Fitness Equipment-Pilates Equipment

These days the term Pilates is almost meaningless, little more than a marketing ploy. There are so many different exercises and programs that go by that name, and no official body to decide which is genuine, that just about anything goes. But within that chaos there is a core set that will require specific equipment.

Sometimes that gear might have gone by another name in earlier decades. But by whatever name – exercise mat, Swiss ball, resistance ring and more – they are must-haves to do any of the Pilates exercises around today.

Pilates Mat

A mat is fundamental, but the style used for Pilates is a little different from some others. A yoga mat, for example, is lighter and not built to stand the same stresses. A Pilates mat is thick, comfortable and provides a durable surface and cushion.

With a standard yoga mat, you might feel the floor when standing. But with a Pilates mat, even when lying on your spine and doing a pelvic curl you won’t feel the wood of the gym floor. They’re well padded and stand up to use year after year.

A Pilates mat should be at least a little wider than your body and about a foot longer. Typical sizes range anywhere from 72″-86″ (162cm-194cm) long and about 21″-39″ (47cm-88cm) wide. Models that roll up easily and provide carrying straps are very convenient.

Pilates Ball

An exercise ball used to be known as just that. A large, round rubber ball, it was sometimes (mis)named a medicine ball. But, here again, a true Pilates ball will be just a little bit different.

Exercise balls of yesteryear were designed for tossing or rolling. Pilates balls are designed to roll you. As you lie on your stomach or back to perform exercises, they provide a firm cushion but one with a lot of give. They’re made of durable fabric that won’t leak or wear after years of use.

They’re also designed to accommodate accessories that are often used with Pilates exercises. Bungee-cord style resistance bands are a case in point. They’re wrapped around and underneath the ball, so you can lie on your back, grasp a handle in each hand and perform the exercise. That would be much more difficult with an ordinary exercise ball, since (among other things) it would cause the ball to become unstable.

Pilates Ring

Pilates resistance rings (sometimes called magic rings or other names) are a little more distinctive to Pilates programs. They incorporate some of the features of a resistance band, but offer attributes that are unique, as well.

They typically come in the form of a circular ring about 10-14 inches in diameter, usually with a pair of cushions for the handles on opposite sides. That provides a piece of equipment that can offer a wide variety of Pilates hand and arm exercises to stretch or compress, which helps tone and strengthen.

Like many exercises, it’s possible to do a number of Pilates routines with no equipment at all. But safety, convenience and getting the optimum from your workout make these must-have items.