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.

Technorati Tags: aero pilates, Benefits of Pilates, malibu pilates, pilates apparatus, pilates barrel, pilates cadillac, pilates chair, pilates exercise equipment, pilates exercise machine, Pilates Fitness Equipment, pilates trapeze

Pilates Machine » pilates cadillac

Will a Pilates Machine Help You Achieve a Bikini Body?