Pilates Reformer

Pilates Reformer Equipment And You

If you have been doing Pilates for any amount of time, you have probably heard of Pilates reformer equipment. Some of you might be asking what exactly a reformer is and how does is help in a pilates workout. This article will address those questions and give you a nice introduction to what a pilates reformer can do for you.

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.

About the Author

James provides information about pilates reformer equipment through his website on pilates fitness equipment.

Pilates $8.36 Strengthen, lengthen, and sculpt your muscles with the full range of Pilates exercises. In "Pilates," world-renowned Pilates expert Rael Isacowitz shows you the same repertoire that he has used to train 10 Olympians, including U.S. figure skater Sasha Cohen and diver Wendy Williams, as well as an elite group of professional instructors who work with celebrities and athletes around the world. Starting with the foundation for all the exercises, "Pilates" presents an in-depth treatment of mat work, including photo illustrations and detailed breathing instruction to help you perform the movements correctly. A unique set of challenging exercise sequences allows the movements to flow in one continuous motion. Following mat work, where most books stop entirely, "Pilates" just gets going. The same depth of instruction and photo illustrations are applied to the full range of Pilates apparatus: - Reformer - Cadillac - Step and ladder barrels - Magic circle - Wunda chair - Ped-a-pul - Arm chair The complete repertoire includes a customized grouping of exercises in blocks that progress from the fundamental level through the intermediate and advanced levels to challenge you at all stages of Pilates development. With 210 exercises in all, "Pilates" is the most comprehensive guide available on the Pilates method. A contemporary approach to the work of Joseph Pilates, this is the one book you need in order to improve posture, muscle tone, core strength, and flexibility.

Bayview GUPCPURSDVD Classical Pilates Technique Complete Universal Reformer Series $36.42 Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio which began during the 1920s. The virtue of this DVD is that it demonstrates the fullrange of workout levels far beyond intermediate and even beyond the advanced level. The Reformer super advanced workout shown here is one for the history books; it is totally inspiring. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry. Rating: NR

Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Universal Reformer Series - $24.99 Newly filmed classical workouts combine with seldom-seen archival exercises to paint a comprehensive look at Joseph Pilates' unique method in a release that shows each movement in its entirety while offering an onscreen display detailing the name of the technique and number of repetitions. Pilates fitness experts Peter Fiasca, Junghee Kallander, Jim Monroe, and Jamie Trout offer flowing, rhythmic demonstrations of each movement. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Stamina 050101 Pilates Power Cord single $25.35 Your Stamina Pilates reformer is easily upgraded to add resistance to your strength training goals. This cord adds 40 more resistance than the original cords included with your Stamina Pilates reformer. Replacing the cord on your reformer is easy and instructions are included. Use with any Stamina Pilates reformer.

Stamina 050102 Pilates Power Cord double $31.2 Your Stamina Pilates reformer is easily upgraded to add resistance to your strength training goals. Each cord (2 included) adds 40 more resistance than the original cords that came with your Stamina Pilates reformer. Replacing the cord on your reformer is easy and instructions are included. For use with any Stamina Pilates reformer.

Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series and Reformer Mat Workout - $14.99 Classical Pilates Technique: The Complete Magic Circle Mat Series & Reformer Mat Workout presents the original series of exercises created by Joseph Pilates. Each of these maneuvers are shown in great detail making it easy for anyone to learn the program. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

Stamina Pilates Box & Pole $116.99 The Pilates Box and Pole accessories compliment and enhance the exercise methods created by Joseph Pilates. Used in conjunction with your Pilates Performer, Pilates Premier, or Pilates Pro reformer, the Box and Pole helps in supporting and stabilizing your entire body and increasing your sense of poise and control. By adding elevation to your pilates workouts, the durable, padded pilates box allows you to involve more complex combinations of muscles, bringing you greater flexibility and range of motion. The extendable pilates pole assists in standing exercises, allowing you to concentrate on single-leg exercises without loss of balance. The included workout video gives complete instructions on how to use the Pilates Box and Pole. Box and Pole included Instructional Video included Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Kits , Yoga & Pilates Kits

