The pilates ball was introduced into the Pilates fitness program after the passing of the founder, Joseph Pilates. An Italian toy maker, Aquilino Cosani, has been credited with the invention in the 1960’s. They appeared in European hospitals and clinics, and were used for physical therapy in Switzerland, thus the moniker ‘Swiss balls’. Pilates is a generic term applied to a philosophy, which is based upon breath awareness and mindful attention, as one strengthens the core muscles. Termed ‘the powerhouse’, they include abdominals, pelvic floor, diaphragm, and muscles of the back, hips, and buttocks, which in turn support correct posture and spinal alignment. Pilates balls are also referred to as fitness balls, balance balls, stability balls, physio balls, or Swiss balls, and are used for a variety of exercises in addition to specific pilates ball exercises. When shopping, look for a pump and instructional DVD in your package.

Before beginning your pilates ball workout, ascertain that you have the correct size. Although balls of varying sizes can be incorporated into a routine, it is important to have one which, when sitting with your feet flat on the floor, produces a 90 degree, or slightly larger, angle. And for safe and comfortable handling, your pilates fitness ball should be slightly under inflated. Now you can apply creativity and imagination to all of your exercises using the pilates core ball. A simple forward and backward stretch over the ball can be almost indulgent. Substitute it for your office chair, even if for a brief period of your day. You will strengthen your core muscles, practice proper alignment, improve balance, and even have fun with a little bounce now and then. Any use will challenge balance, leverage, and stability. The addition of hand weights will intensify any workout, and the effort to maintain proper form according to Pilates principles will amplify results. It is recommended than one be an intermediate or advanced practitioner of Pilates when incorporating the ball into specific exercises. Modifications include propping legs up on the ball, placing it between the ankles, balancing hips on the ball, resting hands on the ball, or holding it in the hands for roll ups and other floor moves. One need not be a Pilates participant to benefit from this equipment. Yoga enthusiasts as well as exercise generalists enjoy the challenges to balance and abdominal strength provided.

The pilates ball has proven to be motivating in schoolrooms, increasing good posture and core strength in young children as they work to stay on their individual balls. There is a training period and timed applications so they do not roll off or tire. Children designated as hyperactive are calmed by the attention required to balance. WittFitt, LLC is one company that promotes their use in classrooms with a well thought out curriculum and integration with a physical education program. The company offers the additional features of feet, a rolling base, or a full rolling frame. Every student will ‘be on the ball’, engaging mind and body.

One of the most diverse, portable, and innovative exercise tools on the market today is called a pilates ring. A popular and inexpensive piece of pilates equipment, the pilates fitness ring uses the basic principles of resistance, strength, and flexibility in order to provide a nearly endless variety of exercises, which can be performed in a fitness class, or in the comfort of one’s own home.

In order to understand the full function, and benefits, of pilates rings, one must first understand the basic ideas associated with a pilates workout. Pilates is a full body fitness system that aims to strengthen core muscles, improve posture and breathe awareness, and encourage graceful movement through a fluid series of strength and coordination moves. There exist numerous pieces of pilates equipment intended to complement workouts. All of them employ the principles of flexibility and resistance as mentioned above, by use of springs, levers, and pulleys. These machines come in a variety of forms, and range in size, complexity, and price. Many of the larger machines are can be found in pilates and yoga studios, while the smaller, less expensive pieces make great additions to at-home workouts.

The pilates ring, also frequently called a pilates power ring is a relatively new addition to the traditional equipment used in pilates workouts. A circular exercise tool provides users with varying degrees of resistance. Used for strength and resistance training, as opposed to aerobic and cardiovascular training, a ring workout can be a great alternative to traditional weights as a means of toning and sculpting specific muscle groups. In fact, a typical ring exercise will be much lower impact than weight-lifting, thereby considerably narrowing the likelihood of injury because of strain, or over-lifting.

The pilates ring is small, lightweight, and extremely portable, providing yet another advantage when compared to traditional weights, which tend to stay in the same place because of their size and weight. The ring can be used virtually anywhere, and can even fit comfortably in a suitcase or backpack. In addition, it is one of the most versatile pieces of home pilates equipment available on the market today; the single ring can be applied to countless exercises targeting muscle groups of the upper, middle, and lower body, while pressure can be applied to the inside or outside of the ring, depending the desired outcome. To facilitate the formulation of a full-body pilates ring workout, makers generally include a booklet or video that outlines detailed descriptions and illustrations of all of the possible exercises.

Despite the inclusion of instructional booklets and/or videos, new users should always consult an expert or attend a class to ensure that they are getting the maximum benefits from their equipment in the healthiest manner possible. For pilates enthusiasts, or people just interested in an effective and rewarding workout, the pilates ring has proven to be one of the most versatile and popular new workout tools available today.

