The genius of Pilates!
The difference between the normal equipment used by most fitness centers and those designed by Joseph Pilates is huge: the first “dissects” the body, using isolated exercises. First, you work out the legs, then the arms and so on muscle group by muscle group. By doing this they build strength only through repetition.
The equipment developed by Pilates, on the other hand, makes it possible to both tone and stretch the different muscle groups and work out the entire body, always using different functional exercises. In addition, they allow you to measure the intensity of the physical work, adapting it to individual needs. The results, in terms of toning and general well-being, can be seen already after the first few lessons!
The Universal Reformer
This “cot” is equipped with a trolley with two shoulder rests on one side, and on the other five springs that connect it to the structure. The apparatus is adjusted according to the height of the student and the teacher. Depending on the training program, you can adjust the amount of effort, adding or removing the springs that control the amount of resis
On the Reformer you can perform exercises in different positions that harmoniously involve muscles and joints and that are gradually controlled. Normally, you start lying down in a relaxed position that allows you to perform even more demanding movements with greater ease. Because of this, the Reformer is suitable even for those with spinal problems. As the training progresses, you get to use the Reformer standing prone, sitting, kneeling and even standing in balance positions.
The Cadillac
The Cadillac could almost be considered a miniature gym in itself, being made up of multiple springs, belts, and gears. Thanks to the bed with a “canopy” structure, the leg muscles, arms, abdomen, and back can be strengthened using a sequence of exercises that are never the same.
It comes down to the knowledge of the teacher to create combinations that fully take advantage of such a complex and versatile piece of equipment, adapting it to the physical needs of the students: alternating using the trapeze, the back roller, a wooden spring bar, the tower, a tilted bar, you learn to mobilize the entire spine, to lengthen and tone the muscles and to strengthen the lateral muscle bands.
The Chair
The name refers to the history of this piece of equipment designed by Joseph Pilates for the home gym: a small armchair that, once opened, turns into a small machine with pedals and springs.
Today, the modern Chair allows you to work in many positions – sitting or standing, prone or supine – with targeted exercises to strengthen the different muscle groups of the legs, arms, back, and abdomen.
The Magic Circle
This metal circle of about 40 cm in diameter, with two lateral handles, it is truly “magical”. It can be used in many ways: alone in an isometric reinforcement program focusing on arm or leg muscles or in combination with other equipment.
While working with the Reformer or the Cadillac, the purpose is to stabilize the pelvis or shoulders. This by strengthening the joints and increasing the level of difficulty of the exercises by adding resistance.
The Barrel
Named literally “the barrel” for the hemicylindrical-shaped padding that characterizes it, the Barrel, in this Large version, is placed on a wooden structure that ends on the opposite side. It’s equipped with a mini-espalier, a sort of ladder with rungs. It is there allowing you to grasp it with your hands or feet. This in order to perform exercises to mobilize the muscle bands of the back in flexion, lateral flexion and extension.
