Sometimes it seems there is more Pilates equipment than you can shake a Pilates stick at. Reformers, Cadillacs, Wunda chairs, barrels, balls, resistance bands, rings — it can all seem a lot to take in and the devices can look intimidating to newcomers. So here is a basic guide to the main pieces of Pilates tech.
The Reformer
It is said that the Reformer was invented by Joseph Pilates through adapting bed frames and springs when he was working in the camp hospital while interned at Knockaloe on the Isle of Man during world war one. The Reformer has a rectangular frame made from wood or metal. There is a movable carriage that is padded for comfort. The carriage is on runners allowing it to move along the length of the frame. At one end is a footbar and at the other are two ropes with handles that are attached to pulleys. By adding or removing springs to the frame the level of resistance can be adjusted to match the requirements for each user, under close supervision from your teacher.
The Cadillac
The Cadillac is not an American car, but a table and frame, looking similar to a four-poster bed. It is sometimes called a trapeze table. We’re used to seeing celebrities hanging from these when they want to impress with an Instagram post. It has a trapeze bar and fluffy stirrups designed for hanging exercises. The Cadillac has a series of metal loops on the frame on which springs of different tension can be attached. Exercises can be performed while lying on the table and for the more advanced hanging from the upper part of the Cadillac.
The Pilates Chair or Wunda Chair
The Pilates chair or Wunda chair is another clever device invented by Joseph Pilates. It is basically a wooden box with a padded seat and a pedal attached to one side of it. The pedal can be either one-piece or split in two depending on the model. The chair is great for injury rehabilitation and can be used for both standing and sitting exercises.
The Barrel or Ladder Barrel
The barrel or ladder barrel is yet another niche piece of equipment. Joe Pilates created this using a low-tech beer barrel. The barrel is padded and comes with a ladder attached to a sliding base and is designed for work on the spine.
Other Pilates Equipment
Other bits of equipment include various-sized Pilates balls ranging from large stability balls to smaller over balls. These are versatile soft inflated balls used to make exercises more challenging — because they are wobbly the body has to work harder to maintain balance.
The foam roller is a cylindrical piece of foam placed under the back to relieve tension. A Pilates ring or magic ring is a small circle that offers resistance when held. Resistance bands are a bit like giant elastic bands and again offer resistance during exercises to strengthen muscles. A wooden Pilates stick or Pilates bar can be used with mat exercises attached to resistance bands to mimic the action of a Reformer at home.
While perhaps the ultimate piece of equipment is the humble mat. This is transportable and comfortable and ideal for floor exercises on the back or stomach both in mat Pilates classes and at home. Happy exercising!
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The Pilates Central Team
