Necessary Pilates Equipment

The intent of this article is to discuss some of the basic equipment that is required to successfully practice Pilates. There are various machines that are available but the beginner should focus on the smaller, more portable aspects before moving on to the use of machines for more advanced exercises and movements.

There are no beginning exercises that require the use of a mechanical device. Focus on selecting your chair, ring and table for your simple exercises and seek professional help in selecting or using machines for complicated exercises.

In order to be successful in your Pilates program, you should be familiar with the equipment that is often required. As a general rule, this equipment is simple and easy to use. There are many items on the market the use gimmicky catches to trick you into thinking you need it for the practice of Pilates. As a general rule, all equipment is for support of the body as you focus on making your exercises more effective.

Any product that promises to melt away the pounds faster than normal exercises is probably not a good choice. Your success in Pilates depends solely on the control that you have over your body and your ability to perform movements smoothly and fluidly. Only invest in equipment that helps your body to avoid injury as a supporting device. As with all activities, avoid investing too much initial money until you are certain that the equipment you wish to buy will work for you.

Types of Equipment

Pilates Machine

These devices are used for advanced Pilates exercises. For the most part, these machines are rarely used as part of a balanced program. There are some complicated motions that cannot be done with the body alone. These movements are designed to make simple movements that do not require machines easier. When you use a Pilates machine you can expect a mechanical device equipped with a variety of cloth straps and pulley systems.

Pilates Table

This specially designed table is designed to support the body as it performs movements that require some parts of the body to be elevated. As a general rule, you may use any sort of well built table for the same purpose. You must be sure that the table is strong enough to prevent falls or breaks that could cause injury. In addition, try to find a table that provides adequate support and enough cushioning to keep your bones and joints comfortable.

Pilates Chair

These support devices are designed to elevate the buttocks above the legs as the participant sits in any fashion. The stools are generally designed on an incline to make the sitting position more comfortable. You should select a chair that is high enough to allow for proper elevation and cushioned for comfortable movement.

Pilates Ring

This device was developed by the original founder of Pilates as a way to increase the resistance of some movements. This ring can increase the potential for exercises to develop muscle rather than just focus on flexibility. If you are using Pilates for more reasons than to increase flexibility and reduce stress, you should consider investing in a Pilates Ring.

Exercise Ball

These devices are used in Pilates in only a few exercises. If you already have an exercise ball, you will be set for the few occasions that require it in Pilates. If you do not own an exercise ball, your teacher will normally tell you when the class will be performing motions that require one.

Pilates Mat

This inexpensive mat is meant to cushion and support the body to avoid discomfort while practicing Pilates on hard surfaces. Mats are generally available in most retail stores that deal with sporting or exercise goods. For most types of Pilates, mats are necessary.

Pilates Bolster

This usually cheap support mechanism is meant to support the spine while more complicated movements are performed. These devices very closely resemble bolsters used during weight training to prevent injury. Rather than preventing injury, Pilates bolsters work to make movements more comfortable and relaxing.

Clothing

As far as clothes go, comfortable clothes that are not too loose or tight are acceptable. Loose clothes can get caught in machines or cause trips while tight clothes can be uncomfortable and sometimes cause some embarrassing rips. Some Pilates practitioners prefer to wear tights for maximum mobility during exercises but these are a supplement rather than a necessity.

Music

Ambient sound is important for some people when they practice Pilates. This is acceptable as long as the music does not become too distracting or intrusive. Consider using a compact disc of gentle rainfall or a small stream rather than heavy metal or rock music.

There are many pre-recorded sessions that you can purchase. The added benefit of buying Pilates music is that they usually come recorded with time sections to let you know when it is time to move on to other exercises.

As is evident, there are several types of equipment that can be used to perform a Pilates routine. However, Pilates is a flexible exercise type in that it can be successfully practiced with or without the use of the larger pieces of equipment.

In most cases, individuals that are looking to perform their Pilates routine through the use of the Pilates machines will either need to visit a Pilates studio or purchase the equipment for home use.

Individuals that intend to purchase the various pieces of equipment for home use will need to ensure that they have enough space as several of the pieces are quite large.

In all, whether you intend to regularly perform your Pilates exercise routine at home or at a Pilates studio, you will find that the benefits, both physically and mentally, are conducive to a lifestyle that is filled with good health and fitness.