While traditional weight lifting exercises and aerobic exercises all the major muscle groups, Pilates workouts the minor muscles that support the major ones. By moving your body with a very tiny, focused reach of movement using Pilates equipment as basic as a mat, your Pilates instructor will lead you through a series of movements that will leave your muscles feeling sore and good for a day or two after.
A mat is the first piece of equipment your Pilates center should be equipped with. Using the mat, you can do a dozen or so awesome Pilates movements that will keep your muscles taut and shapely.
The Reformer
Joe Pilates designed the first Pilates Reformer. Pilates fans enjoy this Pilates equipment because it "reforms" or corrects, the body's alignment. The Reformer is a reason Pilates exercisers swear by the long, lean look and feel that Pilates provides them. The Reformer combines a strength training workout that builds muscle mass, with a cardio workout, which is great for weight loss.
Pilates Equipment - DVDs
One different way to make sure you get a complete workout is to use a novel piece of Pilates equipment -- an exercise DVD. Let a professional Pilates instructor, like Maggie Rhoades, Gaiam, Denise Austin or Ana Caban take you through a world class workout that will leave you stretched tall and feeling lean. A DVD is a great starting point, if you are new to Pilates and don't have any complicated Pilates equipment. DVDs range in complexity from beginning mat workouts and workouts for inflexible people to advanced Reformer workouts that combine Pilates and yoga to give you the benefits of both disciplines.
Stott Pilates Toning Ball
If you enjoy Stott Pilates, get a high powered workout with a weighted toning ball. Add to the intensity of your workout and feel your core turn into a firm mass of rock hard muscle. The Stott Pilates Toning Ball DVD comes with an awesome 88 minute video. If you can make it through this video, you will achieve maximal toning results in a minimum period of time.
Spine Corrector Barrel
If you have room for this equipment in you household Pilates studio, you will be astounded at the way it makes you feel. People with back problems will enjoy the spine corrector barrel because it lifts out and stretches the individual vertebrae of the spine.
Now you should see that there are many different choices of Pilates Equipment for your household use. Find the right equipment for your available space and you will be on your way to a long, lean toned body.
