Pilates Gym

Do not let the name Reformer intimidate you.  The Pilates Reformer is a surprisingly elegant machine.  The Reformer provides finely tuned exercises that work on alignment, flexibility and core strength.

You can find a wood or metal Reformer.  A Reformer may or may not come equipped with ropes or leather straps.  You may buy a Reformer with legs, or with no legs.  Most Pilates Reformers have the same basic parts and the functions are the same.

The springs, foot-bar, and gear systems are parts of any Pilates Reformer.  The height of the foot-bar is adjusted by using the gear system.  The springs provide resistance from the machine.  Springs can be adjusted to increase or decrease resistance.  The springs are color coded by the amount of resistance they provide.

The carriage is what your body goes on.  The carriage moves back and forth along the inside of the frame.  The carriage will respond to how much effort you exert.  Reformer exercises can be done standing, sitting, kneeling or lying down on the carriage.

Many exercises done on the Pilates Reformer are with you lying down and resting your head on the headrest.  The headrest can be down flat, or propped up.  It is up to you, to figure out what will be the most comfortable for your neck.  If you are going to bring your legs over your head, it is important to make sure you have the headrest down.  The shoulder block helps keep you stable on the Reformer as you push or pull the carriage.  Many times your shoulders will be against the shoulder blocks, but certain exercises use the shoulder block as props for the hands, feet and knees.

Straps are connected to pulleys, located at the top of the Reformer.  There are handles on the end of the straps that you can hold on to as you move along the carriage.  There are even exercises where you will put your feet into these straps.

The Pilates Reformer is a good piece of equipment to own for anybody who is doing Pilates.

The Pilates magic circle is a ring that is made out of rubber or flexible metal.  The magic circle is about 14 inches in diameter and has small pads on either side.

A Pilates magic circle provides gentle to moderate resistance in your exercises.  The magic circle is not intended to provide you a big resistance challenge.

The most common material for a Pilates magic circle is flexible metal.  If you are pretty strong, and want more challenge for your muscles, you will want to go with a flexible metal magic ring.  You will want to avoid using a rubber magic ring.  A rubber ring is great for those who are looking for only mild resistance and more focused on body placement.

The trend in Pilates magic circles now is to have pads not only on the outside of the ring, but on the inside as well.  Pads on both the inside and outside add versatility to your Pilates magic circle.

With so many Pilates magic circles to choose from, you may not know where to go.  Check with your Pilates instructor to find out where they purchase their magic rings.  Go to a fitness store so you are able to try out different Pilates magic circles.  You can also find a lot of Pilates magic circles for sale online.

A Pilates magic circle makes a great addition to any Pilates workout.

Pilates is an exercise program that builds strength and helps improve flexibility.  A must have for any Pilates workout is a Pilates mat.

You want to make sure to get a Pilates mat that is at least ½ inch thick.  You will be on the floor during your Pilates workout, so you need to have that padding under your body.

Your Pilates mat has to be large enough to accommodate all of the exercises.  The minimum recommended length of a Pilates mat should be 6 feet, and the minimum width should be 2 feet.  Pilates mats used in gyms and studios are usually larger than the Pilates mats you would use at home.

A Pilates mat must be firm enough to support you while you are doing your Pilates workout.  This is essential when doing Pilates on a hard floor.  Make sure the Pilates mat feels firm enough to support you properly.

A folding mat is a more high quality Pilates mat.  This is the type of mat used in the gyms.  A folding Pilates mat is not meant to be portable.  If you use a folding mat, you want to set it up in an area of your home where you will not have to move it.

A roll-up Pilates mat is a less expensive type of mat.  These mats can be rolled up and stored when not in use.  You can roll your mat up and take it with you to a Pilates class.  You can find roll-up Pilates mats at most fitness stores.

Be sure you purchase a good Pilates mat before you begin any Pilates workout.