Bayview GUPCPMCMDVD Classical Pilates Technique Magic Circle Mat Series Reformer Mat Workout $29.67 Classical Pilates technique videos feature two of the most renowned Pilates professionals in the world master instructor Bob Liekens and commentator Alycea Ungaro who uphold the tradition and high ideals of Joseph Pilates original New York City Studio which began during the 1920s. Classical Pilates shows good fundamentals of using the magic circle and then demonstrates a solid beginning workout. After that they take you into a realm where only the most highly trained classical instructors can demonstrate effectively: a beautiful intermediate level and an advanced level that is superbly executed. As if all of these workouts were not enough there is also the Reformer Mat workout. This workout is a sight to behold. Winner of the COMMUNICATOR AWARDS 2003 AWARD OF DISTINCTION As a winner of this award Classical Pilates Inc. joins an exclusive list of video professionals who are recognized as the best within the industry. Rating: NR

Classical Pilates Technique - The Complete Universal Reformer Series (DVD) $42.51 This program contains the challenging workout program series CLASSICAL PILATES TECHNIQUE--INTRODUCTORY BASIC, BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, SUPER ADVANCED, and ARCHIVAL. Please see individual titles for complete information.DVD Features:Region [unknown]Keep Case

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle $26.99 This professional grade Magic Circle can be used alone as demonstrated in the accompanying video or added to your pilates reformer workout. This Magic Circle features form molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous, molded padding that resists moisture. The Pilates Magic Circle was created by Joseph Pilates to be a versatile exercise aid you can use anywhere. The soft rubber ring provides resistance for faster, more targeted toning, improving muscle strength throughout the body...especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and chest. The comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructional video demonstrates how the Pilates progressive fitness system, can help you sculpt and reshape your body the Pilates way! Pilates Magic Circle included 14.75" diameter Professional grade, nonporous, molded padding Instructional Video included Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Other Yoga & Pilates Accessories , Fitness Circles

Pilates Band Workout DVD $19.98 By incorporating a resistance band into a Pilates workout, you will achieve fantastic results making your body firmed and toned. This workout from Lucy Knight , a health and fitness professional, will take you through toning exercises for the upper body and floor work exercises, which are based on both mat work and reformer Pilates techniques. These exercises will enable you to improve your posture and streamline your body shape by achieving longer, leaner muscles. (DVD) approx. 53 mins.

Reform Your Pilates--Pilates Reformers for Profit (DVD) $44.73 “Reform Your Pilates�—Pilates Reformers for Profit presents an overview of the key factors involved in developing a profitable Pilates reformer program for a facility and defines just what it takes to get this effective and profitable program off the ground. The DVD focuses on selecting and purchasing equipment, developing and allocating space, staff training, and implementing proper programming, as well as achieving market share. In addition, the DVD discusses pricing options in line with programming variations, with an emphasis on creating a long-term and profitable center for a facility. The DVD also explains why Pilates programming has been so effective over the years and how “reformer training� creates the magic behind successful Pilates programming efforts. Among the topics covered: overview of Pilates, Pilates programming hurdles, identifying the needs of your organization, space allocation, equipment selection, programming elements, eight key components, ROI/forecasting model, and management support. Produced in cooperation with IDEA Health & Fitness Association.

Element Slim & Tone Pilates $9.75 Rated: NRSynopsis: Pilates is ideal for creating strong healthy bodies that are slim, flexible, and lean. Filmed on a beautiful location overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this dynamic workout includes both standard mat exercises and apparatus mat exercises. The apparatus exercises, which are usually done in a Pilates studio on a reformer, enhance the routine and give you a taste of the studio experience in your own home—without purchasing any expensive equipment. This specially designed combination of the two types of Pilates provides you with a very complete workout that will slim, tone, and firm your whole body.

No-risk Pilates (Paperback) $27.65 An illustrated, anatomical guide to improve the benefits of your Pilates workout while also preventing injury • Examines the correct movements, specific risks, and common mistakes associated with 8 fundamental Pilates exercises, including practices using Pilates exercise equipment • Offers guidelines to increase the effectiveness of your Pilates workout, maintain correct alignment, improve stability, and prevent injury to the pelvis, back, wrists, and ankles Developed in the early 20th century by accomplished boxer and gymnast Joseph Pilates, the Pilates Method aligns the body, builds long, lean muscles, and develops core abdominal strength. However, practiced improperly, Pilates exercises can lead to injuries such as pinched discs, hyperextension of the wrists, or low-back pain. No-Risk Pilates reveals how to minimize the risk of injury and maximize physical benefit for a strong, toned, and aligned physique. Using Blandine Calais-Germain’s signature anatomical style, this illustrated guide examines the body’s movements during 8 fundamental Pilates exercises, including practices using the Pilates Reformer, and explores the specific risks and common mistakes associated with each exercise. Detailing how injuries occur to the pelvis, back, wrists, and ankles during Pilates, the authors offer tips and guidelines to maintain correct alignment, improve stability, and prevent injury as well as increase the effectiveness of your Pilates workout.

