Pilates Apparatus aka Equipment
"Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness . . .
physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of
a uniformly developed body with a sound mind . . .”
-Joseph Pilates
Pilates equipment uses a spring system that assists one to move while also creating resistance. The springs have varying tensions and attach at different places for customization. Pilates on an apparatus is often recommended for rehabilitative exercise because one is physically supported by the equipment to maintain body alignment, and the springs assist with movement. Working on an apparatus has the added benefit of supported stretch of muscles, which enables freedom in movement, correct form and better posture.
Reformer
The Reformer was intended to reform the body. The user can be lying down while moving. Exercises are also performed sitting, kneeling, standing and jumping. Pulleys and wheels allow the mat (also called carriage) to move smoothly up and down on rails while being able to add up to 100 pounds of spring resistance. The Reformer is popular with many practitioners and often what people begin learning Pilates on.
Tower
A Pilates Tower is two vertical poles with a bar connecting them at the top. A mat lies perpendicular and is on the floor or elevated on legs. Springs, bars and handles are connected to the Tower frame at different places for various movements. Tower exercises allow each side of the body (imagine a vertical line through the center of a body to delineate right and left sides) to work more independently and useful to address strength imbalances. Also, one's body/space awareness and sense of balance are further developed.
Chair
The Pilates Chair also uses springs like the Reformer and Tower and exercises can be done standing, sitting, kneeling or lying down. A primary difference is its smaller size, which means a smaller base of support. This difference requires users to rely more on core strength to power and control their bodies and the chair while moving.
Mat
Pilates Mat exercises are inspired by and variations of Reformer exercises. The Pilates Conditioning Method is transferred to a mat where your body weight and gravity create challenge while moving. Props such as balls, stretch bands, exercise rings, foam rollers and hand weights may be utilized.