Pilates, such as large or small exercise balls, should not be called Pilates.)

The larger pieces of Pilates fitness equipment include: the Pilates reformer, Pilates chair (Wunda chair), Pilates barrel, Pilates tower and the Cadillac (also called the Trapeze Table). A good Pilates machine is easy to use and enables the user to do a variety of Pilates moves with added resistance. The Pilates reformer is the most well-known and the most popular choice. In fact when Pilate’s enthusiasts talk about the Pilates machine they are likely referring to the reformer.

The reformer is a very versatile machine. It is structured in a way to enable easier and more precise movement. The reformer can be adjusted for any body size and level of expertise. You can perform over 100 exercises at various levels of intensity. The exercises can be done either standing, sitting, kneeling or lying down.

The founder of Pilates, Joseph Pilates believed mental and physical health go hand and hand and are essential. Pilates created 6 Pilates Principles to condition the entire body: proper alignment, centering, concentration, control, precision, breathing, and flowing movement.

The Pilates machine is designed to incorporate these principles. There are many benefits to including a Pilates machine in your workout. A Pilates machine offers a complete workout and is not only beneficial to your overall health it can:

• improve muscle tone

• develop core strength

• enhance flexibility

• increase cardio fitness

• improve concentration

• improve mind/body connection

• improve your posture and alignment

All in all there are many benefits to be derived from Pilates in general and enhanced by the use of a Pilates machine. The added variety of a Pilates machine adds spice to your workout by combining floor and machine workouts. Like any exercise your body quickly adapts so that it takes less effort to perform the routine. The new moves serve to make your body work harder again. And of course adding new Pilates DVDs to your collection gives variety too.  This is a great way to tone and sculpt your body at the same time!

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