Pilates is a fitness system that focuses on core strength and muscle control. It helps to keep the body balanced and flexible while maintaining spinal support, through awareness of the breath. There are several exercise pieces and pilates fitness equipment that work with the system.

One of the most common pilates pieces is the reformer – see below, a piece of equipment that is usually made of wood and consists of springs and a footboard. A pulley is used to push or pull the carriage, using body weight as a resistance. The exercises focus on core strength and flexibility.


The Cadillac is a large piece of equipment that has various devices attached to it, such as a trapeze, leg and arm springs, and a stretching bar. Every muscle group can be isolated with the machine. It is rarely used in classes, being so large, but can be found in private Pilates classes.

The spine corrector is a barrel used to restore the natural curve of a spine. It strengthens the back and abdominal muscles, keeping the spine flexible and lessening humpback shapes. It also tones thigh muscles and the core abdominal muscles.

Another machine is the Wunda chair, an apparatus that is geared towards resistance exercise. It is designed to target muscle groups not otherwise easily reached by traditional techniques. It focuses on conditioning the upper and lower body.

Pilates includes many smaller props, such as weighted balls, rotating disks and resistance bands. The magic circle, a padded ring made of rubber or flexible metal, provides light resistance and targets the inner and outer thighs, arms, and chest.

Pilates is centered on proper breathing and focusing on the “powerhouse” – the buttocks, abdomen, lower back and hips which are in the center of the body. It helps to oxygenate the muscles and reduce tension in the shoulders and upper neck.

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