Electric Chair? Guillotine? What on earth do these machines do?
Pilates equipment may look like and sound like medieval torture devices to those who are not familiar with their uses. With names like The Guillotine Tower, The Electric Chair, The Reformer and The Spine Corrector these famous pieces of equipment may appear to be intimidating when you do not know how to use them. However, there is nothing mysterious or complicated about Pilates equipment. Here is a quick rundown of the different kinds of Pilates equipment at use at Urban Pilates and the various uses of each. Oh - and the best part - they're all made right here in the good ol' USA.
The Reformer is a sliding, horizontal bed on which the client reclines, sits, or kneels. The platform rests on tracks parallel to the ground. Movement is initiated and controlled by the client who either stabilizes, pulls or pushes against a metal bar or ropes. Five detachable springs hooked onto the carriage determine the amount of resistance.
The Cadillac
The Cadillac is the largest and most versatile piece of equipment, extensive range of applications makes the Cadillac ideal for rehabilitation and athletic training.
The Wall Unit
Many of the features of a full Cadillac except for the trapeze, horizontal bars and fuzzies are also available in the space-saving Wall Unit, which enables many us to offer group classes using the arm and leg springs and Push -Thru and Roll Down Bars.
The Wunda Chair
The Wunda Chair is a versatile piece of equipment, designed so that clients could keep a smaller more compact piece of equipment at home, but still reap the benefits of reformer work. The Chair is considered by some master teachers the most advanced piece of equipment.
The Electric Chair
The Electric Chair are very similar to those on the Wunda. The Electric Chair provides more stability for the client. Joseph named this piece "The Electric Chair" because "you are the electricity that makes it move".
The Ladder Barrel
The Ladder Barrel, is designed for core conditioning and stretching, and is a key component of a fully equipped studio. Six rungs accommodate varying strengths and degrees of flexibility. The sliding base adjusts the distance between the ladder and the barrel, allowing for different torso and leg lengths. Metal construction ensures stability and durability.
The Arc Barrel
The Arc barrel is used in a wide variety of stretching and strengthening exercises. This barrel can also be incorporated into the matwork exercises.
The Spine Corrector
The Spine Corrector is wonderful for people who need to strengthen their upper bodies, while stretching the chest and back. The spine corrector also stretches the hips and legs, while strengthening at the same time.
The Guillotine Tower
The Guillotine Tower is not often seen. It can be used for advanced strengthening and stretching exercises. The Guillotine also allows taller people to safely perform many exercises for which the Cadillac may too small. Many exercises are unique to the Guillotine.
The Pedi-Pole
It is said the Pedi-Pole was created by Joseph Pilates to help an opera singer. The exercises on this apparatus improve posture, increase breath control and alignment. It is also used by advanced clients to challenge balance and control.
The Mat
The Mat can either be the kind used at the gym or raised off of the ground. The exercises in the mat system emphasize pelvic stabilization and abdominal control and are the foundation for the entire Pilates method of body conditioning. The mat is designed to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, strength and breath control.
Magic Circles
The Magic Circle can be used to challenge any exercise further, or on its own to tone and strengthen target areas. The Magic Circle helps to gain balance and proper posture, strengthen the muscles in the arms and chest, strengthen and reshape the leg muscles and pelvis, and increase control of the Powerhouse.