Today in pilates studios you can find several types of pilates equipment. Some of them are original and have and old design. But others are quiet new and became popular in last decades.
Main Pilates Equipment
When we talk about pilates equipment, the first model comes in mind is pilates reformer. Pilates reformers are manufactured according to Joseph Pilates’s original design. Cadillac, Tower Reformer and Wall Unit equipment are similar to reformer and got the main concept from reformer machines. There are also some smaller items such as ladder barrel, pilates chair etc.
Pilates Reformer
Pilates reformer is the invention of Joseph Pilates, the founder of pilates concept. He invented the reformer to help the wounded soldiers to recover after the severe injuries. Pilates reformers consist of wooden platform, leather covered moving bed, springs and belts. The bed is sliding on the guide and provides different type of exercises. The main concept is improving the balance of body through stretching exercises.
Cadillac
Cadillac is similar to the reformer machine. The only difference is im normal cadillac machines, the bed is fix and does not move. Pilates studios use the cadillac machine mostly for the leg exercises. However, there are cadillac reformer machines, which is combination of cadillac and reformer equipment. You can use these machines for both cadillac and reformer exercises.
Wall Unit
Wall unit is ideal solutions for the studios or houses with limited spaces. It requires only a small area as it is fixed on the wall. Wall unit equipment can be with mat or without it, according to the user preference. The unit is equipped with the springs with different levels of strength. It is possible to make all main reformer exercises for the arms. The size of the wooden panel is customizable according the available wall sizes.
Ladder Barrel
Ladder Barrel is also among the first designs of Joseph Pilates. He used an empty beer barrel in order to make a new pilates equipment. Soon this new equipment became very popular among the therapy centers and Joseph Pilates started to make developed versions of ladder barrel. Today, we use natural wood material to produce ladder barrels. Most pilates classes include a ladder barrel exercises at the end of the class.
Pilates Chair
Pilates chair is also one of the most important pilates equipment. All pilates studios use pilates chairs for strengthening the legs. The design of this equipment is similar to a regular chair. It has two pedals at the bottom of it and these pedals provide a resistance for the leg exercises. The resistance strength is depending on the springs, connected to the end of it. Leg exercises are one of the most popular exercises for losing the weight easily.