Pilates Equipment
There are different pieces of Pilates equipment that can be used to accentuate the effectiveness of certain exercises. These items are by no means necessary. You can do a full set of Pilates just fine with nothing more than a floor mat and your body. However, a few items can make the exercise better for your body.
The most common pieces of Pilates equipment are benches and chairs. They usually feature a raised end, and some hand or foot holds that are adjustable. The raised and lowered portions of the bench will provide an extended range of movement. For instance, if you are putting a foot out in front of you and reaching to touch your toe, you’re stretching the muscles along the back of your leg. If you raise your foot up three inches and try to touch your pointed toe, you are dramatically increasing the workout those muscles receive.
That’s the concept behind the Pilates equipment on the market today. It’s not supposed to revolutionize your workout and completely change your routine. It’s meant to make the exercises you’re already doing more effective than they were before. For those who are serious about their workout, it’s a worthwhile investment.