Pilates - 1st Edition (Book) $19.95 Strengthen, lengthen, and sculpt your muscles with the full range of Pilates exercises. In Pilates, world-renowned Pilates expert Rael Isacowitz shows you the same repertoire that he has used to train 10 Olympians, including U.S. figure skater Sasha Cohen and diver Wendy Williams, as well as an elite group of professional instructors who work with celebrities and athletes around the world. Starting with the foundation for all the exercises, Pilates presents an in-depth treatment of mat work, including photo illustrations and detailed breathing instruction to help you perform the movements correctly. A unique set of challenging exercise sequences allows the movements to flow in one continuous motion.Following mat work, where most books stop entirely, Pilates just gets going. The same depth of instruction and photo illustrations are applied to the full range of Pilates apparatus: Reformer Cadillac Step and ladder barrels Magic circle Wunda chair Ped-a-pul Arm chair The complete repertoire includes a customized grouping of exercises in blocks that progress from the fundamental level through the intermediate and advanced levels to challenge you at all stages of Pilates development.With 210 exercises in all, Pilates is the most comprehensive guide available on the Pilates method. A contemporary approach to the work of Joseph Pilates, this is the one book you need in order to improve posture, muscle tone, core strength, and flexibility.8/11/2006 copyright, 360 pages.

Stamina 050020B Pilates Magic Circle $30.88 This professional grade Magic Circle can be used as part of your mat workout with your exercise stability ball with your Pilates reformer or with the Studio Barre Total Body Trainer. This Magic Circle features form molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous molded padding that resists moisture. The Pilates Magic Circle was created by Joseph Pilates to be a versatile exercise aid you can use anywhere. The soft rubber ring provides resistance for faster more targeted toning improving muscle strength throughout the body...especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs upper arms and chest.

Stamina 050020R Pilates Magic Circle with Video $32.5 The Pilates Magic Circle is a simple yet versatile and effective way to tone and strengthen the inner and outer thighs upper arms chest and the pelvic muscles. This professionalgrade Magic Circle features a rubber covered steel circle with formmolded nonporous padded grips that fit comfortably against the body and resist moisture. Instructional workout video included. Complement your Pilates workout and target your toning with the Pilates Magic Circle. Joseph Pilates created this simple rubber covered steel ring to use alone or with your Pilates reformer to improve muscle strength throughout the body especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs upper arms chest and even the pelvic muscles. The Pilates Magic Circle is simple yet versatile and effective. Because of its size just 14.75 diameter it can be packed and used while traveling. The included instructional workout video led by Pilates expert Marjolein Brugman demonstrates ten exercises in sitting standing and reclining positions as well as exercises that incorporate the Pilates Magic Circle into your Pilates reformer exercise routine. As demonstrated in the video this professionalgrade Pilates Magic Circle is effective for toning and strengthening. This Magic Circle features formmolded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous molded padding that resists moisture.

Reaching Higher Ground: The Advanced Pilates Repertoire (DVD) $44.73 As an increasing number of people engage in Pilates over an extended period of time, the number of enthusiasts who are reaching the advanced-level repertoire is increasing. While this milestone is exciting and inspiring, it can be problematic if a good and solid foundation has not been established over time. Reaching Higher Ground: The Advanced Pilates Repertoire offers hands-on guidance concerning the development and implementation of a systematic and effective approach to teaching a more challenging Pilates repertoire, with a particular emphasis on accuracy and safety. Among the topics covered: guidelines, teaser (floor), twist (floor), teaser (reformer), twist (reformer), and hanging front. Produced in cooperation with Inner IDEA.

Bayou Fitness Products PilatesSys Total Trainer Pilates Reformer Home Gym System $552.22 Bayou s Pilates System is truly an extraordinary machine with great gym quality strength and circuit training options for men and women plus an excellent Pilates program. STRENGTH TRAINING To reach your optimum health and fitness level strength training is a definite must. Strength training is exercising with resistance. Total Trainer utilizes your body weight for resistance eliminating the need for heavy weights. You can adjust the percentage of your body weight lifted from 4 to 69 by moving the incline up or down giving you safe effective results. If you want to lose fat and slow down the aging process you must strength train to add muscle burn calories and to look and feel young again. In short you need Total Trainer. PILATES A lot of women want the long lean muscles they get from a good Pilates workout plus the added flexibility and core strength Total Trainer is designed to help you maximize your workout

Pilates Magic Circle with Video $22.04 This professional quality Magic Circle can be used alone as demonstrated in the accompanying video or added to your AeroPilates reformer workout. This Magic Circle features form molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous, molded padding that resists moisture.The Magic Circle was created by Joseph Pilates to be a versatile exercise aid you can use anywhere. The soft rubber-covered resistance ring provides faster, more targeted toning, improving muscle strength throughout the body especially in problem areas like the inner and outer thighs, upper arms, and chest. The comprehensive, easy-to-follow instructional DVD demonstrates how the AeroPilates progressive fitness system, can help you sculpt and reshape your body the AeroPilates way!

