Choosing the Right Pilates Equipment

Before embarking into a Pilates fitness routine, it is vital to have the proper equipment for an enjoyable and effective workout. What to purchase will depend on the intensity of the workout desired, as well as how much money a person is willing to invest. There is a trade off between the complexity of the equipment item and its price tag. Four major brands that offer a comparable variety of equipment to choose from include Balanced Body, Stott Pilates, Peak Pilates, and Gratz Pilates.

Top Pilates Brands

Balanced Body products are reasonably priced, with good quality for the average consumer. Gratz Pilates brand offers more expensive equipment, and claim to have higher quality than other brands. Their products are frequently purchased by high end gyms. Peak Pilates is a longstanding brand with a strong customer support base, and reasonable prices. Stott Pilates offers package deals when buying bundles of equipment, so the person planning on setting up a new home gym should check out their prices.

Beginner Should Start With…

For the person interested in a casual workout at home, perhaps to a popular Pilates workout DVD, some very basic equipment will be needed. For casual home use, a person will need at least 2 of the following Pilates equipment items: Pilates Equipment.

  • A resistance band
  • A workout mat
  • An exercise ball
  • A Pilates circle
  • weighted balls

Experienced Pilates Trainers May Use…

For the more intense trainer, or person looking for a gym quality workout, one the following items should be considered:

  • A Pilates reformer
  • A Pilates cadillac, trapeze, or tower
  • A Pilates arc or barrel

A Pilates Resistance Band

Resistance bands are useful tools in many workout routines to lengthen muscles. By simply placing the end of the strap on the ball of the foot, a person can stretch before a workout, improve a yoga posture, or enhance a Pilates movement. Resistance bands are made of latex and stretch with the body as an extension of an arm or leg. Through Pilates movements, they make body extensions more fluid while challenging the body to stretch more intensely. A person who has never used a resistance band may be shocked at the difference flexing with such a simple device will make to the quality of workout warm up. Depending on how it is utilized, a Pilates resistance band can intensify a workout for the avid exerciser, or make more challenging workout moves easier for a beginner.

The advantages of a resistance band are:

  • they are relatively inexpensive
  • they can be used in other workouts other than Pilates
  • they are durable and therefore long lasting
  • they require very little maintenance
  • they can be used from the comfort of home, at a gym, or brought to work for a midday workout

Most major brands offer bands that can be used with or without handles, and the handles are sold separately. Handles on each end of the band will offer a better grip and a more optimal exercise experience.

A Workout Mat

A workout mat is needed for Pilates for comfort and body support. Pilates are usually done in one spot, rather than moving around the room as one would with an aerobics workout. If a person wants to have a comfortable Pilates or yoga workout, a simple workout mat is a great purchase to consider.

The advantages of a workout mat are:

  • they are usually portable
  • they are not that expensive
  • they can be used for other workouts

Workout mats can be purchased from most major exercise equipment stores, and should be evaluated on how thick they are for desired comfort level, and how well they roll up for desired portability.

An Exercise Ball

Using a Pilates exercise ball, also known as a stability ball, requires more precision and balance than simple floor exercises will require. Exercise balls are large air filled plastic balls that a person can sit on, stretch over, or flex various muscles with. They are great for building core muscles, and can be used as part of a cardio or strength training routine. They make a Pilates workout more challenging and interesting, increasing the variety of movement options that could not be achieved with a resistance band alone. The fluid movement of the ball also will help ease the mind and body into a more relaxed state as a person focuses on achieving perfect balance.

The advantages of a workout mat are:

  • Although not as compact as a resistance band, they are portable
  • They are not that expensive
  • They can be used in other workouts

Stott equipment sells large and small stability balls, as well as stability cushions, which are similar to an exercise ball, but lay flat against the ground. This makes them less of a balancing challenge as compared to an exercise ball.

Weighted Balls

Weighted balls or toning balls are hand-held weights in the shape of a ball that are easy to grip, and provide extra resistance for arms during a Pilates workout.

Advantages include:

  • They are inexpensive
  • They are portable

Balanced body offers weighted balls for between $10-$15, depending on the weight of the ball. Stott Pilates brand offers smaller toning balls for a comparable price.

A Pilates Circle

A Pilates circle or ring is one piece of equipment the person interested in strength training can’t live without. This flexible piece of specialized plastic offers added resistance to arm, leg, and abdominal muscles by the act of compression of the ring.

The advantages of a Pilates circle are:

  • It is very portable
  • It is not expensive to own
  • they can be purchased at different desired resistance levels

Fitness circles can be purchased from most major brands, in a variety of colors and finishes.

Pilates Reformer

For the standard Pilates enthusiastic with some money to spend, there is only one piece of equipment needed—the Pilates reformer. This device is featured in most Pilates gym classes, with a foot bar the person presses against to slide forward and backward. This device has many advantages, and can be purchased in a number of styles and upholstered fabrics to match any home decor.

The advantages of a Pilates reformer are:

  • Its versatility is unmatched, offering the greatest number of moves
  • It strengthens muscles and improves posture
  • It provides the person with options of motion unattainable with floor exercises

Pilates reformers can be purchased from most major brands, and can be personalized to suit any decor or style preference.

Pilates Cadillac, Trapeze, or Tower

For the person with a large home gym and the willingness to spend a little extra money, a Pilates cadillac or trapeze will add depth to any workout. It is a is a large table with straps and levers—which can be adjusted to difference resistance strengths—hanging from overhead bars. These straps and levers can be used to do both very easy and very difficult moves. A Tower, on the other hand, is less expensive but not cheap, and usually attaches to a door frame to increase range of motion.

The advantages of these items are:

  • They offer more exercise options
  • They can strengthen muscles and will improve balance

A stand alone Tower will cost thousands of dollars more, such as the Guillotine Tower from the Gratz Pilates brand. Peak Pilates brand offers a reasonably priced portable tower known as the Pilatesstick.

Pilates Arc or Barrel

A Pilates barrel is a step up from a standard exercise mat, and is an arched back support for the entire body. They are more expensive than a workout mat, but offer benefits to the person suffering from back and neck pain.

The advantages of the Pilates barrel are:

  • They are compact
  • They lengthen and support the back, releasing tautness in muscles

Balanced body offers a Pilates Arc perfect for spine correction, and available in multiple styles depending on preferences and budget.

Pilates Chair

A Pilates chair is a resistance piece of equipment. The chair is pressed with arms or legs, activating springs inside that resist the force. It is adjustable, but not the most economical purchase at about $1000 each.

The advantages of Pilates chairs are:

  • They are more compact than a Pilates trapeze
  • They are great for working out the pelvic floor

Balanced Body and Gratz brands offer several chair types based on height and resistance preferences.

When using the right equipment, doing Pilates is a wonderful way to strengthen muscles, ease joint pain, and relax the mind and body.