| Originally Pilates was designed in a series of exercises, | | | | springs, straps, and extra bars that are used for |
| much like yoga, that could be performed on the floor | | | | several types of exercises. For example, for the legs, |
| using only a mat. The intent of Pilates is to attempt | | | | you can lie down facing the opposite direction of the |
| to create a connection between mind and body so | | | | strap that you are going to use, and then putting the |
| they are able to function as one. This was done | | | | strap around your leg, you pull it down, and the |
| through a series of actions that required no | | | | resistance goes through your thighs and calves. |
| equipment. These actions: alignment, breathing, | | | | Another way to use a trapeze table is to sit down, |
| centering, concentration, control, precision, flow and | | | | this time facing the strap that you are to use, and |
| flexibility, proved to be beneficial; however they did | | | | then holding the strap in your hands pull on it while |
| not allow individuals to achieve the body fitness they | | | | simultaneously lying down, then sit back up again, this |
| desired. So several pieces of Pilates equipment were | | | | works on your abdomen.n |
| introduced as part of a new resistance training | | | | The Wunda Chair is another spring loaded piece of |
| regimen. | | | | Pilates equipment. It looks much like a chair and can |
| The most common piece of Pilates equipment is the | | | | be used to aid users in their exercises. It is basically a |
| Reformer because it allows you to work on each of | | | | box with one side that is attached to a series of |
| the basic Pilates elements. Reformer exercises can be | | | | springs. This side can be pressed down helping the |
| done laying down sitting, kneeling or standing. The | | | | user to build muscle against the resistance. |
| carriage is moved by pushing against the foot bar or | | | | While these are the three most popular pieces of |
| by pulling the straps or ropes at the other end. It | | | | Pilates equipment, there are many other pieces. Most |
| glides back and forth along the inside of the frame, | | | | of these pieces will be provided for users at your |
| with a spring system providing resistance. You can | | | | local gym or Pilates center. All of the pieces of |
| adjust the resistance level by adding or removing | | | | equipment have specific methods of use so before |
| springs from the spring bar. | | | | using one make sure you understand how it works. |
| The second most popular piece of Pilates equipment | | | | Like all exercise equipment, Pilates equipment can be |
| is the trapeze table, which actually resembles a cage. | | | | harmful if used incorrectly. |
| Attached along the bars of the trapeze table are | | | | |