Pilates Exercise Guide

Pilates exercise is a series of exercises that will help to tone and strengthen the body. Pilates exercise can help improve coordination as well as give you greater flexibility and is a favorite among professional dancers as well as Hollywood celebrities.

Invented by Joseph Pilates in the early 20th century, this type of exercise focuses on developing the core muscles of your body. While it may look easy to do, it is actually a very precise type of exercise and using the proper form is key to having the desired outcome. However, once you learn the proper form, Pilates exercises are quite simple and easy and you can do them at home or join an exercise class at your local gym.

Although you can do Pilates with nothing but a mat, there are some pieces of equipment that can be helpful towards sculpting and shaping the body. The Reformer is an aid you will find in any Pilates gym and has jump boards, pulleys for the arms and legs and a sliding carriage with foot bars. It allows you to efficiently work your different muscle groups and comes in two varieties - the Spring Reformer and the Gravity Reformer.

The Cadillac is another piece of Pilates exercise equipment you might find in the gym. This is a frame with straps, bars and swings that allow you to gain resistance in your exercises. Another piece of Pilates exercise equipment is the Wunda chair, which is much like a tall bench and allows you to exercise while sitting or standing.

While you can find fancy Pilates exercise equipment in any gym that offers Pilates classes, you don’t necessarily need fancy equipment in order to do Pilates. All you need is some loose clothing and a good mat. Buy a Pilates video and study the form before you attempt any exercises. This way you’ll be able to get the form right and receive the full benefit from the exercise right in your own home!