Pilates Equipment for
Exercise and Rehabilitation

Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on pilates equipment. You can get a good workout on the floor. But for more advanced exercises and rehabilitation purposes, there are five major, specialized pieces of equipment available.

Pilates:
1. Reformer
2. Resistance or Flex Bands
3. Barrel
4. Cadillac or Trapeze Table
5. Chair

In addition to the products above, there are smaller accessories available.

Major manufacturers are Balanced Body, Gratz Pilates, Peak Pilates and Stott Pilates.

The Pilates Arc is an upholstered arch that looks like a barrel cut in half. It adds a variety of exercises to a mat workout. Price is about $100-250.

Resistance Bands, also called flex bands, are good for stretching and strengthening of your muscles. They are easy to use, don't cost much and can be taken with you when traveling. Price is $5-10.

The Cadillac, also called trapeze table, is a piece of equipment on which many exercises can be performed. It is basically a raised table top with a frame attached to its four corners to which bars, straps, springs and levers are attached. Many of these parts are adjustable.

It is recommended that an instructor showes you how to use this equipment properly. More than 75 different exercises are available for this equipment.

Features to look for:

• A sturdy and stable frame.
• Durable upholstery, which is easy to clean.
• An adjustable and wide table top to accommodate various size exercisers.
• All bars should have non slip grips.

The Reformer is mostly used by physical therapists, chiropractors and health clinics, but it is also used by spas and athletic gyms. Over 100 exercises can be performed on this pilates equipment piece. Price is about $2000-4000.

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