Pilates is complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit. Through Pilates you first purposefully acquire complete control of your own body and then through proper repetition of its exercises you gradually and progressively acquire that natural rhythm and coordination associated with all your subconscious activities. -Joseph Pilates
The Reformer
In their early incarnation the Pilates reformer was shaped like a sliding bed and used springs as resistance. The reformer reforms a body by providing it with a clear trajectory to move within – hence increasing movement efficiency – as well as closing the kinetic chain for improved proprioceptive feedback, and adding load and resistance to the movement for accelerated neural adaptation.
The Chair
Joseph Pilates goal was that every home in America have a Pilates Wunda Chair in the living room that fit the décor so you could exercise while visiting or watching television. The Chair allows you to sit, lie, or stand to do your exercise.
The Arc
The arc is one of the simpler Pilates apparatus designs, but the exercises on it vary as much as any of the apparatus. The only resistance is that of gravity acting on the body. Posture is challenged as well as the many muscles that are engaged in activity.
“When I found out I had to have surgery on my spine, my doctor told me Pilates enabled me to have a surgery that wouldn't be appropriate for most people my age. Thanks to Pilates I am back to moving post surgery!”
-Margie
