Pilates

Your first Pilates equipment purchase (beyond maybe your DVD and work out clothes) should be a decent mat. Much of the matwork integral to Pilates can be done with an okay mat, but its a good thing to not stint on your mat. Sure it needs to be quality because its helping support your back, plus perhaps if you workout in a group you dont want a lame looking mat. But one of the more subtle reasons to get a mat that pleases you is the neat feeling you get from having your own little fitness island upon which youre striving for a new body. Its a great way of helping you concentrate of what needs to be happening in that particular space. So get a decent mat in a color that motivates you.

Next up on your equipment list is most likely that famous stability ball. Depends on whether its key to your particular workout, but it can be a fun addition. Theyre pretty cheap considering and many swear by their benefits for much needed improvements in your balance and building core stability.

Now when things start to get serious, one of the first primary equipment purchases choices should be a reformer. Despite looking pretty scary, this spring resistance machine is a natural extension of your Pilates workout. The reformer helps you to focus the muscle contractions central to Pilates discipline and key to building tone and not bulk. The machine itself comes form several manufacturers, Stott and Aero being leaders, with different models for different needs. Like cars, you can get pretty fancy with these babies! Depending on your budget, space availability and matching upholstery needs you can expect to see several reformer price points.

If youre keen to add a cardiovascular workout aspect to your Pilates routines, you might want to consider the benefits of the free-form cardio rebounder. Thanks to you being on your back the whole time, the rebounder helps you get the kind of focused heart rate benefits of a treadmill but without all the stress on your joints and spine. So the rebounder is a good buy for a low impact cardio workout.

Is that all you can expect to find? Hardly. Fitness is a multi-billion dollar industry and there are all kinds of other Pilates equipment you can go out and buy: resistance rings, weighted toning balls and beanbags. But heres a gentle caution: dont let all the fun and colorful toys distract you. Find a core Pilates training youre comfortable with and focus on perfecting that before you get all fancy. A decent gym should have most of the equipment on our list and you can always give a try under expert tuition before shelling out hard earned cash. So even if you dont have the budget yet, get started. You deserve a fitter version of you.

Pilates |