To start with we need to answer the question, what is a pilates reformer. At the first look, a reformer kind of appears to be an larger version of a rowing machine. There is a large padded cushion to support your weight that can be sat on, laid on, or even stood on for truly advanced moves. This pad is supported on rails, which allow it to slide back and forth while you perform your workout.

Included on the pilates equipment are several different cables and springs. These provide various and increasing levels of resistance as you go through the pilates motions. By changing around how the cables are attached to the pad, you are also able to change the movements you can perform on the reformer.

It should be noted that pilates reformer equipment can be a significant investment in your home gym. Typically, a pilates reformer should be considered if you have already been doing pilates for a while, have established some basic strength, and are ready to push you workout to the next level. You will want to make sure that you review several manufacturers and compare prices from different shops to make sure that you get the best deal.

Once you know you are ready, the investment in a reformer will absolutely be worth it for two big reasons.

Number one, the comfort level while doing your pilates workout will be greatly improved. Laying on the floor for your exercises is perfectly fine and has been going on for decades, but lets face it, no mat will ever provide enough cushion over carpet, tile, or hardwood to feel completely comfortable on your back.

Reformer equipment picks you up off the ground and puts you on a padded surface. This gives you a firm foundation to work with while also allowing you spine cushion and comfort. Now you can focus better on your workout and not on the discomfort of your back.

Number two, and more important than basic comfort, is that the reformer introduces resistance into your workout routine. Adding resistance to each move will mean that you can get more results, quicker from the same number of moves. You will not only be able to burn more calories, but the effect of shaping and toning your body will be dramatic.

Pilates reformer equipment will get you past your plateau and add variety into your workout. The sliding motion of the machine adds new exercises to your routine. This will help keep you from getting bored with you workout and reinvigorate your muscles.

I hope that you have enjoyed this information on Pilates reformer equipment. Be sure to look around before choosing what reformer will work best for you and have a great workout.

1) The Cadillac

The Cadillac is one of the most commonly used types of these Pilates machines. You can usually find the Cadillac at any of your local fitness stores. This Pilates apparatus uses that of variable-length and gauge springs to lengthen and strengthen a person's muscles all at the same time and to improve that of joint flexibility and range of motion.

2) The aero Pilates treadmill is one of the best and perhaps the most versatile type of treadmill which will enable you to carry out some 50 plus Pilates exercises effortlessly.

There are many reasons that make the aero Pilates machine exceptional:

(i) it has padded jump-board which is easy on the joints when practicing the exercises,

(ii) the machine is created to stay about 10 inches off the floor which helps in the performances of advanced Pilate exercises,

(iii) it offers a total and highly efficient cardio-vascular workout,

(iv) it has four levels of elastic chords for four different levels of workout, and

(v) it supports 50 Pilates exercises which can tone, strengthen and shape every muscle in the body.

The aero Pilates also has an extremely strong stainless steel body, with adjustable headset. The machine has also extra shoulder pads installed.

3) The Pilates studio reformer is the first choice of professionals since 1976. It provides the smoothest and quietest ride of other similar product on the market. The Pilates reformer should be comfortable and have good craftsmanship with every edge being sculpted and smooth. In addition, it is also possible to design one's own reformer by choosing from the many innovative footbar and springbar systems that are easily adjustable and which also very much reduces the interruptions to a workout.

4) There is other Pilates equipment such as the Pilates trapeze tables, half trapezes and towers which provide the best in spring-assisted, integrated Pilates workouts. There are many different exercises that can be performed on these Pilates trapeze tables and there is even the Five-in-one exercise system called the Allegro Tower and Reformer which includes two mat stations, a Half Trapeze and the integrated Tower and moving carriage system.

The Allegro Tower of Power features consist of the expandable 5-in-one exercise system that enables the exerciser to start with the Allegro Reformer and may also include the Tower, if so required. It also retrofits any Allegro and the simple mat conversion enables the exerciser to move the carriage to the head of the machine and also drop in the mat.

5) The Pilates chair is another Pilates equipment which is the most ideal for space-saving Pilates. It also has with wheels that enable easy movement. These Pilates chair has been intended to allow stretching and strengthening of the muscle groups that cannot be easily accessed by conventional training and equipment. The Pilates chair has evolved from the Wunda Chair system with the padded split step giving extra dimension of rotational and reciprocal movement of the extremities. It is also most suited for use at the end of a Trapeze table.

Where Do You Go To Own A Pilates Equipment

If you are wondering as to where you can go to find a Pilates equipment, you should be able to find all the different machines at your local fitness store or gym, and if you know a place that caters exclusively to the matter of Pilates, then you should check there first.

Alternatively you could go to a fitness center and ask one of the fitness professionals there where you can go to purchase the Pilates equipment. In addition, you should not have to pay an insanely high price for one of these machines, as you can also find them at discounted prices from companies that are selling them wholesale.

However, you should also be aware that it can be dangerous to buy a device that is used. It is more advisable to spend a bit of extra money to get a brand new one as opposed to risking your health by purchasing a used one.

