Pilates Instructors are always looking for ways to help clients achieve their fitness goals.
With Pilates, as with any physical fitness system, a basic mastery of proper technique is essential for both maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts and avoiding accidental injury. Whether you’re looking to slim down or merely tighten up your core, this information will help you.
1. BALANCED BODY TRAPEZE TABLE
A tremendous variety of exercises can be performed on the Pilates Trapeze Table (or Cadillac). From gentle, spring-assisted sit-ups to advanced acrobatics. Trapeze Table is a must-have item. Its outstanding ability to aid in the rehabilitation process makes it an ideal piece of equipment.
Here are few benefits of this machine-
Can be used for exercises in a variety of positions – sitting, standing, kneeling, supine, prone and side-lying. Its large mat area accommodates exercisers of all sizes
Resistance is provided by independent springs so imbalances can be recognized and addressed. Bilateral, unilateral and reciprocal work can be performed too.
Variable spring tension and height and position can be adjusted.
Exercises can be performed with the solid Push-Thru Bar or the moveable Roll Down Bar as well.
Disabled Clients can use this machine as it has an ability not only to hang springs from various positions but also in various combinations.
2.CHAIR
The Pilates Chair is a simple piece of equipment that combines elements of the popular mind body exercise with overall strength conditioning.
On average, chairs stand just over two feet tall with a footprint of approximately only five square feet.
Designed to stretch and strengthen muscle groups not easily reached by more traditional techniques and equipment, it consists of a seat and a foot bar where springs are attached.
Members can sit, lie or stand on the chair or the floor and push the foot bar with their hands or feet.
There are over 28 different exercise categories on the chair focusing on core strength, leg strength, shoulder girdle stability, mobility and strength and functional movements such as standing, climbing, pushing and lifting.
The chair is considered to be the most challenging piece of Pilates equipment in terms of building strength in the legs and shoulders. Exercises on the chair are great for skiers, runners, tennis players, golfers and for clients looking to increase power in the upper body for throwing, lifting and racquet sports.
3.BARRELS
Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector and Arc Barrel – are the power trio of supplementary Pilates equipment. Mostly portable and extremely versatile.
Mostly portable and extremely versatile. The smallest of the barrels, the Arc is the perfect accompaniment to any Mat session.Modifications of standard Mat work exercises allows perfect starting positions to reduce tension, allow more range, access targeted muscle groups and even increase the challenge to each exercise.
During work on spinal alignment, the Arc Barrel’s curvature like shape allows your spine to sequentially roll over it vertebrae by vertebrae, creating a wonderful freedom of movement throughout the entire spine whilst simultaneously providing full back support. Whilst this is the job the Arc is renowned for, it is an extremely versatile piece of equipment meaning we can use it to create strength and flexibility in the entire body.
Only slightly larger, the Spine Corrector features a small angled step and a steeper curve as well as wooden handles. The Spine Corrector is rounded and curved. This unique shape provides many opportunities for me to explore the natural curves of my spine with a lot more intricacies and refinement than the Pilates Reformer can. In practicing “Full Extension over the Arc” on the Spine Corrector, being mindful about one bone at a time is the key to reaping the benefits of this piece – feeling open, lifted and connected.
When programming requires the use of exercises performed in a standing or vertical position, the Ladder Barrel fits the bill nicely. Adjustable to the needs of each individual, the smooth wooden rungs of the ladder provide sturdy support for either the hands or the feet. Complete spinal support is available when moving into full extension or lateral flexion on the padded surface. The smaller base of support and elevation serve to increase body-weight resistance and place more emphasis on upper and lower body stability.
Having knowledge of all three barrels and how they can be incorporated to fine-tune a workout allows Instructor to make an educated decision on which barrel is best suited to each situation.
This decision may be based on the individual needs of the client, strengths and weaknesses as well as postural deviations.