Lecture & Equipment

The Pilates Mat

Mat work is the foundation of all Pilates practice. Joseph Pilates designed his exercise method so that the same exercises could be performed on different pieces of equipment with different benefits. With Mat work, the body does not receive any assistance from an apparatus. Props are often used to challenge the body and ensure correct placement.

The Pilates Mat can vary from an upholstered wooden platform with handles to a thick pad, which can be used anywhere. The portable mat is thick and dense to support the body and cushion the bones. Performing Pilates Mat work on a thinner mat, such as a yoga mat, can be uncomfortable and lead to bruising. Mat work can be done anywhere and is the ultimate form of Pilates for keeping in shape when traveling or when short on time.

Joseph Pilates would give his clients Mat work as homework between sessions at his New York City gym. It builds tremendous strength and connection, while being the most affordable Pilates workout. Work on the apparatuses will deepen mind-body connections, improve alignment and form, and strengthen the body for Mat work.

The Reformer

The Universal Pilates Reformer is the most famous of all the Pilates apparatuses. It can be found in almost every Pilates studio and was the first piece of equipment that manufacturers made and sold to the public for personal use. The Reformer is named after its ability to reform the body.

The Reformer has a moving carriage that allows exercises to be appropriate for students at all levels. The spring resistance, paired with the moving carriage allows the teacher to modify exercises according to the client’s level. The spring weight and straps encourage the client to work at controlling different movements in various planes. Another unique part of the Reformer is the moving foot bar that can be used for both the feet and hands. With over a hundred exercises, the possibilities for the Reformer are endless.

The Pilates Chair

The Wunda Chair was developed in the 1940s as the prototype for a piece of equipment for the home. Many enthusiasts say this was the original ‘home gym.’ In addition to performing as exercise equipment, the original Chair doubled as a piece of furniture. The Wunda Chair was developed to ensure consistent symmetry while strengthening and toning the body.

The Chair improves balance and control of the body, making it great for both advanced clients and athletes. Adjustable spring resistance is the key to challenging clients with this piece of equipment. This apparatus activates the lower back, buttocks, shoulders, transverse abdominals, and pelvic region, and heightens neuromuscular coordination.

The Trapeze Table

The Tower on the Reformer can be used as the Trapeze.

The Trapeze (Trap) table was designed by Joseph Pilates to help rehabilitate injuries. It is widely used to provide a stable base of support for Pilates exercises, while assisting in improving range of motion, increasing flexibility, and building core strength.

The Trapeze table also provides a base to perform more advanced exercises and an opportunity to provide balance through the use of spring tension designed to work both sides of the body. It also provides an opportunity to perform exercises that are also done on the Mat, Reformer, and on other Pilates equipment. The Trapeze table is of great advantage to the client who has limited mobility, balance issues, or difficulty getting up and down from the floor.

The Magic Circle

The Magic Circle is also known as the Pilates Ring and has the nickname ‘Ring of Fire.’ It is known to increase the connection when performing exercises on various pieces of equipment. The circle is great for travel as it is small and portable. Manufacturers now make smaller and lighter versions, which allow smaller-framed people to find better connections.

With a variety of sizes and resistance options, this piece of equipment is ideal for all bodies. It is rumored that Joseph Pilates designed the Magic Circle using the metal ring from the top of a beer keg. The original circle was metal and wood; updates to the prop include covering the metal ring, adding padding to the handles, and using plastic instead of wood.

The entire Mat series can be adapted to use the Magic Circle. This small piece of equipment can also be used in conjunction with the main apparatuses. It helps clients remain stable and correctly aligned without verbal cues. The Magic Circle is ideal for targeting the inner thighs and strengthening the hips. It is also used to strengthen the arms, shoulders, and neck.

The Spine Corrector

The Spine Corrector is a Pilates apparatus that is made of two parts, the step and the arc. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘Step Barrel’ or ‘Arc.’ This piece can be used alone or in combination with other pieces of equipment. Depending upon the manufacturer and design of the Spine Corrector, it can be made of wood with padded upholstery or foam.

There are various sizes of this piece of equipment to accommodate body size and spinal flexibility. The apparatus has handholds that are either cut out from the wood or attached to the sides. These assist in keeping the body stable and preventing the apparatus from sliding away during inverted exercises.

The Ladder Barrel

The Ladder Barrel is a Pilates apparatus that is comprised of two sections joined together. The barrel and ladder make up the two components of this piece of equipment, and the unique shape makes it perfect for assisting clients in gaining abdominal strength and improving spinal flexibility.

Joseph Pilates emphasized the importance of spinal flexibility, and therefore, this key piece of Pilates equipment is a good addition to the repertoire and can provide great benefits to the Pilates practitioner.

The ladder portion is attached to the barrel, but adjustable to accommodate varying body sizes and abilities, making it a versatile piece of equipment as well.