The first choice before beginning any research is of course to look it up on the internet. Find a reliable website for your information and you should be prepared to ask any questions before owning a Pilates equipment.

The perfect starting point is the Pilates floor mat as it should be the first addition to you pilates home equipment collection. Its important to test the thickness of the cushion as well as the durability of the mat material as your pilates mat will be the most used piece of equipment in your workout. You want to make sure that it will last through a 1000+ workouts while providing a consistent cushion from the floor. This allows you to focus on the core ground exercises and not any discomfort in your spine.

Next, we have the Pilates exercise ball. Your exercise ball is another inexpensive must have addition to your pilates home equipment. With the pilates exercise ball you are able to raise some of the core exercises off the ground and add an element of balance into the workout. The addition of a balancing act while completing the pilates workout targets the smaller, hard to reach core muscles and dramatically increases your overall fitness improvements from pilates.

The Pilates Magic Circle is a toning tool that allows you to work the muscles beyond the basic core. Made of a soft rubber ring, the magic circle helps you to reshape your body through plyometric movements. While not as essential as the mat and ball, the pilates magic circle is a welcome addition to your pilates home equipment because it brings resistance training into your workout and allows you to work muscles in different directions than without equipment.

Pilates Reformer equipment is for those who want to take the average workout and turn it into an intense full body pilates workout. When you first see reformer equipment, you might think you a looking at some form of rowing machine, but the pilates reformer machine is designed to target torso stability. This creates the effect of improving the posture and extending the core muscles used in pilates. Reformer workouts are great for the body because they are a no impact workout that goes easy on your joints and spine, while giving you an intense pilates workout. Reformer equipment achieves this through the gliding motion of the machine, which allows for a smooth yet difficult workout.

Pilates fitness equipment is essential for getting the full benefit of your pilates workout. This introduction has been meant as a primer for those beginner pilates enthusiasts and those ready to take their workout to an advanced level. I hope it has given you some insight into how to get your best pilates workout and will help you to achieve your goals in fitness.

Pilates is growing in popularity because it produces results and has been doing so for decades. Now you can even set up a home workout studio that uses Pilates equipment similar to the original Joseph Pilates designed models. And we know what kind of results he described!

Joseph and his classic Pilates Method have such a legion of followers and part of that reason is because his Pilates equipment produced results. The good news is that the huge variety in sizes of Pilates equipment has made that equipment more affordable and more size appropriate to fit into our homes instead of just a gym somewhere.

Think back about when Joseph Pilates got started with his Pilates method. During World War I, Joseph was at an English internment camp and started to test his exercises on injured soldiers. Pilates started with those patients who were immobilized and bed-bound. To get them exercising, Joseph rigged up their hospital beds with springs, creating resistance to help them regain their strength. Brilliant! It was from this experience and experiment that Joseph went on to develop the Pilates Reformer.

Fascinated with spring-based pieces of equipment, Joseph headed to New York in the 1920s. He'd spent additional time creating more spring-based pieces of equipment as well as pieces that had lots of movable bars and adjustable straps.

When he landed in New York, Joseph set out to be successful and there was no stopping him. He'd seen the success with the immobilized in England and he believed in his product and his method. Early during his time in New York, he began to work with dancers to help them gain flexibility and lengthen their muscles as well as to repair their bodies. He was fortunate enough to work with some very famous dancers who not only hungrily embraced the Pilates method but they told others about it too.

One of the hallmarks of the Pilates program is the Pilates Reformer. Like other pieces of Pilates equipment, the Reformer uses the resistance of springs in order to create effort. The Reformer is made of a sliding platform anchored at one end of its frame with springs. The user can move the platform by either pulling on ropes or pushing off from a stationary bar. So you gain the benefit of the reformed by tackling the challenge of moving the platform while keeping your balance on a moving surface. You can work the Reformer sitting or standing.

The Pilates Cadillac is another classic. This machine consists of a padded platform with a cage-like frame above it. Sounds a little medieval...I digress...The Pilates Cadillac has a variety of bars or straps connected to the frame by springs. See the theme... Joseph Pilates loved springs and believed in them for creating resistance!

Another piece of Pilates equipment is known as the Pilates Barrel. This barrel is typically made with a sturdy wood frame with a well-cushioned foam and vinyl curved form. The Barrel is a simpler piece of equipment than the Reformer or the Cadillac and is meant to be used with mat work in exercises that open the upper back to enhance flexibility and correct posture.

So just because you know what type of Pilates equipment is out there and you know that you can buy it for your home, but stop before purchasing it and think about it!

Pilates equipment should only be used in a home setting after you've received proper training from a certified Pilates instructor. With Pilates it is not just learning how to use the equipment but you must also learn how to breathe in accordance with Joseph Pilates methods.

There are many great Pilates videos and Pilates DVDs that you can use in between sessions in which you are learning how to use your Pilates equipment from a certified Pilates trainer.

Pilates equipment for the home is an exciting proposition. Just take the time to research the equipment and learn what you are doing before getting started. Keep working with a trainer and then enjoy the results of your workout. Celebrate the new flexibility and mobility that you will enjoy with Pilates.