Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Pilates Equipment. What is that all about?

information from 
http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-reformer.aspx 
http://www.stottpilates.com/faq.html#anchor_equipment
http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-chairs.aspx
http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-chairs.aspx
http://pilates.about.com/od/buyingequipmentetc/a/Foam-Rollers.htm 

 The Pilates REFORMER

 
Most probably the best known Pilates equipment is the Reformer. "With its sophisticated system of springs, straps and pulleys, more than 100 exercises can be performed on this 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 Pilates 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."

About STOTT PILATES® Equipment

 

Q. What is a Reformer?
A. The Reformer is the main piece of equipment used in Pilates exercise. The Reformer glides forward & backward on rollers and uses springs for resistance, along with other attachments, for a wide variety of exercises and positions (i.e. lying down, seated and standing.)

http://www.stottpilates.com/faq.html#anchor_equipment

The Pilates Stability CHAIR

"Deceptively resembling a stylish little stool, the Pilates Chair (most commonly known as the Wunda Chair or Stability Chair) is one versatile exercise machine. Don't let the word "chair" fool you - it's not necessarily a sit-down work out."    

"While many of these Pilates exercises are performed seated on top and pressing down on the step/pedal with your feet, others entail lying on the floor, standing straight up, lunging forward or doing push-up like moves with the arms. More than 75 exercises can be performed on the Chair - it makes it a great addition to your physical fitness routine."  

"Once again, adjustable spring resistance is the key to challenge with this specialized piece of fitness equipment. In most models, four springs and five spring attachment positions make for a wide range of resistance. While pressing down on the step with arms or legs, the 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 Pilates Wunda Chair or Stability Chair is particularly effective for stretching and re-balancing muscles that have been strained or injured."

"Joseph Pilates' original design had one spring-loaded pedal, but several reputable equipment manufacturers had modified the Chair to expand the exercise potential of the machine. One such modification is splitting the step/pedal so one can work on rotational movement and reciprocal movement of the peripheral limbs. Handles, chair backs, rotational discs and other accessories can be added for increased variety. Some Chairs are designed to be adjustable from high chair to low chair mode."
http://www.pilatesinsight.com/pilates-equipment/pilates-chairs.aspx

The Pilates CADILLAC

"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 working as a hospital orderly. 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-down bar, a trapeze or cross bar, arm springs, leg springs, thigh and ankle cuffs 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."
"Over 80 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."
The Pilates FOAM ROLLER
My choice of Pilates Equipment for my own personal home studio is the simple Foam Roller

"Foam rollers are cross-over equipment from rehab training. They are inexpensive, lightweight and versatile -- making them ideal for a home workout or studio. Very simple pieces of equipment (nothing more than a cylinder made of high-density foam) foam rollers are put to all kinds of uses, such as stretching, self-massage, body support, and stability exercises."
http://pilates.about.com/od/buyingequipmentetc/a/Foam-Rollers.htm

Personally at home I do all of the same exercises I teach in my mat classes balancing on my foam Roller. Besides it adding an extra benefit to use my core to stay balanced and stable throughout my workout, it also adds the extra benefit of a spine massage with every workout and is a tool to keep my spine aligned indefinitely. 


as a Massage tool:
 

"Massage Tool: Don't you love it when a massage actually gets to just the spot you need to release? Well, try rolling that muscle or area on the foam roller. Notice I said "on the roller," not "with the roller." That means you actually put your body weight on the roller and gently rock and roll your way to stress relief."

as a Pilates Prop:

"Body Part Prop: Under the knees! Lie on your back in rest position and let the foam roller support your slightly bent knees. This position will help lengthen and relax your spine. There are lots of other ways to use the foam rollers as props, but that is my favorite. Other places you might see a foam roller used as a body prop are under the hips or to support a limb."
 used for Stretching:
 

"Stretch Support: One of the very nice things about using a foam roller as a support for stretching is that you have a curved surface to work on. But you are not far off the ground and chances of tipping off are slim (unlike exercise balls) so you can really relax into your stretch. You can find many creative ways to work a stretch off the foam roller. For example: Sit with your leg straight and the roller under the calf (don't lock your knees). Leaning forward over your leg will give you a nice extra stretch."




as a Stability Tool:
"Pilates is famous for taking advantage of the core strengthening potential of an unstable surface. As a person tries to maintain balance while working with an unstable surface, all of the deep muscles of the back and abdomen are recruited to help maintain balance. Pilates instructors are inventing many ways to enhance mat exercises and mimic equipment exercises with the foam rollers. Some you might try are exercises like plank or push-up done with your hands on the foam roller instead of the floor"

http://pilates.about.com/od/buyingequipmentetc/a/Foam-Rollers.htm

19 comments:

  1. For using my ergonomic kneeling chair,I get relief from ankle strain pain,backpain and also from technostress.Because now I can sit and work in a relaxed way siting on it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yoga allows great exposure of the interior experience to the individuals and therefore co-ordination and functioning between the different systems is very smooth. Check these guys out

    ReplyDelete
  3. contact lens are not only for fashion but it can also protect your eyes from dust and UV radiation” Stefan

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for sharing this article here about the Pilates Equipment. Your article is very informative and useful for those who are interested to know more about the different types of Pilates Equipment. Keep sharing this type of articles here.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Essay writing is one of the assignments required in school. Students are asked to compose a writing piece as well as the mentor grades it according to its contents and syntax and structure. In essays, you are tasked to collect and organize facts, focus on contrasting arguments, or articulate his position regarding a certain subject. BELL TEST

    ReplyDelete
  6. You have done a good job with your knowledge that makes our work easy because you are providing such good information. Keep sharing this kind of knowledge with us. Buy Back Posture Corrector online

    ReplyDelete
  7. I visit your blog regularly and recommend it to all of those who wanted to enhance their knowledge with ease. The style of writing is excellent and also the content is top-notch. Thanks for that shrewdness you provide the readers! handling equipment

    ReplyDelete
  8. Your blog is really impressive, you included much knowledge for us. It genuinely had good content. Thanks for sharing this. lung exercise equipment

    ReplyDelete
  9. Really glad to say, your post is very interesting to read. I never stop myself to say anything about it. You are doing a great job. Thank you for sharing this blog here. massage chair near me

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm genuinely impressed with your knowledge. You have such great knowledge of dressing. Please share more information like this. I really appreciate your blog. Thank you for sharing this. Cutting Edge Packaging Products

    ReplyDelete
  11. Excellent job, this is important information which is shared by you. This information is meaningful and factual for us to increase our knowledge about it. Always keep sharing this type of information. Thanks. Aerobic Fitness Equipment for sale online

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you are looking for edmonton residential landscaping companies
    Landscaping at your place connect with us at Envision Landscaping.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Eastern Rivaj welcomes you, shop the best and wonderful perfume with us. As a Branded perfume Store, we cater for all types of perfume.
    Branded perfume Store
    perfume Store for Men
    perfume Store for Women

    ReplyDelete
  14. In this post you have shared such great knowledge. I would like to thank you for sharing such an informative post. Keep Posting. Exercise Bikes Under 100

    ReplyDelete
  15. I found decent information in your post about this. I am fascinated with your work and capacity. Thankful to you. How Does Keto Diet work

    ReplyDelete
  16. You've posted a very informative post here about Best Tips to Lose Weight In A Month. This article provided me with some useful knowledge. Thank you for sharing that. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Yes very good information, this information is essential, important and needy for everyone. I am thankful to you for providing this kind of information. Thanks once again for sharing it. Workout apparel online in USA

    ReplyDelete