7 Pieces of Beginner Pilates Exercise Equipment
There are a few key pieces of
available to complement your Pilatesworkout. Pilates exercise equipment isn't necessary to get a stomach-flattening, bottom-tighteningPilates workout, but when you're ready for it, it will work your muscles even more. When you firststart Pilates, it doesn't seem possible, but just wait until you try it!I practiced Pilates for about a year from home without any equipment. I used a Pilates DVD andfollowed the directions to a "T". I watched the introduction frequently to remind myself of "neutral pelvis", "scapular stability" and proper breathing techniques. So you don't
need
equipment, but it's funto try new things and it will give you a harder workout.Here are the 7 pieces of beginner Pilates exercise equipment that anyone can afford, won't take up
much space, and most of it is great for traveling.1.
Pilates mat
-- A Pilates Mat is the only thing that is necessary to practice Pilates. Unless you havea gymnastics mat or you're going to lay 10 towels on the floor, you must have a Pilates mat to protectyour back and spine. Pilates mats are thicker than yoga mats or other exercise mats. Because you doso much work on your back and target the spine in Pilates exercises, you need that extra thickness.2.
Pilates Magic Circle
-- The Pilates Magic Circle was invented by Joseph Pilates. It's a flexible ringmade of either plastic or metal with two pads on opposite sides.It's used to work your many different muscles depending on how it's used. For example, holding it inyour hands and squeezing it can work your arms, biceps, shoulders, and chest depending on how it's positioned. It is also used to tone the thighs and legs.Buy one along with a Pilates DVD, so you can see how it's used and get a great Magic Circle workout.3.
Exercise Bands and Tubes
-- Exercise bands are long, stretchy resistance bands originallydeveloped for physical therapy and rehabilitation.Exercise bands that are flat and thin are most popular for Pilates. Exercise tubes are about the diameter of your finger, usually have handles on each end and are more often used for strength trainingexercises, like bicep curls or lunges.Make sure you get an exercise band that is long enough. In many Pilates exercises, you will put thecenter of the band around your feet and hold an end in each hand. Your band will need to be about 6feet long to accomplish this. A 4-foot band (a popular length) will not be long enough for Pilates.Just as with the Pilates Magic Circle, a Pilates dvd or class is recommended to learn how to useresistance bands and get that bottom-firming workout.4.
Exercise Balls
-- Exercise balls are not traditional Pilates exercise equipment, but are widelyaccepted and used by Pilates instructors and studios. Exercise balls, also called balance balls, are anatural choice for Pilates workouts because they challenge your balance and hence, your core.Anytime your balance is challenged, you naturally engage your core muscles--your abs and back muscles--to stabilize yourself.
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