Equipment

All apparatus at Joy of Pilates, LLC is from Pilates Designs by Basil, an authentic Pilates apparatus manufacturer based in New York. www.pilatesdesignsbybasil.com

Classical Universal Reformer

Perhaps the most renowned of all Pilates equipment is the Reformer. With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys this is a surprisingly versatile apparatus.

The crux is in the gliding platform on which one can sit, kneel, stand or lie on their front, back or side. The user pushes and pulls off the foot bar using the arms, legs, wrists and ankles to slide back and forth along the rails in a controlled manner while the tension in the springs gently works the muscles. The Reformer helps one establish torso stability and postural alignment while working peripheral limbs in a range of motion. The adjustable springs allow for progressive resistance, which helps to lengthen and strengthen the muscles rather than building bulk. It makes for an effective, no-impact stretching and toning workout that is friendly to the joints.

Don’t be surprised if some beginner Reformer exercises seem simple – a relaxing, almost effortless glide back and forth on the carriage with none of that overexertion sensation you get from pumping iron. The effects go deep, and you’ll engage muscles you never knew you had. As you progress, the fitness challenge becomes significantly greater.

Classical Cadillac (Trapeze Table)

This piece of Pilates equipment is often referred to as “The Rack” as it resembles something you might find in a medieval torture chamber. But fear not. The Cadillac (also known as the Trapeze Table) is one of the most effective and versatile pieces of exercise equipment ever to be engineered.

The Cadillac was originally devised by Joseph Pilates to rehabilitate bedridden patients back when he was being held in an internment camp during WWI where he became something of a nurse. The apparatus has evolved a bit since the makeshift bed spring days, but its inspiration is apparent and it continues to be a bridge between exercise and physical therapy.

The Cadillac is essentially a raised horizontal table-top surrounded by a four-poster frame on which various bars, straps, springs and levers are fixed. Standard models include a push-through bar (which can be sprung from above or below), a roll-back bar, a trapeze or cross bar, arm springs, leg springs and even fuzzy hanging loops. As with most Pilates equipment pieces, the Cadillac contains various adjustable parts and you really need a trained instructor to guide you through safe, proper usage and effective technique.

Many different exercises can be performed on this piece of Pilates equipment, ranging from gentle spring-assisted sit ups to advanced acrobatics that have one hanging from the upper bars – there’s something for all ages and abilities. The Cadillac repertoire of exercises truly challenges the core abdominal muscles, develops spinal flexibility, works the shoulder girdle, strengthens the back and stretches the total body.

Wunda Chair

The Wunda Chair is one versatile exercise machine. Joseph Pilates originally designed the Wunda Chair to be used by his clients as a ‘home’ Reformer. Turned upside down, it also functions as a chair – what a great space saver for the small apartments that many of his clients called home in Manhattan!

Don’t let the word “chair” fool you – it’s not necessarily a sit-down workout. While many of these Pilates exercises are performed seated on top and pressing down on the pedal with your feet, others entail lying on the floor, standing straight up, lunging forward or doing push-up like moves with the arms.

Once again, adjustable spring resistance is the key to challenge with this specialized piece of Pilates equipment. While pressing down on the pedal with arms or legs, much of the stabilizing work is up to the torso – it’s harder than it looks. This apparatus activates the lower back, buttocks, shoulder, transverses abdominals and pelvic region and heightens neuromuscular coordination. From a rehabilitation perspective, the Wunda Chair is particularly effective for stretching and rebalancing muscles that have been strained or injured.

High Chair (Electric)

Exercises performed on the High Chair are very similar to those on the Wunda Chair, but the High Chair provides more stability during the workout. Joseph named this piece “The Electric Chair” because “you are the electricity that makes it move”.

Wall Unit (Tower)

The Wall Unit or Tower as it is also known as is essentially a space-saver Cadillac. Many of the same exercises that are performed on the Cadillac can also be done on the Wall Unit, except for hanging exercises. Many studios offer group Tower classes, which are a great way to experience both Mat and Cadillac exercises more economically. It is considered an Intermediate piece of Pilates equipment and therefore clients should have a solid Mat background before considering a Tower class. As with the Cadillac, the exercises on the Tower truly challenges the core abdominal muscles, develops spinal flexibility, works the shoulder girdle, lengthesn and strengthens the arm and leg muscles for that long, lean look while stretching the entire body.

Arc Barrel

Pilates barrels are a great complement to an apparatus session. Essentially, these are upholstered arches that help support the back and shoulders and plus open up the neck, hips and thighs, depending on how you use them. They’re great rehabilitative tools for those recovering from stress, tension or injury and make a safe surface for deep stretching.

Magic Circle

Who would think on initial glance that a simple “O” of sprung steelor flexible plastic could facilitate so many exercises for the total body?

For example, you can use the Circle standing, sitting or lying down on your front, back or side. You can hug both in and out on the circumference with your legs or arms for abduction and adduction exercises. You can place the contoured handles on your shoulder and push down with the triceps. You can grasp the Ring in both hands as you hug in with the chest muscles. You can balance the “O” between your knees to help you focus on your abs.

This is surprisingly multipurpose piece of Pilates equipment that can help:

• tone the upper arms
• activate the inner and outer thighs
• engage the chest
• isolate the pelvic floor
• develop neuromuscular coordination
• make the mind-body connection