It isn't necessary to attend private or group lessons in a studio or gym, those who are looking to learn this technique can also do so with an instructional DVD or online tutorial in the comfort of their own home. Students will become familiar with all of the equipment needed to set up a home Pilates studio and they will learn the specific moves each of these machines or contraptions is used for.
Central to the Pilates program is the exercise mat. This is by far the most common piece of equipment which participants from beginners to instructors use for floor exercises. The amount of padding and size of mats varies to suit different preferences. They fold up to be easily stored or transported elsewhere.
A good place to start when purchasing personal Pilates equipment is with workout accessories. These represent the most affordable and easy to accommodate items and complement one's routine to optimize results. Medicine balls are weighted to help develop the upper body, inflatable exercise balls are a good addition to floor routines and promote strength and balance, and there are also rings and resistance bands.
Reformers are versatile machines which play an integral role in any successful Pilates training regime. This system has a wood or metal frame and consists of a padded sliding carriage, foot bar, hand grips, shoulder blocks, and a set of pulleys and four underlying springs which provide resistance against the movement of the user's body. Multiple key moves can be performed using this one-stop workout station.
The "Cadillac" is a machine which functions somewhat similar to the reformer, however it offers a more focused workout for developing the arm and leg muscles. Resistance is provided in varying degrees according to the exercise being performed by way of handles, loops, push-through and roll-back bars which are spring-loaded. It may also be used for warm-ups and as an alternative to floor exercises.
Pilates chairs are specially designed to aid one's workout and build strength in a targeted area. The ultra-versatile "Wunda Chair" can be converted into multiple forms, and offers a mini version of what the reformer does. While the "high" chair helps perfect one's postural alignment, and the "baby" chair is used to build core and upper body strength.
Those who wish to improve the alignment and flexibility of the upper body and spine, can try adding spine barrel correctors to their workout. Resembling a padded, wooden barrel, albeit a stationary one, these allow the user to perform a wide range of exercises for strengthening and stretching the back, upper torso, and shoulders.
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