Pilates Exercise Equipment

Pilates has become an extremely popular form of exercise over the past decade, with Pilates studios popping up all over the world. Pilates is arguably the best exercise for strengthening and developing balance within the mid-section of the body. But what is the low down on all the Pilates equipment that you can get?

The Pilates method can be performed without any complicated equipment, although certain Pilates items can make the exercises more comfortable and help you to get more out of the exercises.

Here’s a brief description of each Pilates equipment piece that you get:

Pilates Mat

The main reason people use a Pilates mat is to make the hard exercise floor a little more comfortable. Many Pilates exercises involve laying down while you stretch and perform strength exercises. This non-slip mat will let you lie down without your back getting hurt and allow you to perform the exercises for longer periods of time.

Pilates Ball

A Pilates ball can also be used for comfort when performing the exercises. Certainly many of the movements can be done while sitting on the ball which seems to be much better than simply sitting on the hard gym floor. But don’t assume that a Pilates ball will make the exercises easier – the added benefit of the Pilates balls is that one is forced to control your balance and use your core muscles while doing the exercises.

Pilates Machine

The Pilates machine that, while looking extremely complicated, is actually a very elegant machine that allows the participant to work the core with very focused movements. Pilates machines usually consist of a sliding platform with springs connected to a spring bar that allows the participant to vary the resistance.

Pilates is a fun, relaxing way to exercise and the best part is that it gives you amazing results. Why not book a Pilates class at the Linda Swartz studio Fourways, Johannesburg? The first two classes are free! So come and see what Pilates can do for you!