Pilates TV - Beginner Pilates $6.99 Pilates TV - Beginner Pilates

Pilates TV - Intermediate Pilates $6.99 Pilates TV - Intermediate Pilates

Stott Pilates Pilates On The Stability Ball 2 Dvd Set $19.99 DISK 1: Dynamic Balance: This intense intermediate-level workout helps develop back strength and ab muscles. Dynamic Balance is an intensely satisfying workout that simulates some basic moves often performed on a Reformer - the primary piece of Pilate's resistance equipment. Challenge your balance, activate your abs, stretch your spine - and have a ball doing it. DISK 2: 3-D Balance: If you've mastered the intermediate STOTT PILATES exercises on the Stability Ball™, you're ready to pick up the pace with 3D Balance. Internationally acclaimed Master Instructor Trainers, Moira Merrithew and PJ O'Clair, coach you through an intense workout using the Stability Ball to gain muscular control, flexibility and alignment. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , DVDs & Books , DVDs

Pilates Plus - Ball Band With Dian Ramirez (DVD) $14.43 A challenging body sculpting workout using ball and band. Join Dian Ramirez, Pilates Master Trainer and fitness expert, in this innovative and powerful Pilates workout that will transform your body, safely, effectively and totally. Shot on location at the beautiful beachside Catamaran Resort in Southern California, Dian guides you through a series of resistance and assistance based exercises that will strengthen your upper and lower body, abdominals and back. Pilates Plus incorporates the use of a ball and exercise band to enhance the effectiveness of the Pilates method while adhering to the principles of movement developed by Joseph Pilates. The program also replicates many of the exercises performed on a Pilates Reformer machine, helping you achieve the benefits of a Reformer workout in an affordable and accessible manner. Re ular workouts with Pilates Plus will increase functional strength and correcf faulty movement patterns, and enhance the way you feel and move through your daily activities. In addition, Pilates Plus: Strengthens your inner core Improves posture, balance, and coordination Lengthens your body for a leaner look Promotes flexibility, mobility, and injury prevention Tones your body Stabilizes the body and facilitates smooth, controlled movements Maximize your workout with exercises that really work! As a fitness educator, Dian Ramirez has motivated thousands of all ages to lead a more active lifestyle and achieve better health and wellness through physical activity. Dian combines the time-tested method of Pilates with current knowledge in biomechanics and exercise physiology to create some of the most innovative and progressive Pilates workouts available today. Dian holds a Master of Science degree in Health Education and Exercise Science and is a certified instructor of Pilates and Yoga.

Stott Pilates Amazing Body 3 Dvd Set $29.99 Reshape your body from head to toe with this combination of popular titles. TOTAL BODY SCULPTING: Add vigor and variety to your workout with Total Body Sculpting, a challenging blend of Matwork and Flex-Band exercises. THE SECRET TO TONED ARMS, BUNS & THIGHS: Now you can get a well-defined "Pilates body" with an invigorating and dynamic exercise program that will reshape your assets and leave you sculpted and strong. SCULPT & TONE: Sculpt and tone your body in this workout that simulates many of the exercises normally performed on a STOTT PILATES Reformer. Diet & Fitness , Fitness Accessories , Books & DVDs , DVDs

The Reformer $4.99 THE BLACKTHORN BROTHERHOOD HEY, KIDDO— I suppose you know I'm crazy about your mom. What man wouldn't be? Especially since she has such a great kid. But I want to talk to you man-to-man and tell you what my intentions are. Even though your mom is the most beautiful, wonderful woman in the world, I just don't see myself saying, "I do." Makes me sound like a typical confirmed bachelor, huh? Maybe one who needs to learn a lesson or two about love…. Love, Larkin THE BLACKTHORN BROTHERHOOD. Three men bound by a childhood secret are freed through family, friendship…and love.

