Pilates Machine » Pilates Fitness Equipment

Is a Pilates Machine in Your Future?

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:43:59 +0000

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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Pilate Fitness Equipment Overview: Which Piece of Pilates Fitness Equipment Should You Use?

admin — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 04:58:59 +0000

Most of the recommended Pilates exercise equipment will help make your workout more fun and effective as you improve your health and sculpt your body. However, with so many choices available to improve Pilates fitness, where do you start?

In fact to maximize the benefits of Pilates workouts, Pilates fitness equipment is essential. However before running out to buy a Pilates machine like the Pilates reformer, the Pilates cadillac or the Pilates barrel there is a variety of smaller pilates fitness equipment which is effective and a lot less money.

Pilates Mat

The Pilates Mat should be your first purchase. The Pilates mat is thicker than a yoga mat so be sure to check the thickness is 1/2 inch. Your knees and spiwill definitely thank you! Also buy quality; you want your mat to last a long time. Having a nice cushion allows you to focus on your moves rather than feelings of discomfort.A Pilates mat should be one-half inch thick. Pilates mats need to provide more padding from the floor than yoga mats provide for rolling exercises.

Pilates Exercise Ball

Although not standard Pilates fitness equipment; the Pilates exercise ball has become part of recent routines. They are used in all kinds of balancing and strengthening exercises. Pilates exercise balls are a fun way to increase core strength when used properly. When Joseph Pilates developed his system the Pilates exercise ball and the Pilates band were not part of the routine. When I was introduced to the exercise ball it was referred to as a Swiss ball. The Pilates exercise ball is inexpensive and a must have addition to your Pilates exercise equipment. As well as being a great addition to your workout; it can be used as an office chair. Simply sitting on the ball requires you to engage your core to maintain your balance and targets the smaller, inaccessible muscles.

Pilates Band

Using a Pilates band not only makes the exercise routine more fun it also boosts resistance. Pilates is all about resistance. The great thing about the Pilates band is it takes up almost no space and can be thrown in your suitcase when travelling.

Pilates Circle

The Pilates circle, aka magic circle, exercise ring, or Pilates ring are very versatile. Usually made of flexible metal or soft rubber and are around 15 inches in diameter with padded handles inside and out. The Pilates circles provide resistance and are popular for toning the arms, chest, hips and thighs. Resistance comes into play when the sides of the magic circle are squeezed. The Pilates circles is great as a focused muscle toner and can be used to target hard t workd areas like the inner and outer thing. The Pilates magic circle was part of the orginal Pilates system developed by Joseph Pilates. The Pilates circle isn’t meant to give a lot of resistance; rather it gives gentle to moderate resistance. It’s a great addition because you can target areas that otherwise get missed and can make strengthening and toning exercises more challenging.

While the Pilates circle is not essential Pilates fitness equipment it is a great addition because it is affordable and is small and compact and is there fore great for travel. Many people swear that the bands and rings help tone muscles faster. They are preferred over other pieces of Pilates fitness equipment since they take up little space.

Pilates DVDs

If you are planning on doing Pilates exercise from home then a DVD is a must. There are many excellent Pilates DVDs on the market. Choose according to your skill level and complete the entire routine to get the maximum benefit. Most people have several Pilates DVDs so they can keep variety in their workout.

Pilates fitness equipment is essential for getting the most benefit from your Pilates workout. I would strongly recommend getting instruction from a certified Pilates instructor and taking classes at your local gym to be sure you are performing the moves correctly.

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Will a Pilates Machine Help You Achieve a Bikini Body?

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:37:59 +0000

There are several types of Pilates machine to get acquainted with and numerous brands to choose from. While most people are familiar with mat Pilates, to get that toned, sculpted look you really need to enhance your workout.

You may not know that Joseph Pilates invented several pieces of Pilates fitness equipment, each with its own repertoire of exercises. Most of these exercises are for resistance since the springs provide additional resistance. This results in “progressive resistance” as resistance increases as the spring is stretched and results in a much more intense workout.

Pilates Reformer

The most common and widely recognized piece of Pilates fitness equipment is the Reformer, but other apparatus you will find in a modern Pilates studio includes the Cadillac (also called the Trapeze Table), the Pilates Chair (Wunda Chair), and the Pilates Barrel (Ladder Barrel).

By far the most popular Pilates machine is the Pilates reformer. This is a high quality piece of equipment and is the machine of choice for top Pilates instructors.It may look easy, simply gliding back and forth on the carriage but the spring and pulley system, really intensify your workout.

Wunda Pilates Chair

The Wunda Chair is another Pilates machine. Imagine getting a great workout sitting on your butt! It’s great for those with limited space taking up only half the space you need for the larger pieces of pilates fitness equipment. Its composition is just a bench-like platform that is small with a bar attached by springs. The Pilates exercises can be done from a standing position on the floor, lying down, or sitting or standing on the bench and pushing on the bar.

Pilates Cadillac

Another piece of Pilates fitness equipment is The Cadillac. It consists of a platform with padding that has a frame similar to a cage above it. Hanging from this frame are several bars or straps that are attached by springs. The Pilates Cadillac looks like it’s for someone that has been seriously injured and is in a hospital bed with all kinds of straps and pulleys for rehabilitation. In fact that is precisely what it was used for originally. Joseph Pilates could take his workout to the bedridden patient and help them.

Pilates Barrel

Complete your studio with a Pilates Barrel for core strength and flexibility exercises. Combines ladder rungs with a barrel surface, for stretching, strengthening and flexibility exercises. The barrel connects to the ladder by a sliding base that adjusts to accommodate different torso sizes and leg lengths.

These pieces of studio equipment can be pricey. But more affordable versions of these classic designs are reaching the market for fitness enthusiasts to use at home:

The Aero Pilates Reformer

The Aero Pilates Reformer, is a favorite amongst beginners. While some Pilates Reformers include a padded jumpboard made of wood, the Aero Pilates Reformer machine is unique because of its jumpboard that is more like a trampoline to for low impact and less shock to your joints.

The Pilates Power Gym

Another popular Pilates machine is the Pilates Power Gym. This compact fitness machine is half the size of the Pilates Reformer and is great choice for home use. It is a well-made piece of pilates fitness equipment. The frame is built of carbon steel to support up to 300 pounds. More importantly its easy to use. It adjusts for any fitness level with its multiple incline levels, and height adjustments for strength training.

This machine comes with padded handles, foot straps and variable resistance cords. It is excellent for firming, toning, and sculpting your calves, thighs, hips, shoulders, arms, back, and abdomen.

Malibu Pilates Chair

The smallest, most compact (and at under $350, the most affordable) Pilates machine, the Malibu Pilates chair is the new kid on the block. The Malibu Pilates chair makes it simple to lose weight with a free wall chart and diet plan which is included with your purchase. If space-saving is your concern The Malibu Pilates chair itself folds up and takes up about as much space as a large Pilates exercise ball. It is excellent for stretching and also working all muscle groups.

Whichever Pilates machine you choose, the Pilates repertoire builds strength, develops proper alignment and posture, and increases flexibility. The addition of increased resistance will speed up your progress towards that toned sculpted body that looks so great in a bikini.

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