Pilates is an excellent form of strength training that is becoming increasingly popular among celebrity figures and fitness gurus, but with terms such as ‘pilates machines’ floating around, an individual considering a new fitness option may feel intimidated, or worried about the price tag that is associated with this popular exercise regime. So, what exactly is a pilates machine? Is it a necessary part of a pilates workout, or is it possible to get the benefits of said workout without access to these machines?

Other terms used instead of, or in association with, a pilates exercise machine include pilates apparatus, and pilates equipment. These products are meant to complement and enhance a pilates workout. They come in countless shapes, forms and sizes, with numerous and varied price tags and functions. Various studios or routines may employ some or all of the machines listed below, which others may require a more minimalist approach.

In order to understand the function of any given pilates workout machine, one must first understand the basic principles of a pilates workout. Pilates is a fitness system that aims to strengthen core muscles, while improving posture and breathe awareness, through the employment of a series of strength moves. During the course of a pilates workout, individuals are encouraged to maintain a fluid range of motion as they alternate between moves. These exercises combine the benefits of weight training, in a lower impact form, and yoga, using the principles of resistance and flexibility. Pilate’s machines are meant to complement workouts by employing those same principles.

While individuals may find that certain pieces of equipment may facilitate or improve their at-home pilates routines, several of the larger machines can generally be found in pilates studios or fitness centers, and are not expected to be owned by individuals. Examples of these larger, more complex machines include the pilates reformer machine, the wunda chair, also known as the low chair, the ladder barrel, the half-arc, and the tower machine. These machines all have specific functions and methods for proper employment. Even if an individual is considering using one of the above-mentioned products as a home pilates machine, it is advisable that they consult an instructor or someone familiar with the specifics of the machine before trying to use it on their own.

Many smaller, more cost effective pieces of pilates equipment are frequently owned by individuals for use in class settings and in solo sessions at home. These pieces include magic circles, otherwise known as the pilates ring, fitness bands, and exercise balls.

Large and small pilates machines are produced by a number of companies and are now available for sale at not only fitness studios, but also most places that general fitness equipment can be purchased. In addition to the pilates machines listed above, many people find it helpful to read about pilates technique, or to watch instructional videos that offer suggestions for how to get the most out of a pilates workout.

If you are looking to lose weight while strengthening your body then purchasing a pilates dvd may be the first step to a leaner, stronger body. Pilates is a physical exercise that focuses on using both the mind and body in unison to create a stronger, leaner, healthier body. Pilates combines a combination of breathing exercises with controlled, focused precise movements. This type of exercise can easily be performed on a regular exercise or yoga mat, although there are machines that can assist in the proper execution of the pilates exercises.

For those new to pilates starting this type of exercise can be a bit intimidating. Knowing how to position the body and how to focus one’s breathing is not an easy task. Luckily there are a number of ways to learn pilates. If you want hands on assistance you should seek the expertise of a pilates certified instructor. A certified pilates instructor is either certified in mat instruction which are the exercises performed on the floor or a mat. There are also the more detailed pilates trainings that cover not only the mat exercises but also the proper use of the pilates machines. Local classes on pilates can be readily found and sometimes the pilates instruction is also combined with other strength and core building exercises like yoga.

If outside instruction is not an option there are a number of pilates dvds available on the market. The pilates reformer dvd is good for those who want the physical benefits of the reformer pilates machine without having to pay for a machine. The pilates reformer is a machine that has resistance bands attached to it. The machine is regarded for its strengthening and toning effects. However, for some the cost of such a machine is out of reach. Luckily, the pilates reformer dvd usually comes with a resistance band included that will allow the viewer to perform many of the machine exercises on a mat with the resistance bands.

There is also a Stott pilates dvd available for those interested in this specific type of pilates. Stott pilates is a variation of the traditional pilates that focuses on stabilizing the joints and spine. Much attention is placed on correct breathing to expand the ribcage and to achieving optimum oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion. Likewise, stott pilates also focuses on the correct alignment of one’s spine in relation to the head. This particular type of pilates could be very beneficial for those who have neck and back problems and are looking for long term relief.

The Winsor pilates dvd is created by Mary Winsor, a long time pilates instructor. This particular dvd is more of a pilates workout dvd. There is much focus on strengthening and toning the body for weight loss. The dvd consists of a detailed view of a variety of sequenced exercises that when done regularly will help to strengthen the muscles and make the body look leaner and stronger. The Winsor pilates dvd usually comes with a resistance band or circle and other addendums such as a fat burning planner and cookbook.

Using a pilates dvd is a great way to get into shape. Many of the techniques taught in a traditional pilates class have been streamlined on the dvd and people who want to get the benefits of pilates with the heavy cost of machines can do so through dvd instruction.