Stamina 059125D AeroPilates Level 3 Pure Pilates Workout $37.7 In 1920 Joseph Pilates designed a machine and a series of strengthening exercises to correct and reform his clients bodies. The Pilates Reformer aligns and supports every movement so results are accomplished quickly. The AeroPilates Pure Pilates workout series demonstrates and explains his reformer exercises with each level building on the prior workout. Master levels one and two before starting level three.Level Three Pure Pilates adds new more advanced exercises that challenge and build on your new found muscular strength joint and spine flexibility and physical coordination. You will quickly see and feel the difference as you learn and practice these more advanced movements. With regular workouts you will see significant results in improved strength and flexibility coordination and balance muscle tone and stamina weight loss respiratory strength and endurance posture and alignment and ability to handle stress.

Stott Pilates Flex-Band Two Pack $12.99 The economical Flex-Band exerciser can be used to add upper and lower body resistance to matwork and can help exercisers simulate many of the moves performed on a Reformer. Made of durable latex, the 2-pack includes a regular-strength (green) band and extra-strength (blue) band. Also comes with bonus easy start poster. Diet & Fitness , Yoga & Pilates , Straps & Bands , Resistance Bands

Stott Pilates Sculpt & Tone With Flex Band Dvd $18.99 Achieve many of the benefits of light resistance trainingusing the STOTT PILATES® Flex-Band® exerciser. Sculpt and tone your body in this workout that simulates many ofthe exercises normally performed on a STOTT PILATES Reformer. Master Instructor Trainer, Moira Merrithew showsyou a unique way to add variety, intensity and fun to your Matwork routine. Ideal for home use or group exercise and full of ideas for fitness instructors. SUITABLEFOR: Beginner audiences (Level 2 of 5) Diet & Fitness , Fitness Accessories , Books & DVDs , DVDs

Stott Pilates: Power Paced Fitness Circle - $14.99 The Stott Pilates method is a trademarked update of the system of low-impact mind-body exercises developed by German-born physical trainer Joseph H. Pilates (1880-1967). The Stott "Fitness Circle Exerciser" is a rubber-padded spring-steel ring, a piece of exercise equipment required for doing the routines shown in this video. Led by Moira Stott-Merrithew, and demonstrated by exercisers, this program builds on techniques demonstrated in the video Stott Pilates: Fitness Circle Workout. It provides a more intense Fitness Circle workout, and includes a warm-up and cool down. The original Pilates system (pronounced puh-LAH-teez or pi-LAH-tis) attracted a number of famous disciples early on, including dance immortals Martha Graham and George Balanchine. However, it wasn't until the 1990s that its popularity increased exponentially. Pilates exercises resemble yoga and dance, emphasizing stretching, precision movements and postures, and focused breathing, but unlike yoga, much of the work is performed on exercise devices. The Stott method also uses equipment, but claims to incorporate a more modern understanding of body mechanics. Developed by Moira Stott-Merrithew, a former professional dancer, the Stott system is intended to promote strength and flexibility without adding bulk. The Fitness Circle and this workout are designed for those who exercise at home. Less bulky and cheaper than the Reformer, the Fitness Circle promotes similar conditioning. ~ Steve Blackburn, Rovi

Stamina Pilates Magic Circle and Workout DVD $61.12 Professional grade Magic Circle can be used alone as demonstrated in accompanying DVD or added to your Pilates reformer workoutMagic Circle features form-molded grips to fit comfortably against your body with a nonporous, molded padding that resists moistureYoga exercise equipment includes instructional DVDMagic Circle measures 14.75 inches in diameterPilates Magic Circle was created by Joseph PilatesYou can use versatile exercise aid anywhereSoft rubber ring provides resistance for faster, more targeted toningImproves muscle strength throughout the body, especially in problem areas like inner and outer thighs, upper arms and chestComprehensive, easy-to-follow instructional DVD demonstrates how Pilates progressive fitness system can help you sculpt and reshape your body the Pilates Way

Stamina 550015 AeroPilates Reformer Head And Neck Support Pillow $50.7 It s easy to get a crick in your neck when working on a Pilates reformer machine that is unless you add the Stamina AeroPilates Head And Neck Support Pillow to provide comfort support and postural alignment during reformer exercises performed while lying on your back. This firm cushion is made of contoured foam that matches the curves of your neck for full support.The stitched black vinyl covering can be wiped clean and sanitized after your workout. An elastic band secures the pillow to the headrest with the thickest part nearest the carriage to support your neck. You can adjust the pillow s position for custom comfort. Please note that this pillow should not be used with exercises that require you to lift your hips higher than your head.

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