Pilates offers a variety of exercise equipment, from simple mats to elaborate machines like the reformer. Beginners should seek instruction and consider their budget and workout needs before choosing equipment. The mat is the simplest option, while the reformer provides resistance. Advanced practitioners can try the chair or trapeze table. Private lessons are recommended for beginners.
A person who wants to start practicing Pilates has many options, since there is a wide variety of Pilates exercise equipment. Equipment ranges from simple supplies, like a rubber mat or exercise ball, to elaborate machines like the Pilates reformer. When deciding what type of Pilates fitness equipment to use, a person must determine what fits within her budget and what equipment will give him the workout he needs.
A Pilates mat is the simplest of all Pilates training equipment. Some practitioners start out doing mat exercises and find they never need to use another piece of equipment. A mat is usually a long, thick piece of rubber or vinyl. Most of the time, a person can use a yoga mat for Pilates.
The mat provides plenty of cushioning while a person exercises on a hard floor. It also prevents a person from slipping when doing standing or plank exercises. Unlike other types of Pilates exercise equipment, the mat does not provide resistance. A person can add additional equipment to their mat exercises, such as resistance bands or stability balls to increase the difficulty of the workout.
The reformer is a piece of Pilates exercise equipment that provides resistance. It consists of a series of springs and pulleys that a person can adjust to make the resistance stronger and the workout more difficult, or to make the resistance lighter and the workout easier. Over 100 exercises have been designed to be performed on the Reformer. While the Reformer is typically found in gyms or studios, home versions of the machine are also available, which can be smaller, more portable, and less expensive.
Other pieces of Pilates exercise equipment are designed for more advanced practitioners. A person who has become familiar with the reformer or is bored with mat exercises can try using a Pilates chair or trapeze table. The chair comes in various styles, including those with handles. A primary exercise performed in a Pilates chair involves sitting down and pressing a pedal. A person who is in good shape can use a trapeze table to perform complicated crunches upside down.
Before a person can begin using any type of Pilates equipment, they must seek instructions. It may be better for an absolute beginner to sign up for a few private lessons before taking a group class. Private lessons will help a person learn proper breathing techniques and body positions. A person who is more inclined to do things for themselves may want to read a book on Pilates before starting. Pilates DVDs and videos are also available for a person who wants to train to use Pilates equipment.
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