Pilates machines, including the reformer, chair, circles, and barrel, add resistance and support to traditional mat work. Other accessories like the tower and weighted balls are also used in modern Pilates classes. Joseph Pilates created many of these machines himself.
Basic Pilates exercises can be done on a mat, simply relying on gravity for resistance, but exercisers looking for a challenge can find a number of Pilates machines to add to their workout. The reformer is the main machine, and the sliding seat and spring pulls enhance traditional mat work. Pilates circles, metal circles with padded handles, add resistance to arm and leg exercises. The bow and barrel is a variation of the semicircle designed to support and correct the spine. The pilates chair uses a set of pedals to work underused muscles. Other accessories, such as the tower or weighted balls, are becoming more popular with modern Pilates classes.
The main Pilates machine, the reformer, was created by Joseph Pilates himself. It has a padded seat that slides back and forth along a wooden or metal frame. Springs and strings are attached to each end of the reformer, and are used by the exerciser for resistance and alignment. Most Pilates mat work exercises can be done while lying, sitting, or kneeling on the padded area of this machine. Some practitioners feel that these Pilates machines offer more support than the mat and better resistance than body weight and gravity.
Joseph Pilates also created a device called the “Magic Circle.” These pilates machines consist of hardened steel rings with padded wooden handles. The circles range in size from 14.5 inches (37 cm) to 16.5 inches (42 cm) and come in a variable number of resistance bands. The circle is designed for arm and leg exercises. Today, versions of the pilates circle are available in both plastic and metal, or with rubber coatings to smooth out sharp edges.
The spine brace was also created by Pilates and is more or less similar to the Pilates bow and barrel. These Pilates machines are round semi-circles, often with a gentler curve on one side. The arch can be used with the reformer or on the floor with a mat. The Pilates Barrel includes a small seating area, useful for alignment with exercises like the Teaser. Both pieces encourage proper form and provide support for the spine.
Pilates chairs are useful machines for strengthening muscle groups that are often missed with traditional workouts. Most Pilates chairs have a padded seat and pedals, with no back. The pedals use springs for resistance, and some chairs have places to attach bands to work your arms. The chair is believed to help with proper alignment and balance.
There are some other machines and accessories used in pilates. The trapeze or tower, a tall frame with resistance tubes or straps, can be attached to the reformer to add another level to the exercises. Although not machines, many modern professionals use weighted balls or foam rollers to increase the challenge and dimension of exercises performed on the mat. Resistance bands have also become popular for use with Pilates mat work, but are best used by more experienced exercisers so that form doesn’t suffer.
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